Autumn is a great time of year to ride as the scenery is quite spectacular on our Ontario roads.   During the fall, motorcyclists remain vulnerable to inattentive drivers.  As the weather cools, some drivers forger that motorcycles may still be on the roadways, so it is important to pay attention and look for the presence of motorcycles around your vehicle.   

Here are some safe riding tips to keep in mind for every motorcycle rider this fall season:

• Always be weather ready - in particular if you are going for a longer ride, have wet weather gear including a helmet shield or goggles and a rain suit. You should also be ready for cold too if you’re riding early in the day or later into the evening.  The autumn weather fluctuates drastically from daytime highs to early morning and evening lows. In the cold, your muscles stiffen, which can slow your reaction time and make handling the motorcycle more difficult and more dangerous.
• If the day is warm and sunny, that doesn’t mean you should drop all of your protective gear. Unlike driving a vehicle, there is nothing much between you and the road, so even a small accident or spill can cause serious injury if you’re not properly equipped with pads, jacket and pants.
• Double check the tread on your tires. You need more traction than ever in the autumn months with variable weather conditions.  A worn out tire can result in loss of traction or worse, a tire blowout.  
• If you are riding in the rain, slow it down and leave more space around you to account for vehicles that also take longer to stop in the rain. Taking a corner too fast is a bad idea when the roads are dry, never mind when they are slippery and wet as hydroplaning is possible.
• Be prepared to pull over. Whether at a rest stop or under an overpass, heavy rain and cross winds that can blow you sideways can definitely make riding more dangerous.
• Early mornings in the autumn can also mean frost or even black ice on some roads so you must remain mindful of that. Unless you have a lot of experience, avoid unpaved roads that could have mud, ice patches and other hazards.
• Wear motorcycle gear. Motorcycle gear protects you from the elements, debris and road rash. Appropriate gear includes a DOT-approved helmet, goggles, leather jacket, leather pants or chaps, over the ankle boots and non-slip gloves. Dress in layers to adjust to any changing weather throughout the day.
• Inspect your motorcycle before each ride.  It’s a good idea to inspect your bike before you ride to ensure it is as safe as possible. Check your headlights, taillights, turn signals, brakes, fuel, oil, tire pressure, mirrors, handlebars and horn.
• Stay at a safe distance.  Tailgating is not safe. It is good to have an escape route in mind such as moving to the shoulder should you not be able to stop in time.
• Never ride tired – know your limits and ride with people you trust.  Set your rule. Stop. Stretch
• Riders must always avoid other drivers’ blind spots. Drive with your headlights on even during the day, wear reflective or bright clothing and always use your turn signals and hand signals.

As Ontario motorcycle accident lawyers, we are often contacted by riders that have been involved in a motorcycle crash. If you are involved in an accident while riding a motorcycle here are four important steps to keep in mind.
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1. Call first responders. Short of a very mild bump or scrape, there’s a good chance that there will be some sort of injury.  Let the first responders check you over, on site or at the hospital. Some injuries aren’t apparent right away, as your adrenaline will be high.
2. If you were in a collision with another vehicle, call the police to make a report.  If you can, or if someone can do it for you, get pictures of the scene and the damage to your bike, and the other vehicle. It’s much easier to describe what happened if you have visuals.
3. See your doctor preferably the same or next day. You could have an injury that hasn’t manifested yet, so you will want to make sure that your condition is being documented.
4. Call a personal injury lawyer. It is important to have the advice of an experienced Ontario Motorcycle Lawyer before you speak with or provide statements to your insurance company. If your insurance company is requesting a statement, you need to seek legal advice first. The sooner they are on the case, the sooner they can make sure that your file is properly documented.

There is nothing like a ride through back country roads in the beautiful scenery that autumn has to offer. Please ride with courtesy, care and awareness as we want you to enjoy every minute of riding and to go home to your family safely.

If you have been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, our Ontario Motorcycle Accident Lawyers have extensive experience representing families who have been injured and we realize how difficult and life-changing it can be for you and your family.  We are a dedicated Ontario Personal Injury Law Firm that provides compassionate and competent legal counsel for the injured and we offer a FREE Consultation so please feel free to call us at 1-866-234-6093. We are honored to serve our clients and our community.
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​Andrew Iacobelli is an experienced personal injury lawyer who established Iacobelli Law Firm with offices located in Ontario, Canada as well as offices in Florida, U.S.A. Andrew restricts his practice to the representation of personal injury victims in claims involving serious injuries and wrongful death.

There are reports of a serious Toronto motorcycle accident that occurred on the evening of Wednesday October 18, 2017 in the area of Wilson Heights.  This Toronto motorcycle crash occurred in the vicinity of Wilson Avenue and Faywood Boulevard in the evening at around 10 pm.  According to early reports a male motorcyclist in his 20s was seriously injured after a collision involving the motorcycle and another vehicle.  The motorcyclist was transported to a Toronto trauma hospital with serious injuries. 

First and foremost the motorcycle accident lawyers at Iacobelli Law Firm sincerely hope that the motorcycle rider makes a complete and speedy recovery.  As motorcycle riders, we are always troubled to learn of a rider involved in a serious crash. 

The specific details of this Toronto motorcycle accident are still unknown, and the accident was under investigation by the Toronto Police.  From our experience in assisting motorcycle crash victims, the vast majority of accidents are caused by drivers that simply fail to observe the motorcycle.  Some common causes of motorcycle crashes include vehicles turning left at intersections across the path of the motorcycle; vehicles pulling out of driveways; vehicles changing lanes or making u-turns.  A significant number of motorcycle crashes are avoidable if drivers paid closer attention to traffic before making turns or changing lanes.  Unfortunately, motorcycle crashes can result in very serious injuries for the rider, and sometimes, a motorcycle crash is fatal.

As motorcycle enthusiasts, the lawyers at Iacobelli Law Firm have a sincere interest in helping riders recover from motorcycle accidents.  Like the drivers and occupants of any other motor vehicle, motorcycle riders can advance claims for their losses following a motorcycle accident.  These claims usually involve multiple insurance companies, and there are important steps that must be taken to preserve rights.  

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Ontario, it is important to learn about your rights.  Iacobelli Law Firm offers injured motorcycle riders and their families a FREE Consultation with no obligation.  We will meet with you and answer your questions so that you can make informed decisions for your family.  To learn more about how a motorcycle accident lawyer can assist you, call us at 416-900-1070 or complete our online contact form here. 

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A motorcycle crash in Essa Township south of Barrie Ontario, resulted in the death of a 27 year old man.  This fatal motorcycle accident happened near County Road 56 and 10th Sideroad in Essa Township, and reportedly involved another car 

First and foremost, we would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the man who was killed in this fatal motorcycle accident in Essa Township, Ontario.

The police were investigating the circumstances of this fatal motorcycle accident.  More information is needed in order to determine who is at fault for this fatal Essa Township motorcycle accident.  If the other car involved is partially responsible for the crash, it could lead to a wrongful death claim on behalf of the family of the motorcycle rider who tragically lost his life.  The family of the man who was killed, may be able to receive compensation for the loss of the support, services and companionship of their loved one.

Unfortunately, every year many motorcyclists in Ontario are seriously injured in motorcycle crashes.  While some people hold the misconception that motorcycle riders cause these accidents, the statistics more often reveal that many motorcycle crashes are caused by other drivers.  Often, drivers of other cars are not paying enough attention and fail to see motorcycles.  Fatal motorcycle accidents often occur when other vehicles turn or pull out across the path of an approaching motorcyclist. 

Motorcycle accident claims are complex and require a lawyer with experience in this area.  They are vigorously defended on liability.  In fatal cases, the other insurance company for the other vehicle will often mobilize quickly in an effort to minimize and defeat wrongful death claims.

If you have lost a loved one as a result of a motorcycle crash, contact Iacobelli Law Firm for a free consultation with an Ontario motorcycle accident lawyer.

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This afternoon, there is another report of a serious accident involving a motorcycle and a car near Front Street and Parliament Street in Toronto.  According to information reported, the motorcyclist was transported to a Toronto Hospital via EMS with serious injuries.

First and foremost we sincerely hope that the man injured in this Toronto motorycle accident makes a speedy and complete recovery from his injuries.

This summer I have had occasion to write about a number of motorycle accidents in Toronto and the GTA.  The number of motorcycle accidents in Toronto and surrounding areas in Ontario is really troubling.  Many motorcycle collisions result in severe injuries for the motorcyclist and, sometimes, the consequences are fatal.  

As I have written in a number of my previous blog posts, a great number of motorcycle collisions are entirely avoidable if drivers would simply pay more attention to the presence of motorcycles sharing our road.  We are now well into summer, and it should come as no surprise that motorcycles are all around us on the roads in Ontario.  Please remember to check blind spots before changing lanes, and look for the presence of motorycles before making turns or pulling out of parking lots.  These are the common scenarios which result in many motorycle collisions, which may have devastating consequences. 

Motorcyclists should also ride carefully, and use extra caution when riding near intersections, and leave plenty of space around other vehicles.  The use of good riding gear can also reduce the severity of injuries and help protect a motorcyclist in the event of a crash. 

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, do not delay in speaking with an Ontario personal injury lawyer.  We offer a free consultation for those that have been injured in motorcycle accidents in Ontario.  To learn more, or to schedule an appoitment, call Iacobelli Law Firm at 1-866-234-6093.