There are reports of a fatal motorcycle accident in Fort Erie, Ontario on July 2, 2013.  This fatal motorcycle accident is under investigation by the Niagara Police.  Early reports suggest that the motorcyclist was travelling eastbound on Dominion Road, when it was involved in a collision with an SUV.   Sadly, the driver of the motorcycle sustained fatal injuries.

First and foremost, we offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the motorcycle rider that was killed in this accident. 

The Niagara Police were investigating the cause of the crash, and Dominion between Kraft and Brighton Avenue was closed.  At this time, it is unknown how the collision occurred.  

Many fatal motorcycle accidents in Ontario occur when drivers of other vehicles fail to observe the motorcycle.  Often, front end collisions for motorcycles are the result of cars or trucks pulling out of driveways or turning across the path of an approaching motorcycle.

Ontario Motorcycle accidents are vigorously defended by insurance companies.  If you have lost a loved one as a result of a fatal motorcycle accident, it is important to speak with an experienced Ontario motorcycle accident lawyer.  A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you make informed decisions for your future.  For a free consultation with an Ontario motorcycle accident law firm, call us at 416-900-1070 or toll free at 1-866-234-6093.  

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There is little else as enjoyable as taking to the open road by motorcycle in Ontario.   We have many scenic roads that are best enjoyed on a motorcycle.  Like many of life's pleasures, however, riding a motorcycle comes with some risk.  Although motorcycle riding is usually a safe and enjoyable activity, there is the possibility of being in amotorcycle accident.  

Many motorcycle accidents in Ontario occur when other drivers fail to observe the presence of a motorcycle sharing the road.  Many of the most serious motorcycle crashes occur when other vehicles turn across the path of an approaching motorcycle.   While there are ways that motorcycle riders make themselves more noticeable to other vehicles, crashes continue to occur.  

Toronto motorcycle accident lawyer Andrew Iacobelli and Iacobelli Law Firm are committed to protecting the rights of motorcycle accident victims throughout Ontario.  Following a motorcycle accident in Ontario, an injured rider and his or her family have the right to seek compensation against negligent drivers who cause an accident.   Your right to compensation and the success of your claim, however, may depend on the actions that you and your family take shortly following the crash.  While it will no doubt be a stressful time, where your main concern will be upon health, the insurance company will be requesting mountains of information.  A proactive adjuster will often want to meet with you at your hospital room or home within a short time of a motorcycle accident.  Any time the insurance company is asking to interview you, meet with you, or if they want you to complete forms, you should consider talking to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer.  The information that you provide to the insurance company may impact upon your claim and right to compensation.   In addition,  we are providing some other information about the things that you should know following an Ontario motorcycle accident. 

What you can do after a Ontario motorcycle accident to protect your legal rights:

1. Do not admit fault for the accident.  Even if you are unsure whether you may be partially at fault for the accident, do not admit fault of any kind to anyone. If you admit fault, your admission can, and often will, be used against you by the insurance company to reduce the amount of compensation you receive. 
2. Call for assistance.  Call 9-1-1 and request medical help for any injured persons. When the ambulance arrives, accept medical treatment even if you do not feel that you have been injured. Sometimes the symptoms of a serious injury may not be immediately apparent.  There is no need to be "tough" following an accident.  Get checked out by a doctor to be sure that there is nothing serious after an accident.
3. Identify witnesses and collect contact information from all involved drivers.  
4. Take pictures of the accident scene if possible.  You can often use your cell phone to take pictures of the vehicles and the accident scene.  Also photograph anything else that you believe may have contributed to the motorcycle accident.
5. Report the accident to police.  If the police do not attend to the accident scene, then go to the nearest police station or collision reporting office and file an accident report.
6. Contact an experienced Toronto Ontario motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as you can after the accident.

Andrew Iacobelli is an Ontario motorcycle accident and injury lawyer.  Call me to request a free consultation.  To learn more about your rights following a motorcycle accident call us at 416-900-1070 or toll free at 1-866-234-6093 or complete our online contact form here.  

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Following a serious Ontario motorcycle accident, you will no doubt have many questions and concerns about your rights, obligations and your future.  Iacobelli Law Firm offers prospective clients a free consultation with an Ontario motorcycle accident injury lawyer.  If, after discussing your case with us, you decide not to pursue a claim or if you decide to proceed with another Ontario law firm there is no obligation on your part. Any information you have provided to us is also confidential and protected by the lawyer-client privilege.

We have also provided some answers to common questions on our website.  Here are some of the more common questions that injury victims have following a serious motorcycle accident in Ontario.

1. Do I need a lawyer for a motorcycle accident claim in Ontario?
It is not mandatory that you have a lawyer.  While you can represent yourself, the insurance and claims process is complex and it is recommended that you have an experienced lawyer working for you.   We offer a free consultation, so you can speak with a motorcycle accident lawyer and then decide how you would like to proceed. 

2. What financial compensation can I receive following a motorcycle accident in Ontario?

If you are injured as a result of a car or motorcycle accident in Ontario, you may be entitled to compensation from two sources:

Accident Benefits from your own motorcycle insurance policy or from the insurance for another vehicle involved in the
accident

Tort Claim against the at-fault driver for compensation, including damages that are not available through accident
benefits, such as pain and suffering.  

Ontario has a hybrid no-fault insurance system for automobile and motorcycle accidents, which allows you to obtain accident benefits irrespective of fault.  In addition, an injured person can also obtain compensation from the at-fault driver's insurance company.

3. How do I pay for a personal injury lawyer following a motorcycle accident in Ontario?

In most cases, fees will be charged on a contingency basis – in other words, there is no charge unless and until you receive compensation. The fee is normally a percentage of your final settlement.  The initial consultation with you is complimentary and absolutely free.  Learn more about No Win - No Fee contingency fee retainers.

4. How long will it take to settle my Ontario motorcycle accident case?

This will often depend on who you are suing and the nature and complexity of your Ontario motorcycle accident and resultant injuries. After reviewing the specific facts of your claim, a lawyer should be able to provide you with some estimate of how long your motorcycle accident case will take to resolve.

5. Can I settle my motorcycle accident case out of court?  

A claim can be settled at any time, including before the suit is filed, after the suit is filed, and, of course, before trial is started. Motorcycle accident lawsuits and claims can also be settled during or after trial. Statistically, most cases settle before trial and few ever go to trial. 

6. How do I prove that the other vehicle caused the motorcycle accident?

The burden of proof in a tort case, as in most civil law cases, is lower than the proof required in criminal law cases. To
win a personal injury lawsuit following a motorcycle accident, the plaintiff need only prove that a majority of the evidence shows that an injury was caused by the defendant's negligent actions. Even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you may still be able to recover against the other driver's insurance company.  An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will be able to evaluate the circumstances of your motorcycle accident.  Where necessary we will also retain experts in order to help prove that the other vehicle caused your motorcycle accident. 

7. What is the Statute of Limitations?

Time is not your friend following a motorcycle accident.  There are specific time limits, called "statutes of limitations," that govern the period during which you must file a personal injury claim.  When the statute of limitations expires on your motorcycle accident case, you are barred from bringing a lawsuit and you simply don't have a case anymore. 

8. How much is my Ontario motorcycle accident case worth? 

Every motorcycle accident case is different. In personal injury cases from motorcycle accidents, you may be entitled to compensation for such things as pain and suffering (past and future); lost wages and ability to earn income (past and future); medical and rehabilitation expenses (past and future); and loss of enjoyment of life (past and future). In order to evaluate your personal injury claim, we will have to speak with you and ask you some questions. 

9. Is delay in speaking with a Ontario motorcycle accident lawyer a bad idea?

It is absolutely a bad idea to delay in speaking to a lawyer about your rights if you have been injured in a motorcycle accident.  Time is not your friend.  There are specific time limits, called statutes of limitations that govern the period in
which you must file a personal injury lawsuit. In addition, delay can make it more difficult for your lawyer to secure the information needed to help prove your case, such as witness statements or other evidence.  Also, by delaying, you are giving the insurance company the opportunity to build its case to defeat and deny your claim.

10. Is there any obligation or fee if I contact you for a consultation about my motorcycle accident? 

No. Consultations are free. Fees are only charged if your motorcycle accident case is accepted and a recovery of money damages is achieved on your behalf.  If, after discussing your motorcycle accident with us, you decide not to pursue a claim or if you decide to proceed with another law firm there is no obligation on your part. Any information you have provided to us is also confidential and protected by the lawyer-client privilege.

To learn more, contact a Toronto motorcycle accident lawyer at 416-900-1070 or toll free at 1-866-234-6093, or complete or online contact form here.

This fatal motorcycle accident occurred on the evening of Wednesday September 12, 2012 at Major Mackenzie Drive and Highway 400 in the City of Vaughan.  According to reports, a 45 year old man from Richmond Hill, Ontario was killed in a collision with a truck.  The York Regional Police were investigating the circumstances of this fatal motorcycle accident, and have recently announced that charged have been laid agains the driver of the truck.

The driver of the truck, a 30 year old man from Etobicoke has been reportedly charged with Impaired Driving causing Death and Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle causing Death.   Although charges have been laid, police are still requesting anyone with information is asked to contact the Collision Investigation Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7704, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-tips.
 
Iacobelli Law Firm offers its sincere condolences and support to the family and friends of the man who was tragically killed as a result of this accident. 

In addition to the charges pending against the truck driver, this fatal accident may also lead to the filing of a wrongful death claim on behalf of the family members of the deceased motorcycle rider.  In Ontario, when someone dies as a result of the actions or negligence of another person, the surviving members of the deceased’s family can pursue a
claim for wrongful death. Representing the most egregious form of personal injury, wrongful death claims are civil cases — they do not assign criminal responsibility for the death.  By making a wronful death claim, the family of may be able to recover damages for their loss, which may include compensation for the loss of guidance, care and companionship of their loved one, as well as loss of support and services.  

There are strict time limits available for commencing a wrongful death claim in Ontario.  Early investigation and preservation of facts are essential. 

If you have tragically lost a loved one as a result of the negligence of another person or company, contact a dedicated ontario wrongful death and fatality claims lawyer to learn about your rights.  The consultation is free and without any obligation.