Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, our team at Van Dyke Law is here to help. Let us support you in your recovery from this catastrophic event and secure the compensation that you deserve.

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Meet Your Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Frank Van Dyke has been practicing personal injury law in southern Ontario for more than 30 years. In that time, he has become known as a motorcycle and personal injury attorney who cares. No matter the type of accident or injuries you may be recovering from, know that when you choose Van Dyke Law, you’ll receive personalized attention and dedication throughout your legal claim. Our job is to ensure that your rights are protected and justice is served.

How A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help

No matter how your motorcycle accident occurred, choosing to file a claim in the aftermath can be a challenge in its own right. At Van Dyke Law, we have deep experience of the Ontario legal system and are firmly in your corner from the moment that you decide to pursue a case until it is resolved. Our team moves beyond the necessary steps of notifying the courts and the insurance company to review ways to strengthen your case. This can include securing various forms of evidence and sourcing credible experts to support your case.

Our 30 years of experience handling these cases give us access to accident reconstruction analysts and medical experts who can provide compelling testimony to further enhance your claims and highlight the need for compensation.

Your mental and physical well-being will undoubtedly be affected in the aftermath of your motorcycle accident. To determine accurate compensation that can help rebuild your life to as close to how it was before the accident, we examine the various general and specific damages related to your case. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Medical expenses, both immediate and long-term
  • Income loss, both past and future, if your injuries have affected your ability to work
  • Pain and suffering caused by physical injuries and emotional distress

We handle the legal complexities for our clients, giving them the support they need to focus on recovery and overall well-being.

What You Should Do After A Motorcycle Accident

In the immediate aftermath of your motorcycle accident, your top priority should be your health. 

  1. If you can, visit your nearest emergency room, walk-in clinic, or doctor. Ensure they are aware of the incident and follow their advice regarding necessary tests and referral appointments.
  2. Follow the necessary procedures to file an insurance claim for your motorcycle, sharing as much information as possible with your insurer. 
  3. Only if you are able, work on gathering any necessary evidence, such as photos of the scene and contact information of witnesses and other drivers involved. This information can generally be found in the police report.
  4. As soon as possible following these events, we recommend connecting with a motorcycle accident attorney to protect your rights.

Common Reasons For Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can be more prone to happen due to the lack of protection around the driver. This increases the chance of risk and increases the variation of cause and direct impact. Some common motorcycle accidents that our firm has handled in the past include, but are not limited to:

  • Other drivers’ negligence.
  • Left-turn accidents.
  • Sudden lane changes.
  • Rear-end collisions.
  • Opening car doors.
  • Road hazards such as potholes, debris, and uneven pavement.
  • Inclement weather.
  • Mechanical failures.
  • Sudden stops.
  • Aggressive driving from other drivers.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Due to the lack of protection surrounding a motorcycle rider, the injuries sustained from an accident can vary greatly. Acute injuries, like cuts and road rash, are possible, and severe injuries, like broken bones or amputation, may also lead to long-term psychological damage. Some of the potential injuries a motorcycle rider could sustain in an accident include, but are not limited to:

  • Head injuries
  • Neck injuries
  • Back injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Burns and lacerations
  • Amputation

How Long Do I Have To Make A Motorcycle Accident Claim?

The time you have to file your accident claim following a motorcycle accident varies based on the jurisdiction where the accident occurred. You must notify your insurer within the first seven days following the incident to ensure due process. If you choose to pursue a legal claim, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to seek compensation in Ontario.

Gathering Motorcycle Accident Evidence

In a motorcycle accident, there are two types of evidence that you can collect to strengthen your claim should you decide to pursue legal action.

At the Scene

  • Contact and insurance information from the other driver or drivers.
  • Contact information from any witnesses present.
  • Photographs of the motorcycle accident, including the vehicle and any debris.

After the Accident

  • Documentation of motorcycle damage from a mechanic.
  • Detailed personal records, such as a motorcycle accident journal, to write down your recollection of the event and ongoing medical concerns.
  • Your medical records, including information on all procedures and treatments that you require due to the accident.

What Our Clients Have To Say

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Locations We Serve

We serve all of Southern Ontario, but our main offices are located in Ottawa, Kingston, and Belleville. We also serve Carleton Place, Pembroke, Perth, and the following locations:

Contact us today for more information regarding our services or to request a free, no-obligation consultation.

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Obtaining Maximum Compensation for Our Clients

“I work hard to build trust with my clients, communicating regularly so that they know I have their back.”’

– Frank Van Dyke

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Motorcycle Accident Frequently Asked Questions

Without detailed information on your specific accident, it’s challenging to determine an exact timeline. Some motorcycle accidents can be resolved in as little as two years, while others may take upwards of five years.

Van Dyke Law operates on a contingency fee basis, eliminating upfront costs and financial risks for our clients. We cover all necessary litigation-related expenses throughout the duration of the case, and you only pay when we successfully secure your compensation.

Since no two motorcycle accidents are the same, there is no certain average settlement cost. Rather, your potential compensation will depend on the details of your claim. While general damages have a current cap of approximately $400,000 in Ontario, special damages have no maximum. The amount of compensation that can be secured from your claim will depend on several factors, such as the complexity of the accident and the resulting injury or injuries.

While motorcycles are popular in some areas of Ontario, they are less prevalent in others. This means that motorcycle accidents can be more common in one city or town, but it is hard to determine their commonality in the entire province. Consider that in 2020, motorcycles made up around 1.6% of all registered vehicles in Ontario, while cars and vehicles under 4,500 kilograms made up 66%.

Your recovery time will depend on the accident and the extent of your injury or injuries. It’s best to follow medical advice during your recovery period to ensure the best possible outcome for your health.

The responsibility for most motorcycle accidents often lies with the drivers of other vehicles.