Motorcycle Accidents

Canadian Motorcyclists: Accidents in the USA

Motorcyclists know that two wheels can be more fun than four. Few things in life compare with the feeling of banking into a long curve on a sunny day. There is a unique perspective being part of the scenery and a joy in the knowledge that your vehicle’s contact with the road is so special. However, motorcyclists understand that these joys come with risk.

Even with proper safety equipment and helmets, serious motorcycle accidents can and do happen. The speed of your motorcycle along with the speed of other cars can result in serious and catastrophic injuries should anything go wrong.

Since motorcycles do not offer the same protections as cars or trucks, in the event of an accident, motorcyclists often end up in the hospital. Additionally, motorcyclists tend to get a bad rep and are often blamed for the accident, which makes proving the other driver was at-fault much more difficult.

Motorcycle Accidents Can Be Caused by Many Things

Contrary to popular belief, it is not wet roads, inexperienced riders, or reckless decisions that cause many motorcycle accidents.

Most motorcycle accidents actually happen on sunny afternoons, at controlled intersections. For whatever reason, car and truck drivers just do not seem to see motorcyclists. They commonly turn left across the part of a motorcyclist, causing an accident.

What Should You Do If You’re Involved in A Motorcycle Accident in the USA?

Snowbird Accidents Helps You Find Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

As stated above, motorcyclists often end up in the hospital as a result of an accident. Snowbird Accidents members can arrange for immediate attention from a healthcare professional in your home state or province and can meet with you to help process your accident insurance forms (PIP). This is very important since most policies provide immediate help with most medical and rehabilitation expenses.

Motorcycle Law Varies Per State and Province

For instance, most US states mandate that motorcyclists wear a helmet at all times of operation. However, Florida is different. Florida requires that all motorcycle operators wear a helmet that complies with all Federal Motorcycle Vehicle Safety Standards. The one exception however is if you are over 21 and carry an insurance policy that carries at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries. In this case, you do not have to wear a helmet.

However, we recommend that no matter what state you are riding your motorcycle in, you wear a helmet at all times.

It is also very important that you read the rules and regulations for any state or province that you plan on riding your motorcycle through.

How A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help If You’ve Been Injured

Cross-border accidents are exceptionally complicated. Each state has different Tort laws and prescribed time limits in which a claim can be brought. If you do not sue within the specified time limit you will not be allowed to do so.

That is why it is so important to contact a personal injury lawyer that specializes in motorcycle accidents as soon as you’re able. They will be able to walk you through your options and time limits, so you have all the important information required to make an informed decision.

Just because you contact a motorcycle accident lawyer to find out your options does not mean you must sign with them. Many personal injury lawyers will offer a free consultation. Arming yourself with all of the information available is a smart thing to do. Many serious injuries do not immediately present themselves and you may find yourself in pain a few weeks after the accident has occurred.

Injured Motorcyclists Have Two Avenues to Receive Compensation

1. Accident Benefits (PIP)

Compensation for income loss and medical expenses, is available from your motorcycle insurance policy.  Claiming these benefits should not increase your insurance rates.  These benefits might also be available to your passenger.  They are available regardless of fault.

Applying for (PIP) Accident Benefits.

After reporting the accident to your insurer, they will send you an application that must be completed. The Application allows the insurer to gather basic information: a description of the accident; injuries sustained; the names of treating doctors and hospitals; any medical and rehabilitation expenses needed or incurred; and, if any inability to work.

You will also need to disclose any private and group health plans that are available to you. Some car insurance benefit schemes require you to access these plans before asking them to pay.

2. Bringing A Lawsuit

Unfortunately, Motorcyclists are commonly blamed for accidents.  Insurers raise allegations of speeding, inattentiveness, or recklessness.  You will need an experienced Attorney or Lawyer who understands motorcycle accident cases and the complexities that arise if you are involved in an accident outside of your home province.

Motorcyclists involved in serious accidents need to seek advice from an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Snowbird Accidents Can Help You Pursue A Personal Injury Claim Against The At-Fault Driver

Depending on the extent of you and your passengers’ injuries, you may also want to pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. This would be a civil claim, also called a tort claim.

The best way to help you make this decision would be to speak with a personal injury lawyer that specializes in motorcycle accidents in the state or province you were injured. They will be able to walk you through your options and provide advice based on your individual circumstances. Many personal injury lawyers offer a free consultation, so there is no pressure to sign a retainer with the first lawyer you meet with.

Should you decide to pursue a tort claim against the at-fault driver, you can still access Statutory Accident Benefits (SABs) or PIPs. You do not need to choose one or the other.

Serious Injuries from A Motorcycle Accident? Call the Snowbird Helpline Today

If you have been seriously injured and you’re wondering what your available options are, give us a call today. The Snowbird Helpline can help go over the options available to you, including Statutory Accident Benefits (SABs), accessing your insurance policies, and bringing a lawsuit (tort claim) against the at-fault driver.

Your options for bringing a lawsuit (tort claim) against the at-fault driver will differ based on the state or province where you were injured. Snowbird Accidents endorses many different  personal injury lawyers located across the United States and Canada.

When accessing Statutory Accident Benefits (SABs), you may get compensation for:

  • Medical & rehabilitation expenses
  • Income replacement
  • Attendant care
  • Housekeeping and home maintenance
  • Non-earner benefits
  • Transportation expenses
  • Visitor’s expenses
  • Educational expenses
  • Death benefits for your affected family members

It’s important to note that not everyone will be entitled to all of the above benefits. It will depend on your individual circumstances and injuries.

If you decide to pursue a tort claim, you may get compensation for:

  • Medical & rehabilitation expenses
  • Loss of income
  • Housekeeping or attendant care expenses
  • Pain & suffering compensation
  • Out-of-pocket expenses
  • And any additional expenses or losses beyond what is covered by Statutory Accident Benefits (SABs)

Find a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in The State or Province You Were Injured in Now!

If you have been seriously injured and you’re wondering what your available options are, give us a call today. Snowbird Accidents can help go over the options available to you, including Statutory Accident Benefits (SABs), accessing your insurance policies, and bringing a lawsuit (tort claim) against the at-fault driver.

Your options for bringing a lawsuit (tort claim) against the at-fault driver will differ based on the state or province where you were injured. Snowbird Accidents endorses many different personal injury lawyers located across the United States and Canada.

The Time to Act Is Now! Each State and Province Has Different Statutory Time Limits to Bring a Claim

For instance, in Ontario, you have up to two years from the time of your accident to bring forth a personal injury claim. However, you only have seven days to report your accident to your insurance company unless you can prove extenuating circumstances that prevented you from informing them within those seven days.

In Florida, you have up to four years from the time of your accident to bring forward most personal injury lawsuit claims (tort claims). You have up to 10 days to report a car accident.

These limitations vary widely per province and state, and that’s why it’s so important to consult with a personal injury lawyer or personal injury attorney that practices law in the state you were injured in as soon as you’re able.

Frequently Asked Snowbird Insurance, Travel And Personal Injury Questions

Snowbird Accidents is not a law firm. We are an International “Qualifying Referrer”. We provide information about car accidents, car insurance options, medical insurance options, personal injuries, and more. We do not provide legal advice. That is the job of the personal injury attorney or lawyer that you end up retaining.

We can recommend  personal injury lawyers familiar with the complexities of cross-border accidents in the province you reside in and the state you were injured in. The lawyers and attorneys recommended by us are leaders in their field and frequently deal with catastrophic car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents.

The Snowbird Helpline offers peace of mind if the unthinkable happens. We are here to connect you with a team of lawyers and attorneys that are knowledgeable about personal injury claims, no matter what province or state you were injured in.

When a serious personal injury happens in a different country, you quickly need help. That’s where Snowbird Helpline comes in. Our team has extensive knowledge and expertise that you can trust when faced with the challenge of a cross-border accident.

We are not lawyers or a law firm. No legal fees are paid or shared with us. Instead, we offer advice on what your next steps should be and who you should contact. We recommend personal injury lawyers and attorneys that are familiar with the complexities of cross-border accidents.

For over 35 years, we have assisted Canadian snowbirds involved in car accidents and other personal injury accidents in the United States.

Snowbird Accidents assists people experiencing serious personal injuries of all kinds. Primarily we assist with those who have been involved in serious car accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, or trucking accidents.

We are here to help organize the steps you have to take with your insurance company and connect you with experienced personal injury lawyers and attorneys, and more.

Snowbird Accidents is a USA corporation with headquarters in West Palm Beach, Florida, and offices in Toronto, Canada.

We offer expertise and personal injury lawyer recommendations in over 50 states and 10 provinces. To quickly get in touch with us about your situation, give us a call at 1-800-436-0353.

Our goal is to be accessible at all times to snowbirds who require assistance. You can fill out our online contact form or give us a call at 1-800-436-0353.

Additionally, you can contact the lawyers mentioned on our site directly through their websites or online contact information.

Your health and safety, plus the health and safety of your family or other injured parties is always top priority. Be sure to seek out medical attention immediately. It is important to make sure the police are contacted.

If possible, while still on the scene, obtain the driver’s license and insurance information of those involved in the accident. If possible, get contact information for all witnesses. Additionally, you should take notes and pictures of everything you can. This includes the scene of the accident, the other car, any visible injuries, and what caused the accident if known.

Make sure that your doctors are informed about the accident and all of your injuries. Take notes of what the doctor advises and keep a record of your injuries and healing process.

As soon as you are able, contact Snowbird Helpline. We can help advise you of the next steps you should take.

Contact The Snowbird Helpline Today!

1-800-436-0353