Ontario Car Accident Lawyer: We can help if you have been injured in an accident involving a left turn.

Toronto and Ontario auto accidents involving a left turning vehicle can result in  catastrophic injuries and fatalities.  Often, automobiles will be traveling at a high rate of speed when they collide with another automobile that suddenly turns left across their path.  If you or a loved one is involved in an accident involving a left turning vehicle, it is important to seek the advice of experienced Toronto and Ontario car accident lawyer to assess your claim and help you to make informed decisions.

Ontario automobile accidents involving left turns can be complex when it comes to advancing claims for insurance proceeds.  Although you may be certain that the left turning vehicle caused the accident, these types of collisions are often vigorously defended on liability.  Often, there will either be no witnesses or conflicting accounts as to how the collision occurred.  The drivers of the respective automobiles involved may also have conflicting versions of the accident and sequence of events.  In these circumstances, it may not be so easyto determine which party is at fault.   Experienced Ontario car accident lawyers can assist with investigating the circumstances of the accident in order to prove fault and secure your ability to make a claim for your injuries. 

The Ontario Highway Traffic Act states that "No  driver or operator of a vehicle in an intersection shall turn left across the  path of a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction unless he or she has  afforded a reasonable opportunity to the driver or operator of the approaching  vehicle to avoid a collision." R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 141 (5).

In other words, a driver is not allowed to turn left at an intersection if the automobile approaching from the opposite could end up colliding with your automobile.  Significantly, IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT THE COLOR OF THE LIGHT IS AT THE TIME THE COLLSION OCCURS.  It is not enough to simply wait for the light to turn red and then turn left.  Even if an approaching vehicle runs a red light and collides with your car, you may still be liable.  Before proceeding to make a left turn, take extra time to make sure that the approaching vehicles are completely stopping.  

While a ticket or potential liability in a civil claim is one reason to wait before turning left, the more important reason by far is that left turn collisions can have catastrophic consequences.  Take care of yourself and others on the roadway by exercising caution whenever making a left turn.  Don't worry about the cars behind you honking; satisfy yourself that the approaching traffic is either stopping or far enough away so that you can safely make your left turn.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a left turn accident in Ontario, it is important to speak with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer to learn about your rights.  Contact lawyer Andrew Iacobelli of Iacobelli Law Firm for a free, no obligation, consultation.  We can arrange to meet with you at our office or at another convenient location if you are unable to travel due to the severity of your injuries.  To request a consultation 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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There are reports of a a fatal pedestrian collision in the City of Markham.  This pedestrian accident occurred on Tuesday, February 5, at approximately 9 a.m. at the intersection of Carlton Road and Central Park Drive. According to York Regional Police, a black Mitsubishi was travelling southbound on Central Park Drive, and made a left turn onto Carlton Road where it struck a pedestrian in the crosswalk.  Sadly, the pedestrian, a female resident of the City of Markham, succumbed to her injuries at the scene. 

First and foremost, Iacobelli Law Firm offers its sincere condolences and support to the family and friends of the pedestrian that was tragically killed in this Markham accident.  

Unfortunately, motor vehicle accidents involving pedestrians remain quite common in Ontario.  Pedestrian accidents occur on roadways, parking lots, and often when pedestrians are on the sidewalk and are hit by vehicles exiting driveways.  Of course it is a shock and devestating to the family and friends whenever a pedestrian is injured or killed.  This kind of tragedy is entirely unexpected.   Drivers need to be more attentive to pedestrians, particularly at intersections and near crosswalks.  

In Ontario, when a pedestrian is injured or killed because of motor vehicle, there are civil remedies available.  These are claims against the at-fault driver, which are typically covered by automobile insurance policies.  Ontario law creates a presumption of negligence whenever a pedestrian or cyclist is hit by a car.  That is, the driver of the vehicle is presumed to negligent, and has the burden of proving otherwise.  This is an exception to negligence and tort law.  Nonetheless, pedestrian claims are often vigorously defended by the insurance company.  When a pedestrian is killed, the family members can make claims for their losses, including loss of guidance, care and companionship of their loved one.  

If a loved one has been killed in a fatal pedestrian accident in Ontario, it is important to seek the advice of Ontario car accident lawyer.  A knowledgeable lawyer will be able to answer your questions and provide guidance about your options.   Although it is difficult to consider insurance claims at the time of tragedy, it is important to seek advice early as there are strict time limits for advancing claims.  Once the limitation period expires, the claims are forever barred.  

Iacobelli Law Firm is an Ontario personal injury and insurance law practice, with offices in Richmond Hill / Markham area and Toronto. We provide a free consultation to familes that have lost a loved one in fatal car accident or fatal pedestrian accident.  To request your free consultation with a personal injury lawyer, 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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There was a serious head-on collision near Orangeville and Schomberg area on Sunday February 3, 2013.  This Orangeville head on crash occurred on Highway 9, near Concession 11.   According to reports, an eastbound Ford Escape and a westbound Dodge Caravan were involved in the head-on crash.

Two people were taken to nearby Orangeville Hospital and then airlifted to Toronto hospitals with severe injuries.  The persons involved in this head-on crash have been identified as residents of Bolton and King City, Ontario.  The crash is being investigated by the OPP, and anyone with information is asked to contact the OPP Aurora Detachment at 905-841-5777.

According to media report on YorkRegion.com, two of the people injured in the accident are members of the locally renowned Sean Bourke Band; namely Sean Bourke and the band's drummer, Mike Graziano.

First and foremost, Iacobelli Law Firm, offers its support to those injured in this head-on crash.  We hope that they will all make a speedy and complete recovery.  This will no doubt be a difficult time for all affected. 

In Ontario, persons injured in a head-on crash can advance claims for no-fault statutory accident benefits.  These are insurance benefits provided by your own automobile insurance policy.  Additionally, claims can also be made against the at-fault driver's insurance company for losses, as well as pain and suffering.  At this point, it is unknown which of the vehicle drivers are at fault for the head-on crash.  The driver not at fault will want to speak with a Ontario car accident lawyer quickly in order to preserve the facts and evidence needed to prove the claim. 

Iacobelli Law Firm is a dedicated personal injury law firm that handles serious car accident claims throughout Ontario.  We offer a free, no obligation consultation.  If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed as a result of a car accident in Ontario, call us for a free consultation at 416-900-1070 or toll free at 1-866-234-6093, or complete an online contact form here.

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On Saturday February 2, 2013, there was a fatal motor vehicle and pedestrian accident in the area of Birchmount Road and St. Clair Avenue East in Toronto.   According to reports, a 65 year old woman was walking on the sidewalk along Birchmount Road, when she was struck by a Chevrolet Aveo in a driveway at 550 Birchmount Road.  

The female pedestrian was taken to hospital where she later died as a result of her injuries.

First and foremost Iacobelli Law Firm offers its sincere condolences to the family and friends of the woman that tragically lost her life in this Toronto pedestrian fatality.  

The Toronto Police are investigating the circumstances of this fatal accident, and are asking anyone with information to come forward.  Persons with information are being asked to contact police at 416−808−1900, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416−222−TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com,
text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).

Although more information is needed with regard to the circumstances of this fatal pedestrian accident, it is likely that the family of the deceased have a viable civil claim for their losses.  In Ontario, when pedestrian is tragically killed as a result of a car accident, the family can often advance a civil claim for their loss.  This is a claim against the at-fault driver, which is typically covered by insurance.   There is a presumption of negligence against the vehicle driver whenever a pedestrian or cyclist is struck by a vehicle. 

If you have lost a loved one as a result of a fatal car accident in Ontario, find out what rights are available to you and your family by speaking to a Toronto car accident lawyer.  Iacobelli Law Firm offers prospective clients a free consultation with an injury lawyer, and does not charge any fees until the case is resolved. 

Ontario has major highways that are relied upon by millions of travellers.  The major highways include Highway 401, Highway 400, Highway 407, Highway 404, the Don Valley Parkway, Queen Elizabeth Way, Highway 427 and many others.  Thankfully there are relatively few accidents on Ontario highways in comparison to the number of vehicles travelling.  Still, accidents do occur every day on Ontario highways, and some of these Ontario accidents result in serious injuries or fatalities.

The severity of injuries in Ontario highway accidents can be greater where the accidents involve vehicles travelling at speeds of 100 km/h or more.  The risks of serious injury in a highway accident are also increased when a large truck or tractor trailer is involved.  Ontario car and truck accidents are among the most dangerous collisions for the vehicle occupants.

If you, or a family member, are injured in a Ontario highway accident, there are remedies available.  In Ontario, those injured in motor vehicle accidents have two potential sources in which they can claim insurance benefits for losses.  The first avenue for obtaining benefits is from the no-fault (or Statutory Accident Benefits) insurer.  If another vehicle or driver is at fault for the collision, then you can also claim against that person for losses that are not covered by the no-fault insurer.  In nearly all cases, there is insurance in place for such losses. 

The process for making claims following a serious accident in Ontario is complex.  It is best to speak with a Ontario car accident lawyer before you complete insurance forms and provide statements to insurance representatives.   Iacobelli Law Firm represents the injured in auto accident claims, and the families of those who have lost a loved one in fatality vehicle accidents. Call us to request a free, no obligation, consultation with an Ontario car accident lawyer today. 

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Many football fans, myself included, will be enjoying this weekend's Super Bowl at a Super Bowl party.  Iacobelli personal injury law firm reminds you to please enjoy the Super Bowl responsibly.  Do not drink and drive.  Ontario drunk driving accidents continue to cause catastrophic injuries and death.  We can do better. 
 
Ontario police will be out on Super Bowl Sunday looking for drunk drivers.  The York Regional Police have announced an ehanced R.I.D.E. program beginning Friday, February 1 and continuing through to Monday, February 4, 2013. 

This weekend, enjoy the Super Bowl and be smart and stay safe.