CALL 24/7A 52-year-old motorcyclist was seriously injured in a crash on the westbound E.C. Row Expressway near Howard Avenue in Windsor.
Windsor Police said officers responded shortly after 7:30 p.m. on July 7, 2026. The motorcyclist was taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Tuesday’s Crash Closed Part of E.C. Row for Several Hours
The crash shut down the expressway for several hours while police investigated. A preliminary police investigation suggests the motorcyclist may have been changing lanes at the time of the collision, though that investigation is still ongoing.
Police are asking anyone who witnessed the collision, or who has dashcam or surveillance footage of the area, to come forward. Witnesses can contact WPS Traffic Enforcement at 519-255-6700, extension 7032, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 519-258-8477 (TIPS).
What Fault Means for a Motorcycle Collision Claim
Fault can mean different things depending on the context. In Ontario, the Fault Determination Rules under the Insurance Act are used by insurers to assign responsibility for auto insurance purposes, such as processing accident benefits claims. They do not, on their own, decide civil liability. A separate, more detailed review is typically needed to establish liability for a lawsuit, and that review may consider evidence such as:
- Detailed statements from independent eyewitnesses
- Point-of-impact analysis using vehicle property damage
- Dashcam and surveillance video footage – if available
- Mechanical data retrieved from vehicle onboard computers – Event Data Recorders (EDR)
- Accident Benefits Available to Injured Motorcyclists in Ontario
Ontario operates under a no-fault benefits system. This structure ensures that injured riders can access immediate healthcare assistance regardless of who caused the highway collision.
SABS Reform July 2026: What Is Covered Automatically
Ontario overhauled its Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS) at the start of July 2026. Under the updated rules, only medical, rehabilitation, and attendant care benefits remain mandatory on standard auto policies. These help cover costs such as:
- Medical treatment and physiotherapy not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)
- Personal support services if your injuries prevent you from managing everyday self-care
Income replacement benefits are no longer automatically included. Under the new rules, you will only receive income replacement benefits through your own auto policy if that optional coverage was purchased before the crash. If it wasn’t, a few other avenues may still be available, depending on your circumstances:
- A tort claim against the at-fault driver for lost income
- Employment Insurance sickness benefits
- CPP disability benefits – for more severe and prolonged disabilities
Your specific situation will determine which options apply, but it’s worth reviewing your policy and circumstances with a lawyer.
Steps to Take After a Serious Motorcycle Crash
A few steps can help protect both your health and any future claim you pursue later on.
These steps include:
Seeking Medical Attention Without Delay
This step matters even if you don’t feel hurt or see visible signs of an injury. The shock of a crash can hide pain, and some injuries can take a few days to weeks to appear. Having a medical record on the same day creates a data point that links your injuries to the crash that caused them.
Follow Up With Every Appointment
Any gap in treatment or follow-up care gives room for the insurance company to argue that your injuries could have happened elsewhere, or that you are not as badly injured as you claim. Your initial medical examination after a crash provides initial evidence you were injured and when. Your follow-up appointments not only help your physical recovery; they also lend credibility to your claim.
Report the Crash
Call 911 to report the crash, as required by law, and notify your insurer according to the terms of your policy.
Track All Records Related to the Crash
Whether you scan and save your records to your computer or put them in a physical file, be sure to have one folder to hold all those records, which should include:
- Photos of your injuries as they progressively heal
- Witnesses and their contact details
- A written statement of all the details you remember about the crash
- Medical bills and payments made for related treatments
- Cost of transportation to go to and from appointments
- Other relevant crash details
Speak With a Lawyer First
Speak with a lawyer before giving a statement to an insurer. An experienced lawyer can help you avoid critical mistakes that could hurt your claim and protect your best interests. If a rider is too injured to manage these steps, a family member can often step in on their behalf.
FAQs About Ontario Motorcycle Accident Claims
How long do I have to take legal action after a motorcycle crash?
Ontario has separate deadlines for accident benefits and for a lawsuit. For accident benefits, you generally must notify your insurer within 7 days of the crash and submit your application within 30 days of receiving the forms. For a lawsuit against an at-fault party, the general limitation period is 2 years from the date of the crash. Some situations have shorter notice requirements. A lawyer can help you understand what deadlines apply to your situation.
Who is at fault in a lane-change motorcycle crash?
Fault depends on the evidence. Investigators may look at signals, lane position, speed, blind spots, vehicle damage, road markings, witness statements, and video footage. A preliminary police report does not decide legal fault on its own.
Should I speak to a lawyer before giving a statement to the insurer?
Yes. It’s usually best to speak with a lawyer before giving a detailed statement to an insurer. What you say to the adjuster may be recorded and may affect your accident benefits or injury claim, especially while the crash investigation and your medical recovery are still ongoing.
What mistakes can hurt a motorcycle accident claim?
Common mistakes in a motorcycle accident claim include missing a benefits deadline, giving a detailed statement too early, accepting an insurer’s first offer, and treating a preliminary police account as the final word on fault. Gaps in medical treatment can also be used to argue that injuries were less serious than claimed. Each of these can reduce what an injured rider recovers.
Injured in a Windsor Motorcycle Accident? Greg Monforton & Partners Can Help
A serious motorcycle crash can leave you with medical bills, missed work, pain, and questions about what happens next.
For more than 45 years, Greg Monforton & Partners has helped injured people across Windsor and the surrounding area understand their rights and pursue the compensation they are owed. Our experienced Windsor motorcycle accident lawyers can review what happened, protect your deadlines, and deal with the insurer on your behalf so you can focus on recovery.
If you or someone you love was hurt in a motorcycle crash, reach out for a free consultation. There is no obligation, and you pay nothing unless we recover for you.
Call Greg Monforton & Partners after a collision leaves you injured. No upfront costs. (866) 320-4770
