Scarborough Crash: Motorcyclist Hospitalized Following Collision With Car

Riding a motorcycle provides a unique sense of freedom. However, because of their smaller size, motorcycles are frequently overlooked by other drivers on the road. This is why, even though they make up only 2.75% of all licensed motorists in Canada, motorcyclists account for 10.6% of all fatalities and 12.2% of those who sustain serious injuries in traffic accidents.

What happened?

A motorcyclist was rushed to hospital following a collision with a car on Tuesday evening at approximately 6:20 p.m. The accident happened in the Hillside neighborhood near Steeles Avenue East and Reesor Road.

Who was hurt?

Toronto police reported that the motorcycle rider, an adult male, sustained serious injuries and was transported to a trauma center by paramedics.

Understanding Motorcycle Accident Laws

Motorcycle accident laws vary by province, so it's important to know the laws of your jurisdiction.

In Ontario, a motorcyclist must have the proper driver’s licence and carry automobile insurance. If you are a motorcyclist injured in an accident, you can make a claim for statutory accident benefits under the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule through your own automobile insurance company, regardless of who caused the accident. Depending on how the collision occurred, you may also start a lawsuit against the at-fault party (known as a tort claim) if there was an at-fault party.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident

It's crucial for individuals who have been injured in motorcycle accidents to gather as much evidence as possible from the accident scene. 

If possible, before you leave the scene, you may wish to take photographs of the area where the accident occurred. To begin, take photographs of the collision area from the perspective of the motorcyclist (i.e. you) and then from the opposite direction or that of the other vehicle involved. Pay close attention to any skid marks, gouges, or debris left behind: these subtle signs may establish the path of travel of the vehicles involved and show any steps taken by the vehicles to try to avoid the collision.You should also photograph where each vehicle came to rest after the impact.  

You should also take photographs of your helmet and motorcycle, including the serial numbers, as well as the various components such as hand brakes, lights, reflectors, derailers, gears, and tires. To assist with the investigation of the accident, we suggest you preserve your motorcycle, your helmet, and your clothing, as they may be helpful evidence for any potential case. Avoid repairing your motorcycle or changing any gears. 

Once you have received the necessary medical care, you or a family member may consider pursuing a lawsuit to protect your future. We encourage you to reach out to Boland Romaine’s personal Injury lawyers as we have extensive experience in handling motorcycle accident claims and can provide you with the representation you need.

Seeking Legal Representation

Selecting a personal injury lawyer to represent you is an incredibly important decision, as the right type of lawyer will maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation. 

Choose a lawyer who specializes in motorcycle accident cases and has a proven track record of success. A skilled personal injury lawyer can guide you through the legal process, gather evidence, assess the value of your claim, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. They can also help protect your rights and ensure you don't accept a settlement that is less than what you deserve. 

Boland Romaine’s motorcycle accident lawyers are experienced trial lawyers that have built a reputation in the insurance industry of taking complex cases to trial and winning. In our trial decision of Cockburn v Holmes, we were successful at a jury trial in recovering nearly $420,000 over the insurance company’s settlement offer for a motorcyclist that T-boned a van that pulled in front of him. This case supports our courage to say “no” to unreasonable offers and shows our commitment and skill to obtain the best result for the injured. 

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Negotiating with insurance companies can be challenging and overwhelming, especially as you are focused on recovering from injuries from a motorcycle accident. As a general strategy, insurance companies may offer you a settlement that is far below the actual value of your claim.

Having legal representation can significantly improve your chances of negotiating a fair settlement. Boland Romaine’s motorcycle accident lawyers can review the details of your case, calculate the full extent of your damages, and navigate complex settlement negotiations to ensure any settlement offer is fair. If a settlement cannot be reached, we will represent you in court to seek the full recovery.