2020 Saw A Record Number of Motorcyclists Die In Accidents

May 25, 2021, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

Each May in Ontario marks the month of education for drivers on the roads and motorcycle riders for education and improved safety by police forces and riding associations. It seems especially important in 2021.

This last year has seen a significant increase in motorcyclist fatalities. According to the OPP, there were 60% more fatalities last year than in 2019 and are extremely concerned. Last year was the worst year in a decade for motorcycle deaths. Police report that the vast majority of the deaths involved no other vehicles, and blame excessive speed and failure to yield right of way.

The Facts

Forty-two cyclists died, and in 37 of the incidents there were no other vehicles involved in the crash. Almost half of the deaths involved riders aged 55-74. The police indicate that complacency, lack of modern safety apparel, and excessive speeds are all to blame.

What Can You Do?

When out riding and driving be sure to:

• Obey speed limits
• Ride safely
• Avoid excessive speeds and sudden lane changes
• Avoid sudden stops
• Check your blind spots twice

Police remind drivers that motorcycles are small and can be hard to spot and it can be difficult to gauge their rates of speed.

Police also remind riders to drive safely and assume that car drivers have not seen you. Defensive riding is important. Police also ask that riders dress appropriately. Remember that in the event of an accident is the safety equipment that a motorcyclist wears that protects them.

Experts suggest you:

• Wear a full helmet
• Wear motorcycle boots, jackets, gloves and pants which are hardened to protect you when you are sliding along the ground
• Wear brightly coloured safety gear
• Obey the speed limit
• Be prepared for cars not seeing you
• Drive within weather conditions
• Keep to your experience for the motorcycle you are operating – many new bikes are extremely powerful

What if You or a loved one has been hurt or killed in a motorcycle accident?

Unfortunately even when following all the rules of the road a motorcyclist is at a disadvantage in any accident. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident contact the experienced personal injury lawyers at Deutschmann Personal Injury and Disability Law. We’ll defend your legal rights and help you obtain the accident benefits you deserve to recover from your accident injuries or the loss of your loved one. 

Beyond the mandatory accident benefits that insurers must provide an injured individual, you may be able to sue the driver at fault. Lawsuits can claim damages for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life and loss of amenities, loss of income, loss of household handyperson and for future costs of care.

In the event of death, the rider's family can file a claim for compensation. They may be able to make death claims or claims under the Family Law Act in Court as well.

Have you or a loved one been hurt or killed in a motorcycle accident? Call us today. We offer a free initial consultation. 1.866.414.4878

About Deutschmann Law

Deutschmann Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.deutschmannlaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.

It is important that you review your accident benefit file with one of our experienced personal injury / car accident lawyers to ensure that you obtain access to all your benefits which include, but are limited to, things like physiotherapy, income replacement benefits, vocational retraining and home modifications.