Thunder Bay Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you’ve sustained injuries in a Thunder Bar motorcycle accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation for costs related to medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and possibly more.
While you focus on your recovery, a Thunder Bay motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to provide useful legal assistance in your pursuit of accountability and financial restitution. A motorcycle accident lawyer serving the Thunder Bay area may be able to help you recover damages incurred as a result of your accident by:
- Communicating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Determining the accident’s liable party by compiling and examining evidence
- Working with accident reconstructionists and medical experts to verify your claims
- Negotiating a settlement with insurance companies
- Representing your case in court, if necessary
Common Injuries Resulting from Motorcycle Accident
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle collision, seeking immediate medical treatment can help provide you with an accurate diagnosis and could help avoid future complications in the recovery process resulting from delayed treatment. Injuries commonly sustained in motorcycle accidents include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Neck and back injuries
- Broken or fractured bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Lacerations
- Organ damage
During a collision with a passenger or commercial vehicle, motorcyclists often directly absorb force impact. When an individual’s body absorbs blunt force trauma, severe injuries requiring hospitalization and rehabilitation can occur. Lengthy periods of recovery from severe injuries may prohibit an accident victim from returning to work and could lead to significant financial hardships.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Thunder Bay
According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO), in 2019, the province reported over 1,200 motorcycle accidents resulting in serious injuries or death. Without the protection of safety features available in four-wheeled passenger vehicles, motorcyclists are exposed to impact. Therefore, when they are involved in collisions with passenger vehicles and transport trucks, they are more likely to sustain severe or catastrophic injuries.
One of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents in Thunder Bay is distracted driving, which includes texting while driving. Since all road-users have a duty of care, they are legally responsible for driving attentively and cautiously at all times. A failure to do so could result in serious accidents. Other forms of driver negligence include:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Aggressive driving
- And other violations of traffic rules
If a driver’s negligent behaviour on the road causes an accident with a motorcyclist leading to serious injuries, that driver may be liable for the costs of damages incurred by the victim.
Determining Fault in Motorcycle Accidents
Following a motorcycle accident, your auto insurance provider may investigate the details of your collision to assess which party or parties are at fault, in accordance with Ontario’s Fault Determination Rules.
Based on the results of their investigation, insurance companies will determine the degrees or percentages to which each party involved in the accident was responsible for the collision. If you are found to be even partially at fault for the accident, the amount of accident benefits available to you may be reduced.
If you were found partially responsible for your motorcycle accident, but you believe another driver’s negligence was the primary cause of your collision, a Thunder Bay motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to help you appeal the insurance company’s fault determination, and possibly negotiate a new settlement on your behalf.
If another party was determined to be primarily at fault for the accident, a motorcycle accident lawyer serving the Thunder Bay area may be able to help you pursue any damages for costs not covered by the insurance company’s accident benefits.
Recovering Damages from a Motorcycle Accident
The total amount of damages you may be able to recover from a motorcycle accident depends on several factors, including:
- Accident benefits coverage limits
- The severity of injuries
- Financial losses directly related to injuries
After sustaining injuries in a motorcycle accident, victims may be forced to pay many costs out of pocket, such as medical expenses, vehicle repair or replacement costs, and more. Keeping track of receipts, bills, and invoices for expenses related to your injuries can help a motorcycle accident lawyer determine an accurate amount of damages to pursue from the responsible driver’s insurance provider.
If you’ve sustained permanent or immobilizing injuries as a result of a collision with a negligent driver, a Thunder Bay motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to help you to pursue additional damages through legal action against the responsible parties. These damages may include a reduced earning capability and loss of future wages as a result of being unable to work. If your injuries diminish your quality of life by preventing you from engaging in the same activities you enjoyed before the accident, a Thunder Bay motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to help you recover financial compensation for pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.
Time Limits on Legal Action Following Motorcycle Accidents
Ontario has strict deadlines and time limitations for filing personal injury claims. Your insurance company may require claims to be filed within seven days of your accident. The province may also require you to notify the other party of your intent to pursue a tort claim within 120 days of the accident.
In general, Ontario requires personal injury claims to be filed within two years of your accident, per Ontario’s Limitations Act. Failing to meet this deadline may result in your claim being dismissed.
Call Preszler Injury Lawyers Today
If you were injured in a Thunder Bay motorcycle accident caused by another party’s negligence, you may be facing a long journey of physical and financial recovery. A motorcycle accident lawyer serving Thunder Bay may be able to provide valuable assistance throughout this difficult process and help pursue damages against the responsible party on your behalf. For a free, initial consultation, call Preszler Injury Lawyers today.
