With warmer weather coming, more motorcycles will be on city streets, roads and highways. This can leave motorcyclists more susceptible to serious injuries in an accident with other motor vehicles.
Motorcycle safety is a top priority for the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). While May is the start of peak riding season, it is also Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, an initiative that has helped promote motorcycle safety among all road users. Below, we discuss the leading causes of motorcycle crashes.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle-related crash, you may be able to seek compensation. Our lawyers at Greg Monforton & Partners have helped many crash victims over the years who have been harmed by another’s negligent actions. An initial consultation comes at no cost or obligation to you.
Zero Upfront Fees. Ph: (866) 320-4770.
How Dangerous Is Riding a Motorcycle?
Riding a motorcycle is very dangerous. Motorcyclists are more likely to get seriously harmed since they have less protection on the road than motorists. They are also less visible to motorists. Motorcyclists and their passengers are even vulnerable to harsh weather and hazardous road conditions.
According to the OPP, more than 340 motorcycle crashes have been fatal within the past decade. There were 34 motorcycle crashes reported just last year in the province that resulted in a total of 35 deaths.
In addition to fatal accidents, many more people are injured in motorcycle-related crashes in Ontario each year. Many of these crashes are often avoidable and the result of negligence. However, you may be able to protect yourself and others sharing the road if you understand why these crashes happen.
Leading Causes of Motorcycle Crashes
The leading causes of motorcycle crashes are reckless driving and riding practices, such as speeding, failing to yield the right of way and distracted driving or not paying attention to the road.
Riding or driving within the speed limit can greatly reduce the likelihood of being involved in a crash. Excessive speeding does not allow you a better chance of reacting to stopped or slow-moving traffic.
A motorcycle crash can also happen when a motorist does not give the right of way to an oncoming motorcyclist. Perhaps the motorist failed to check his or her blind spots and sideswiped the motorcyclist.
Reckless motorists can cut motorcyclists off, turn into motorcyclists at intersections, as well as hit motorcyclists from behind. However, motorists and motorcyclists can share the blame for a crash.
Not paying attention while on the road can create hazardous conditions for you and other road users. Riding or driving while distracted or under the influence of drugs or alcohol can be catastrophic.
Common Injures for Motorcycle Crash Victims
Since motorcyclists are more exposed to the elements than motorists, they have an increased risk of sustaining severe injuries to the head, chest, abdomen and extremities. These areas of the body are more commonly exposed while riding a motorcycle, resulting in the following injuries:
- Road rash injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Torn ligaments
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputation injuries
Motorcycle crash victims are more likely to require immediate medical care due to the nature of these injuries generally being more grave and potentially life-threatening.
Medical Expenses After a Crash Can Quickly Add Up
Medical expenses incurred from motorcycle crashes can be quite costly. This is often because the injuries are more serious and require extensive treatment. A motorcycle crash victim may need multiple surgeries to repair a broken back or rehabilitation after having a leg or arm amputated.
If the injury is permanent and/or disabling, medical care may be required for the rest of a victim’s life. There may be physical limitations that limit the ability to work. In addition to the loss of income, there may be ongoing care costs, caregiver expenses or even funeral expenses if the victim passes away.
If you have been in a motorcycle crash, you may be able to seek compensation to help cover your medical expenses and other related damages. An experienced lawyer at our firm is ready to help determine the value of your claim and fight for the maximum compensation possible. Our lawyers are well-versed in Ontario motorcycle laws and how they may apply to your particular situation.
Safety Tips for Motorists and Motorcyclists
To ride safely all season, it is important for motorcyclists to:
- Gear up and wear bright colored clothing to be seen
- Ride defensively by remaining alert and avoiding hazards
- Remain a safe distance from motorists to react in time
- Stay out of blind spots by riding in front or behind motorists
Motorists should also practice these safe driving tips:
- Check your mirrors and blind spots before making a turn or lane change
- Take another look to better judge the speed and distance of a motorcyclist
- Leave plenty of room to avoid cutting off a motorcyclist
- Leave plenty of room when driving behind a motorcyclist
Involved in a Motorcycle Crash? Call Our Firm
Our Windsor-based motorcycle accident lawyers are committed to the safety of motorcyclists and are prepared to help those who have been injured or lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash. We have successfully recovered millions on behalf of our clients. This includes a recovery of $1.468 million for a motorcyclist who suffered injuries to his pelvis after a motorist made an improper left-hand turn.
Contact us today for a free consultation. This initial meeting comes with no risk or legal obligation. If you have a viable claim and we represent you, there are zero upfront fees. We only get paid if you get paid.
Call (866) 320-4770 for Trusted Legal Help.