Injured in a Motorcycle Crash? Get the Compensation You Deserve.
Motorcyclists don’t get airbags, crumple zones, or a steel frame to absorb the impact. So when a negligent driver hits you, the injuries are rarely minor, and the road to recovery is rarely simple.
A motorcycle accident lawyer in Toronto at Reyes Tam Law can investigate your crash, deal with the insurance company, and fight for every dollar of compensation you’re entitled to. You focus on healing. We’ll handle the rest.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Toronto
Most motorcycle accidents in Toronto come down to one thing: a driver who wasn’t paying attention to the road. But the way that inattention plays out can look different depending on the situation.
Left-turn collisions. This is the most common cause of serious motorcycle crashes in the city. A driver turning left at an intersection misjudges a motorcycle’s speed or simply doesn’t see it, and turns directly into the rider’s path.
Blind spot accidents. Motorcycles are small and easy to lose in a driver’s blind spot. When a car merges or changes lanes without checking properly, the results can be catastrophic for the rider.
Distracted and impaired driving. Texting, eating, adjusting a GPS, or driving under the influence all reduce a driver’s ability to spot a motorcycle in time to react.
Lane-splitting confusion. Lane-splitting (riding between lanes of stopped or slow traffic) isn’t legal in Ontario, but that doesn’t stop some riders from doing it or some drivers from being caught off guard by unexpected motorcycle movement.
Road hazards. Potholes, streetcar tracks, loose gravel, and poor construction signage are far more dangerous to a motorcyclist than to someone in a car. A city that isn’t properly maintained can turn a routine ride into a serious accident.
Dooring incidents. A driver or passenger who opens a car door into traffic without checking for oncoming motorcycles can cause a rider to be thrown from their bike.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries That May Qualify for Compensation
Because riders have almost no physical protection, motorcycle accident injuries tend to be more severe than injuries from a typical car accident. Here’s what we see most often in our Toronto motorcycle accident claims.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Even with a helmet, the force of a crash can cause concussions or more serious brain trauma that affects memory, mood, and cognitive function long after the accident.
- Spinal cord injuries: These can result in partial or total paralysis and often require a lifetime of medical care and support.
- Road rash: Skin can be scraped away on impact, leading to painful wounds, scarring, and a real risk of infection.
- Broken bones and fractures: Arms, legs, collarbones, and ribs take the brunt of most motorcycle crashes.
- Internal injuries: Blunt-force trauma can cause internal bleeding or organ damage that isn’t immediately obvious.
- Soft tissue injuries: Torn ligaments, sprains, and strains are common when riders are thrown from their bikes.
If any of this sounds familiar, you may qualify for compensation regardless of how the accident happened. And that includes cases where you weren’t wearing a helmet. Ontario’s helmet law can affect how damages are calculated, but it doesn’t automatically bar you from making a claim.
What Compensation Can a Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawyer in Toronto Help You Recover?
There are generally two paths to compensation after a motorcycle accident in Ontario, and a motorcycle accident lawyer in Toronto can help you pursue both at the same time.
Statutory Accident Benefits (SABS). Under Ontario’s Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule, you may be entitled to benefits regardless of who caused the crash. This can include medical and rehabilitation costs, income replacement, and attendant care if your injuries require ongoing help at home.
A tort claim (lawsuit) against the at-fault driver. If another driver’s negligence caused your crash, you may be able to pursue additional compensation beyond accident benefits. This can include pain and suffering, loss of income and future earning capacity, loss of enjoyment of life, and out-of-pocket expenses.
How much your case is worth depends on the severity of your injuries, how they’ve affected your ability to work and live your life, and how clearly liability can be established. A lawyer who understands motorcycle-specific cases can make sure nothing gets left on the table.
What To Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident in Toronto
What you do in the hours and days after a crash can shape the outcome of your claim. Here’s what we recommend.
Call the police. A police report creates an official record of the collision and is often key evidence in your claim.
Get medical attention right away, even if your injuries feel minor at first. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, don’t show symptoms immediately.
Document the scene. Take photos of the vehicles, your injuries, road conditions, and anything else that might explain how the accident happened.
Get witness information. Names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the crash can make a real difference later.
Avoid giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company before speaking with a lawyer. What you say early on can be used to minimize your claim.
Contact a personal injury lawyer in Toronto as soon as possible. The sooner we’re involved, the sooner we can start protecting your evidence and your rights.
How Our Toronto Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Build Strong Claims
At Reyes Tam Law, we know that motorcycle accident cases come with challenges that car accident claims don’t. Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto the rider, arguing that motorcycles are inherently risky or that the rider must have been speeding. We push back on those assumptions with evidence.
Our team starts by thoroughly investigating your crash, gathering police reports, witness statements, and photos, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts when needed. We handle every conversation with the insurance company on your behalf, so you’re not pressured into accepting a settlement that doesn’t reflect what you’ve actually lost.
If a fair settlement isn’t on the table, we’re prepared to take your case to court. Because at the end of the day, you shouldn’t have to accept less than you deserve just because you were on two wheels instead of four.
Ontario’s limitation period generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit, but insurance deadlines can apply much sooner. Don’t wait to get answers. Contact Reyes Tam Law today for a free consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Toronto.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet during my accident?
Not wearing a helmet doesn’t automatically disqualify you from compensation. It may affect how damages are calculated if it contributed to your injuries, but you can still pursue both accident benefits and a claim against the at-fault driver.
What if the driver who hit me was uninsured or unidentified?
You may still be able to claim compensation through your own policy’s uninsured or unidentified motorist coverage, or through Ontario’s Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund. A lawyer can help determine which options apply to your situation.
How much does a motorcycle accident lawyer cost?
Reyes Tam Law works on contingency, so legal fees come out of your settlement, not your pocket, and only if we win. We also front the cost of medical experts and accident reconstruction, so nothing stands between you and a properly valued claim.