Motorcycles are growing in popularity across Canada, with the highest number of motorcycle riders in Ontario, Quebec and Alberta. Further, 2021 was the year that more motorcycles than ever before were registered across Canada.
Unfortunately, more motorcycle riders also mean an increase in potential accidents. In Alberta specifically, 2020 saw 21 deaths from motorcycle crashes and 20 deaths in 2021.
Whether you drive a burly Harley Davidson or are zipping around on a Honda, any driver is at risk of being involved in an accident. So, as a motorcycle rider, what should you be aware of?
Getting in an Accident with a Motorcycle VS a Car
Motorcycles are so different from enclosed vehicles because the motorcycle rider is far more exposed. The rider does not have the same protective measures in place as the driver of a car does. In a vehicle, the driver has a metal frame that takes on the impact first, airbags that deploy for additional protection, and seat belts.
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If a motorcycle rider is hit, the likelihood of being ejected and then hit by or hitting other objects (including the pavement) is much greater than it is for the driver of a car. Overall, a motorcycle rider can expect to be hurt to a much greater extent, much more quickly (even when travelling at slower speeds). Motorcycle accident injuries are usually far more severe than car accident injuries.
Lastly, consider the size difference of the vehicles. A car can deal with potholes and other hazards much better than a motorcycle, as a car is significantly bigger and can absorb such impacts more safely. In addition, a motorcycle is easier to overlook in traffic than another car, increasing the chances of a motorcycle rider getting into a severe motor vehicle accident.
Types of Injuries
Common motorcycle accident injuries include (but are not limited to):
- Road Rash (when the rider’s skin makes contact with the road surface or other abrasive surfaces)
- Internal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries (injuries to the ligaments, muscles, tendons, etc.)
- Broken bones or bone fractures
- Traumatic Brain Injuries, or TBIs
- Injuries to the spinal cord
Proof & Damages
When it comes to providing proof of a motorcycle rider injuries, a personal injury lawyer will look at the types of pain and suffering that might qualify for compensation, which include:
- Physical pain
This includes a broad range of types and severity of pain. - Emotional Distress
Many types of mental anguish fall under this category, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc. - Disfigurement or scars
Not only are the physical aspects of scars and disfigurement considered, but also the emotional pain caused by the physical aspects. - Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Not being able to engage in your favourite pastimes and activities.
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How certain outcomes of an accident affect a person is very different from one person to the next. Some may deal with nightmares due to the accident, others may not. Some may have light scarring, while others may deal with heavy scarring. How scarring affects a person also varies greatly. This is why pain and suffering are dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
The various damages an accident victim might be awarded include (but are not limited to):
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Property damage (damage done to the motorcycle or other personal property)
- Pain and suffering (this includes emotional pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, etc.)
Your lawyer will determine which damages you could be compensated for and which factors should be considered in your specific case.
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The last thing you need to know is that we offer free, no-obligation consultations. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, contact us via our online contact form or toll-free number at 1-833-585-4145.
Once you’ve given us the details of your case, we can offer you guidance on whether you would benefit from working with us. If it turns out that you will not be eligible for compensation or an offer you’ve received is a reasonable offer, we will tell you exactly that.
And should you start working with us, there are no up-front costs as we only get paid if you get paid. For more information, get in touch with us.