This spring, consider taking a motorcycle riding safety course. Even experienced riders that have completed a course, should consider a refresher or advanced motorcycle course to sharpen their skills and review safety fundamentals.  Motorcycle riding courses offer motorcycle riders the opportunity to work on safe riding, maneuvers and accident avoidance all within a controlled environment with the guidance of a qualified instructor.  

No matter what your level of experience, a motorcycle riding course is always a good idea.  These courses typically involve braking technique and cornering maneuvers for various situations and conditions, awareness, and collision avoidance.  There are several motorcycle training programs throughout Ontario. You could also consider making a motorcycle road trip out of it, and take a course in the United States.   The Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers a wide variety of motorcycle training courses.  For more information, you can visit their website here. 

As Ontario motorcycle accident lawyers, we are often contacted by riders that have been involved in a motorcycle crash that was caused by another vehicle that failed to remain at the scene.  Sometimes the other involved vehicle makes contact with the motorcycle and then leaves the scene, as in a hit and run crash. Often, however, there is minimal or no contact between the car and the motorcycle, but the motorcycle is still involved in a crash.  This can occur when a car suddenly turns across the path of the motorcycle, or abruptly cuts into a motorcycle or cuts off a motorcycle.  A prudent rider may be able to avoid the initial impact with the car, but unfortunately the bike may still go down and result in injury to the motorcycle rider.  In these situations it is important for the motorcyclist to report the involvement of the other vehicle that failed to remain at the scene. to the police and medical personnel.  If another vehicle caused you to crash your motorcycle and injure yourself, you may have rights to claim for insurance compensation.  In these situations, you may still be able to access insurance benefits for first-party and unidentified insurance claims.  

Fail to remain motorcycle accidents can be complicated, and your insurance company may try to defeat any claim for unidentified motorist (fail to remain) insurance benefits.  As such, it is important to have the advice of an experienced Ontario motorcycle accident lawyer, before you speak with or provide statements to your insurance company.  If your insurance company is requesting a statement, you may want to seek legal advice and have an lawyer attend with you.  Our Ontario motorcycle accident lawyers offer FREE Consultations for motorcycle riders injured in motorcycle accidents in Ontario.  To learn more, or to schedule a FREE Consultation call us toll free at 1-866-234-6093 or complete our online contact form here.    

So far, this April in Toronto has not been great for motorcycle enthusiasts - the snow keeps falling. Forecasts are calling for even more of the white stuff this Wednesday and Thursday.  Despite the wintery weather, motorcyclists have something to get excited about this weekend.  The Motorcycle Springshow is on April 9 and 10 at the International Centre in Toronto.  

I am looking forward to taking in the sites at the motorcycle show this weekend.  As usual, there are sure to be exhibits for every motorcycle enthusiast at the show, no matter what you ride.  The show features factory displays, custom bike builders and loads of gear and accessories.  

This may also be a good time to take stock of your riding gear and identify additional or upgraded gear that you may need.  In particular, the show could be a good opportunity to pick up safety gear, such as helmet, gloves, and boots.  There are often sales and show specials. 

Enjoy the show this weekend, and let's hope the snow stops falling in Toronto so that we can do more than just look at the bikes.

Connect with Andrew Iacobelli on Google+

We are pleased to have our Share the Road campaign again for the 2015 riding season.  Iacobelli Law Firm seeks to help remind drivers to share the road with motorcycles.  As a personal injury law firm that represents victims of motorcycle accidents, Iacobelli Law Firm knows all too well the consequences of drivers failing to share the road.  Many of the motorcycle crashes that we see on a regular basis occur simply because the cars driver is not paying attention and failed to see the motorcycle.  Many of the most serious motorcycle accidents in Toronto and the GTA and Ontario occur when cars pull out across the path of approaching motorcycles. 

This summer, Iacobelli Law Firm is again raising awareness for motorcycle riders with our Share the Road t-shirts.  We give these shirts away at motorcycle events in Ontario, and we hope to meet you at event soon.  If you want a T-shirt now, complete our request form here.

There are reports this morning of a fatal Toronto motorcycle accident that occurred on Kipling Avenue north of the Queensway.  Sadly, a 29 year old rider was pronounced dead at the scene.  According to early reports the motorcycle collided with a left-turning vehicle.  We are still waiting to hear details regarding the police investigation, but at this early stage, it appears that the car turned across the path of the motorcycle.  

First and foremost, we offer our sincere condolences to the friends and family of the young man that was killed in this Toronto crash.  

Unfortunately, we see very often that motorcycle riders are seriously injured or killed when vehicles turn in front of approaching motorcycles.  Most often, the drivers of the vehicles claim that they simply did not see the motorcycle.  The fact is that motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles and may be more difficult to see. Nonetheless, cars should not turn across live lanes of traffic unless they are sure that the path is clear.  If your view is obstructed, do not turn.  This is particularly important during the summer months, when motorcycles are often out at all hours of the day and night.  Many motorcyclists prefer late night rides because it feels safer when there are fewer cars on the road.  

Those that have lost a loved one due to a motorcycle accident in Ontario have rights - learn more here. 

Now that Spring has officially begun, Ontario motorcycle enthusiasts will be looking to get their bikes back on the road.  Although the weather has not been very cooperative in the early spring going, some motorcyclists are already riding regularly.  As always, we want to encourage drivers of other vehicles to remember that motorcycles share our roads.   Please check your blind spots carefully before changing lanes, as motorcycles may be more difficult to see.  Be courteous and safe.  

To our fellow motorcycle enthusiasts, we wish you all a safe and enjoyable riding season.  Live and Let Ride.

Motorcycles, scooters and bicycles have the same right of way that cars do. Despite defensive riding techniques, sometimes cars and trucks collide with motorcycles when other drivers fail to yield the right of way.   Very often, we hear that the other driver simply did not see the motorcycle.  This is a common cause of motorcycle crashes where vehicles turn in front of the path of the approaching motorcycle.  

An experienced Ontario motorcycle injury lawyer can help you following a motorcycle accident caused by another driver's failure to yield to the right of way.  While each motorcycle accident is unique, there are some common and recurring elements in fail to yield motorcycle crashes. 

How Can Ontario Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help
Our Ontario motorcycle accident law firm has experience handling serious motorcycle accident claims.   We work hard to achieve justice on behalf of families that have lost a loved one due to negligence.

In Ontario,  when a motorcyclist is killed 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.  These are claims against another party for negligence.  As long as the other vehicle had insurance at the time of the accident, the claims will typically be investigated, defended and paid by the insurance company.

Among other damages, the members of the deceased’s  family may be able to obtain compensation for the loss of guidance, care and  companionship of their loved one, as well as loss of services. 

Your Rights Following a Fatal Motorcycle Accident

• Who Can File a Claim For a Fatal Motorcycle Accident In Ontario Canada?

• What Can I Claim Following a Fatal Motorcycle Accident?

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed as a result of a motorcycle accident, speak with an experienced Ontario motorcycle accident lawyer.  Motorcycle crashes are not the same as car accidents, and you require a lawyer that understands the issues that will need to be addressed early.  For a free and confidential consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer, call us toll free at 1-866-234-6093.

Connect with Andrew Iacobelli on Google+

There was a fatal motorcycle accident in Vaughan, Ontario on Thursday July 31, 2014.  Sadly, a man from Barrie was killed in this Vaughan fatal motorcycle crash.  According to early reports, a motorcycle and truck collided in the area of Rutherford Road and Highway 27.  The motorcycle and truck had both been travelling west on Rutherford Road, when the truck attempted to make a U-turn resulting in the crash with the motorcycle. 

A 47-year-old man from Barrie was riding the motorcycle, and suffered fatal injuries in this Vaughan crash. First and foremost, Iacobelli Law Firm offers its sincere condolences to the family and friends of the victim. 

The York Regional Police have announced that charges have been laid against the driver of the involved truck; a 64-year-old man from the City of Vaughan.  The driver was reportedly charged with Dangerous Driving Cause Death, and he will be appearing at the Ontario Court of Justice in the Town of Newmarket on September 4, 2014. 

Although charges are pending, the investigation is ongoing.  The York Regional Police are asking witnesses and anyone with information to come forward and contact the Collision Investigation Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7704, or to call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com, or text your tip by sending TIPYORK and your message to CRIMES (274637) starting with the word YORK.

We are a dedicated Ontario law firm that exclusively represents injury victims and the families of those that have lost loved ones as a result of negligence.  When a negligent driver fails to properly share the road with a motorcycle and causes a motorcycle rider's death, our personal injury and wrongful death law firm works hard to make certain that the driver is held accountable.  These claims are typically covered by the at-fault driver's insurance policy. 

In Ontario,  when a motorcyclist is killed 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.  These are claims against another party for negligence.  As long as the other vehicle had insurance at the time of the accident, the claims will typically be investigated, defended and paid by the insurance company.

Among other damages, the members of the deceased’s  family may be able to obtain compensation for the loss of guidance, care and  companionship of their loved one, as well as loss of services. 

Your Rights Following a Fatal Motorcycle Accident

• Who Can File a Claim For a Fatal Motorcycle Accident In Ontario Canada?

• What Can I Claim Following a Fatal Motorcycle Accident?

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed as a result of a motorcycle accident, speak with an experienced Ontario motorcycle accident lawyer.  Motorcycle crashes are not the same as car accidents, and you require a lawyer that understands the issues that will need to be addressed early.  For a free consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer, call us toll free at 1-866-234-6093 for a free consultation.

Connect with Andrew Iacobelli on Google+

A motorcyclist and a pedestrian were seriously injured in a motorcycle accident that occurred in Toronto on April 6, 2014.  The accident happened on Yonge Street near St. Clair Avenue.  At the time of the crash, three motorcyclists were heading north on Yonge Street, near Pleasant Boulevard. At the same time, a vehicle was making a left-hand turn from the southbound lanes of Yonge Street and collided with the motorcycle.   The motorcycle lost control and went onto the sidewalk, where it collided with a pedestrian.

First and foremost we offer our sincere support to the motorcycle rider and pedestrian that were injured in this unfortunate accident.  We hope that they will make a complete and speedy recovery from their injuries.

This Toronto motorcycle accident is under investigation by the Toronto Police Services.  

Also, the accident was apparently captured by a dash camera, and posted on the internet.  We have re-posted the video here.  When watching the video, most of your attention will probably focus on the motorcycles as they change lanes.  Carefully watch the video again, and pay particular attention to the traffic in the oncoming lanes. At or around the 40 second mark of the video, you will see the headlights of the vehicle that turned left across the path of the motorcycle.  At the same time, you may notice that the white truck in the same direction of the motorcycle will hit the brakes.   It appears from the video that the left turning vehicle attempted to turn quickly in front of approaching traffic - so that the motorcyclist really had no chance to avoid this collision.  Ultimately, an accident reconstruction analysis performed by an engineer will likely settle the debate.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed as a result of a motorcycle accident, speak with an experienced Ontario motorcycle accident lawyer.  Motorcycle crashes are not the same as car accidents, and require a lawyer that understands the issues that will need to be addressed early.  For a free consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer, call us toll free at 1-866-234-6093 for a free consultation.

Connect with Andrew Iacobelli on Google+

Although it is still winter weather in Toronto and Ontario, for motorcycle riders and enthusiasts the 2014 riding season is quickly approaching.  The latest motorcycle show in Toronto is taking place from February 21-23, 2014 at the Direct Energy Centre in Toronto.  

Toronto motorcycle enthusiasts will be attending motorcycle shows to see the latest in motorcycles, equipment, gear and apparel.   No doubt the arrival of motorcycle show season will give riders the itch to get back to riding as soon as the snow melts.  For new riders, or those considering taking up motorcycle riding, it is a good idea to check out a motorcycle show.  Motorcycle shows are great places to learn more about motorcycle riding and meet other enthusiasts.  

For more information about the Motorcycle Show or to order your tickets, check out their website here.