There was a fatal pedestrian accident in Vaughan n the evening of Monday, June 10, 2013. A vehicle was travelling northbound on Thornhill Woods Drive near Summeridge Drive in Vaughan, and then mounted the sidewalk and struck a 28 year old female pedestrian.  Sadly, the young female pedestrian succumbed to her injuries at the scene. 

First, and foremost, Iacobelli Law Firm offers sincere condolences to the family and friends of the young woman that tragically lost her life in this Vaughan pedestrian accident.  

This fatal pedestrian accident is under investigation by the York Regional Police.  Officers with the Collision Investigation Unit are seeking witnesses, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Collision Investigation Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7704, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, 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. Inquires or questions are always welcome at traffic@yrp.ca.

Following a fatal pedestrian accident, the family may be able to bring an insurance claim for their economic losses and pain and suffering losses.  These claims, often referred to as wrongful death claims are among the most egregious of personal injury claims.  It is difficult for families to seek legal counsel during the time of mourning the loss of their loved one.   Unfortunately, the insurance company recognizes this and may be aggressive in its effort to settle these claims before the family has the opportunity to consult with a lawyer.  If an insurance company representative is contacting you after a fatal accident, it is time to call a personal injury lawyer.  Know your rights before you speak with the insurance company.  

Our Ontario personal injury law firm provides free, no obligation, consultation to families that have lost a loved one as a result of a car accident or pedestrian accident in Ontario.  To request a free consultation with an Ontario wrongful death and personal injury lawyer, call us at 416-900-1070 or toll free at 1-866-234-6093 or complete our online contact form. 

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Trip and fall accidents are particularly common where there are uneven surfaces, such as holes, divots  depressions, steps, and dim or low lighting conditions.  Property owners need to provide sufficient lighting or other markers or warning to guests in order to identify the presence of uneven surfaces.  When a property owner in Ontario fails to provide sufficient lighting, or other markers or warnings of an uneven surface, the consequences can be severe.  A person may not be able to see and appreciate the presence of a trip hazard.  Such falls often result in serious injuries.  Trip and fall accidents can result in orthopaedic injuries such as fractures to leg and ankle bones, often requiring surgery and insertion of plates and screws.   These injuries can, and often do, result in lifelong problems associated with pain and reduced function and range of motion.  In addition to bone fractures, a serious trip and fall accident may also result in a head injury or traumatic brain injury.  Rarely, a trip and fall accident can result in death.  

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured as a result of a trip and fall due to the poor condition or maintenance of property, contact a Toronto trip and fall accident lawyer at Iacobelli Law Firm for a free consultation. 


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Ontario Motorcycle Accident Lawyer.

A motorcycle rider and his passenger were seriously injured in a London Ontario motorcycle accident on May 26, 2013.  According to a CTV news article, this motorcycle accident occurred on Townsend Line at Sexton Drive in Adelaide-Metcalfe Township in the early afternoon of Sunday May 26, 2013. 

The Ontario Provincial Police were investigating the cause of the motorcycle collision.  According to early media reports, a canoe fell off of another vehicle, causing the motorcycle to lose control and crash.  The OPP were investigating this motorcycle accident, and had the road closed in the area of the crash. 

First and foremost, Iacobelli Law Firm offers its support to the motorcycle riders injured in this London area motorcycle accident.  We wish the motorcyclist a speedy and complete recovery from their injuries. 

Although the police are investigating this motorcycle accident, according to the early information, it would appear that the vehicle carrying the canoe will be found responsible for causing the crash. 

In Ontario, when someone is injured in a motorcycle crash, they may be entitled to claim for accident benefits and tort benefits.  These claims involve distinct insurance claims and benefits.  Navigating the insurance claims process following a serious motorcycle collision is challenging, and it is important to seek the advice of a qualified motorcycle accident lawyer. 

Iacobelli Law Firm is a dedicated personal injury law firm that represents motorcycle injury victims throughout Ontario.  We offer a free, no obligation, consultation.  If you are unable to attend at our office locations due to the severity of your injury, we can arrange to meet with you at a more convenient location, including at your home or hospital.   To start your free case review with a motorcycle accident injury lawyer, call us toll free at 1-866-234-6093 or complete our online contact form here.

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After a Ontario personal injury accident, you may be contacted by the insurance company that represents the person or company that caused your injury.  The adjuster will usually be very polite and appear to be genuinely concerned about your injuries, your health and future well being.  The adjuster may request information from you, or an opportunity to meet with you and obtain a statement. 

You are not required to provide a statement to the other party's insurance adjuster.  In fact, you should not provide a statement to the other party's insurance adjuster.  Any time an insurance company representative is asking to meet with you or if they are seeking information or statements, you should be concerned and immediately seek the advice of a Toronto or Ontario personal injury lawyer.  


You are required to provide certain information to your own insurance company.  Again, however, it is best to have the advice of a personal injury lawyer in regard to your obligations with your own insurance company as well.  The insurance company is always seeking to minimize exposure to claims - they want to minimize your claim and your compensation.    

For a free consultation with an Ontario personal injury lawyer call us at 416-900-1070 or toll free at 1-866-234-6093.  We help personal injury victims throughout Ontario and we may be able to help you. 

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Do you need a personal injury lawyer in Toronto or Ontario, Canada? 
Are you worried about the costs and fees of hiring a lawyer?  

Many people injured in an Ontario accident have the same concerns and fears about the costs of hiring a lawyer following a serious injury.  Fortunately, Toronto and Ontario personal injury lawyers will often take your case under a Contingency Fee Retainer, in which the personal injury lawyer will only be paid if they obtain compensation for you.  These are sometimes referred to as No Win - No Fee Retainers because the lawyer will not charge you any fee unless and until the lawyer settles your case or obtains compensation for you.  In a contingency fee retainer, the fee for the personal injury lawyer will be a percentage of the settlement proceeds.  

Following a serious injury, the last thing that you need to worry about is the additional expense of paying a lawyer by the hour to advance a claim against an insurance company.  With a contingency fee agreement, our personal injury law firm will advance the costs for you and we will wait until your case is concluded to get paid.  If we lose, we get paid nothing.  If we are able to settle your case, or if we go to trial and win, we charge a percentage of the amount of money we obtain for you.

Free Confidential Legal Consultation
All prospective clients of Iacobelli Law Firm receive a free confidential consultation with an injury lawyer.  The consultation will include an honest and straightforward assessment of your claim, and absolutely no obligations.  

To request a consultation, call us at 416-900-1070 or toll free at 1-866-234-6093.  


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As a personal injury lawyer, I have learned that most people do not know what benefits are available to them following a Toronto or Ontario motor vehicle accident.  Most of my clients are surprised to learn that the insurance benefits available from their own auto insurance policy were slashed in September 2010, when the Ontario government amended statutory accident benefits.  One of the most significant changes to accident benefits was the reduction in the medical and rehabilitation benefits available under your auto insurance policy for injuries sustained in a Ontario motor vehicle accident.  In short, prior to September 2010, the medical and rehabilitation benefits were capped at $100,000 for treatments not covered by OHIP (with the exception of catastrophic claims).  This was cut in half, and the limit is now $50,000.  Nonetheless, very few accident victims in Ontario have access to the $50,000 limit.  In fact, the vast majority of Ontario residents injured in a car or motorcycle accident after September of 2010 have only had access to $3,500 available for their medical and rehabilitation costs.  This limit of $3,500 was introduced for injuries deemed to be predominantly minor injuries, also known as the Minor Injury Guideline or MIG.

While the term "Minor Injury Guideline" suggests that the $3,500 cap is limited to minor injuries, this is not the case at all.  The definition of a minor injury is so broad that the insurance companies often take the view that it encompasses any and all soft tissue.  The problem with this position should be readily apparent to anyone that has even a rudimentary understanding of the human anatomy.  Other than bones and skeletal structure, the human body is comprised almost entirely of soft tissue.  Many soft tissue injuries to tendons, ligaments and muscles can actually take much longer to heal than fractures to bones.  What is more, a fracture to a bone is exactly the type of injury that is covered by OHIP and treated by orthopaedic surgeons and other physicians. Soft tissue injuries on the other hand, often require physiotherapy, massage, or chiropractic treatment, all of which is not covered by OHIP.  So, shouldn't it be these soft tissue injuries that are more expensive for the injured accident victim?  I thought that the reason why people need auto insurance in the fist place is to cover the unexpected expenses in the event of an accident or injury.

There have been recent decisions that are helping to restore some rights to accident victims in Ontario.  Our law firm has also had success in persuading insurance companies to provide treatment beyond the Minor Injury Guideline in cases involving soft tissue injuries.  

Iacobelli Law Firm is a personal injury law firm that represents those injured in car accident throughout the province of Ontario.  We have offices in Toronto and York Region and offer free consultations to car accident and personal injury victims.  If you would like to learn more about your rights following a car accident, contact us to request a free consultation.  We can be reached at your convenience 24 hours per day 7 days per week at 1-866-234-6093 or 416-900-1070, or you can complete our online contact form here. 


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There are reports this morning of a serious multi-vehicle car accident that occurred at Highway 404 in York Region, Ontario.  According to the early reports from the OPP, several people were injured in this Highway 404 crash, including a motorcyclist.  The injured were transported to hospital and at least one occupant of an involved vehicle was transported via air ambulance to a Toronto trauma hospital with serious injuries.  Four people reportedly suffered serious and life threatening injuries.  

This Highway 404 multi vehicle accident is under investigation by the OPP, and the northbound and southbound lanes of Highway 404 have been closed between Stouffville Road and Bloomington Road for the investigation.   It is expected that the accident scene will remain closed for several hours.  Anyone that may have witnessed the collision is being asked to contact the OPP.  According to early information, this Highway 404 collision may have been caused when a vehicle crossed the centre median onto oncoming traffic.  

First and foremost, Iacobelli Law Firm offers its support to those that were injured as a result of this highway 404 multi-vehicle accident.   We hope that all of the people involved will make a speedy and complete recovery from their injuries.  This will no doubt be a very difficult time for the families of those that have been injured.  

In Ontario, there are insurance laws in place to afford some level of financial protection when people are injured or killed in car accidents or motorcycle accidents.  The drivers and passengers that were injured in this muti-vehicle accident on Highway 404, will be able to make insurance claims for accident benefits.  While there healthcare and recovery are priority, the families of those injured will also need financial help and support during their difficult time.  Ontario car insurance policies include coverage for accident benefits, which provides coverage for loss of income and medical and rehabilitation expenses.  In addition, those that are injured due to the fault of another vehicle, can also advance a tort claim against the at-fault driver.  This type of claim provides additional compensation, and is typically paid by the at-fault driver's insurance policy.  Any of the passengers of vehicles, will also have the right to make a tort claim for additional compensation.

Navigating the insurance claims process following a serious motor vehicle accident is difficult, and it is important to speak with an Ontario personal injury lawyer without delay.  An injury lawyer will assist with coordinating benefits with the insurance company and file the appropriate documents in order to preserve your claim.  There are time limits that must be adhered to in order to advance claims following an Ontario car accident.  

If you or someone you love has been hurt or killed in a  serious motor vehicle crash, call our Ontario car accident law firm for a complimentary and confidential consultation.  We charge no fees until your claim is resolved.  Call us at 416-900-1070 or toll free at 1-866-234-6093 or complete our online contact form here.

As an Ontario dog bite and personal injury lawyer, I am often asked whether someone can sue following a dog bite or attack.  The answer is yes.  In fact, Ontario has legislation, known as In Ontario, the Dog Owners Liability Act R.S.O. 1990, c. D.16, which makes the owner of a dog liable for damages resulting from a dog bite or attack by the dog on another person or domestic animal.  

Also, in Ontario the owner of the dog is responsible for a dog bite regardless of the dog was vicious or had any propensity to bite or attack.  As such, the owner will be responsible for your injuries and losses even if the dog was usually quite gentle and had never shown any sign of aggression.


Most dog bite injuries in Ontario will be covered by homeowner insurance policies.  As such, the dog owner will not usually have to pay you anything out of their own pocket, as it will be paid by their insurance company.


Free Consultation with Ontario Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a dog bite or other animal attack, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.  To learn more,contact Iacobelli Law Firm for a complimentary consultation with a Toronto and York Region Dog Bite Injury Lawyer.

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If you are a pedestrian or cyclist that is injured as a result of a motor vehicle accident in Ontario, you can claim compensation from your auto accident benefits insurance company.  This is referred to as no-fault benefits or accident benefits.  If you do not have you are not insured under an auto insurance policy, you can receive accident benefits from the insurance policy of the vehicle that was involved in the accident with you.  

In addition to accident benefits, whenever a pedestrian or cyclist is hit by a motor vehicle they may also be entitled to make a claim against the at fault driver.  This claim depends upon the ability to prove at least some fault on the part of the other vehicle, and is often referred to as a tort claim. 

Learn more about your right to claims for compensation following a pedestrian or bicycle accident in Ontario:

Accident Benefits from your own automobile insurance policy or from the insurance for another vehicle involved in the accident

Tort Claim against the at-fault driver for compensation, including damages that are not available through accident benefits, such as pain and suffering.  



If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a pedestrian accident in Ontario, contact a personal injury lawyer to learn about your rights.  Iacobelli Law Firm is a dedicated Ontario personal injury law firm that represents the victims of pedestrian accidents throughout Ontario.  Call us for a free consultation and case review, or complete an online contact form here. 

There is little else as enjoyable as taking to the open road by motorcycle in Ontario.   We have many scenic roads that are best enjoyed on a motorcycle.  Like many of life's pleasures, however, riding a motorcycle comes with some risk.  Although motorcycle riding is usually a safe and enjoyable activity, there is the possibility of being in amotorcycle accident.  

Many motorcycle accidents in Ontario occur when other drivers fail to observe the presence of a motorcycle sharing the road.  Many of the most serious motorcycle crashes occur when other vehicles turn across the path of an approaching motorcycle.   While there are ways that motorcycle riders make themselves more noticeable to other vehicles, crashes continue to occur.  

Toronto motorcycle accident lawyer Andrew Iacobelli and Iacobelli Law Firm are committed to protecting the rights of motorcycle accident victims throughout Ontario.  Following a motorcycle accident in Ontario, an injured rider and his or her family have the right to seek compensation against negligent drivers who cause an accident.   Your right to compensation and the success of your claim, however, may depend on the actions that you and your family take shortly following the crash.  While it will no doubt be a stressful time, where your main concern will be upon health, the insurance company will be requesting mountains of information.  A proactive adjuster will often want to meet with you at your hospital room or home within a short time of a motorcycle accident.  Any time the insurance company is asking to interview you, meet with you, or if they want you to complete forms, you should consider talking to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer.  The information that you provide to the insurance company may impact upon your claim and right to compensation.   In addition,  we are providing some other information about the things that you should know following an Ontario motorcycle accident. 

What you can do after a Ontario motorcycle accident to protect your legal rights:

1. Do not admit fault for the accident.  Even if you are unsure whether you may be partially at fault for the accident, do not admit fault of any kind to anyone. If you admit fault, your admission can, and often will, be used against you by the insurance company to reduce the amount of compensation you receive. 
2. Call for assistance.  Call 9-1-1 and request medical help for any injured persons. When the ambulance arrives, accept medical treatment even if you do not feel that you have been injured. Sometimes the symptoms of a serious injury may not be immediately apparent.  There is no need to be "tough" following an accident.  Get checked out by a doctor to be sure that there is nothing serious after an accident.
3. Identify witnesses and collect contact information from all involved drivers.  
4. Take pictures of the accident scene if possible.  You can often use your cell phone to take pictures of the vehicles and the accident scene.  Also photograph anything else that you believe may have contributed to the motorcycle accident.
5. Report the accident to police.  If the police do not attend to the accident scene, then go to the nearest police station or collision reporting office and file an accident report.
6. Contact an experienced Toronto Ontario motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as you can after the accident.

Andrew Iacobelli is an Ontario motorcycle accident and injury lawyer.  Call me to request a free consultation.  To learn more about your rights following a motorcycle accident call us at 416-900-1070 or toll free at 1-866-234-6093 or complete our online contact form here.  

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