A pedestrian was seriously injured in an accident in Toronto's east end.  The pedestrian accident occurred on Saturday April 27, 2013 at Kingston Road and Celeste Drive in Scarborough, Ontario.  The pedestrian was reportedly a 73 year-old woman.  She was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

First and foremost, we hope that the injured woman will make a complete and speedy recovery.  

The Toronto Police were investigating the circumstances for the accident, and had the roads closed for investigation.

As an Ontario personal injury lawyer, we are often asked whether an injured pedestrian has access to compensation following an accident. The answer is Yes.  In Ontario, when a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, they will often have at least two sources of compensation available through insurance.  

The process of applying for benefits and advancing claims following a pedestrian accident can be complex.  There are deadlines that must be met, otherwise an injury victim may be barred from making certain claims.  It is important to speak with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer early, in order to make sure that you are not jeopardizing your rights.


Free Consultation With Ontario Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
At Iacobelli Law Firm, we offer free consultations for all prospective clients.  You will meet in person with an experienced personal injury lawyer, and have your questions answered.  We also offer No Win - No Fee retainers, so you don't pay us anything unless and until your case is settled.  To request your free consultation call us at 416-900-1070 or 1-866-234-6093 or complete our online contact form here.

We also accomodate hospital and home visits if you are too injured to attend at our office.

Connect with Andrew Iacobelli on Google+

Studies show that teen drivers and inexperienced drivers are far more likely to be involved in a car crash.  Although Ontario's graduated licensing is significant in helping to reduce the risks presented to new drivers, parents can also do a lot to keep their teens safe.  By providing a good example, talking to your teenage child, and establishing rules, parents can make a real difference.  

According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), studies reveal that parents play a key role in preventing teen crashes and deaths.    To learn more about the CDC Parents are the Key campaign, click here.  

In Ontario, a person who is injured in a car accident can apply for a determination of whether their impairment qualifies as a catastrophic impairment under Ontario’s statutory accident benefits.  A catastrophic injury will increase an injured persons entitlement to benefits.  As such, insurance companies often challenge or deny that a person has sustained a catastrophic impairment.  


Under the current legislation, a catastrophic impairment is defined as:

(a) paraplegia or quadriplegia;

(b) the amputation of an arm or leg or another impairment causing the total and permanent loss of use of an arm or a leg;

(c) the total loss of vision in both eyes;

(d) brain impairment that results in,

                (i) a score of 9 or less on the Glasgow Coma Scale, as published in Jennett, B. and Teasdale, G., Management of Head Injuries, Contemporary Neurology Series, Volume 20, F.A. Davis Company, Philadelphia, 1981, according to a test administered within a reasonable period of time after the accident by a person trained for that purpose, or

               (ii) a score of 2 (vegetative) or 3 (severe disability) on the Glasgow Outcome Scale, as published in Jennett, B. and Bond, M., Assessment of Outcome After Severe Brain Damage, Lancet i:480, 1975, according to a test administered more than six months after the accident by a person trained for that purpose;

(e) an impairment or combination of impairments that, in accordance with the American Medical Association’s Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, 4th edition, 1993, results in 55 per cent or more impairment of the whole person; or

(f) an impairment that, in accordance with the American Medical Association’s Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, 4th edition, 1993, results in a class 4 impairment (marked impairment) or class 5 impairment (extreme impairment) due to mental or behavioural disorder. O. Reg. 34/10, s. 3 (2).

A determination that someone has sustained a catastrophic impairment as a result of a motor vehicle accident in Ontario, will have significant implications upon the available benefits.  Among the most significant benefits are Medical and Rehabilitation benefits of one million dollars and Attendant Care benefits of one million dollars. 

Although the quantum of benefits available for a catastrophic impairment is much more than that available to other accident victims, it may still not be enough to cover the care costs following a serious injury.  As such, it will be important to determine if there is a possibility to recover compensation from other insurance if the accident was caused in part by another person or company.  

If you or a loved one has been injured in an Ontario car accident, call our car accident law firm for a free consultation.  Our law firm is dedicated to helping those that have been injured in an Ontario car accidents recover compensation for their losses.  We offer prospective clients a free consultation with an experienced injury lawyer absolutely free.  There is no obligation, and any information you provide will remain confidential.  

You will not pay any fees until we obtain compensation for you.  To request a free case review call us any time at 416-900-1070 or toll free at 1-866-234-6093 or complete our online contact form here. 


Connect with Andrew Iacobelli on Google+

If you were recently injured as a result of a car accident in Ontario, you may have many questions about your rights.  Some common questions are: Can I sue for compensation following a Ontario car accident?  How much compensation can I get following a car accident?  Which insurance company is responsible for paying for my financial losses? 

The answer to these questions will depend upon the specific facts and circumstances of your particular car accident.  For that reason, it is important to speak with a Ontario car accident lawyer about your rights following a car accident injury.  Ontario car accident claims are complex due to the insurance regulations and statutes governing your right to compensation.  

In this post, we will attempt to provide an overview of the claims process following an Ontario car accident injury.  Following an injury in Ontario car accident, motorcycle accident or truck accident, you may be able to obtain compensation from your insurance provider, as well as the insurance company for the other involved vehicle.  These two claims are known as Accident Benefits and Tort:

The Accident Benefits claim is paid from your own auto insurance policy or from the insurance for another vehicle involved in the accident.  The Tort Claim is made against the at-fault driver for compensation, including damages that are not available through accident benefits, such as pain and suffering. 


The type and amount of compensation available from the accident benefits and tort claims will depend upon the nature of the car accident and the severity of your injuries.  A car accident lawyer will need to review the police reports and medical information in order to assess the potential value of your claim.  Among other things, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of income, healthcare expenses, and housekeeping and home maintenance costs.  


FREE CONSULTATION WITH ONTARIO CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER
If you or a loved one has been injured in an Ontario car accident, call me for a free consultation.  Our law firm is dedicated to helping those that have been injured in an Ontario car accident recover compensation for their losses.  We offer prospective clients a free consultation with an experienced injury lawyer absolutely free.  There is no obligation, and any information you share will remain confidential.  If we do take on your case, you will not pay any fees until we obtain compensation for you.  To request a free case review call us at 416-900-1070 or toll free at 1-866-234-6093 or complete our online contact form here. 


Connect with Andrew Iacobelli on Google+

We were sad to learn of a fatal accident involving a cyclist that occurred on the early evening of April 13, 2013 in Scarborough, Ontario.  This Scarborough fatal bicycle accident occurred on April 13, 2013 on Kennedy Road and William Kitchen Road.  

According to information released by the Toronto Police Service, a man driving a Dodge Durango SUV failed to stop for a red light at Kennedy Road and struck a 37−year−old man who was riding his bicycle.  The SUV then  struck five other vehicles before coming to rest.  

The cyclist was taken to hospital, but sadly he succumbed to his injuries.  First and foremost, we would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the young man who was tragically killed.

The driver of the SUV has been charged with several serious offences, including impaired driving, as a result of this collision.  The charges against the driver are:

• Fail to stop after accident
• Dangerous operation causing death
• Impaired driving causing death
• Over 80 mg operation causing death
• Dangerous operation causing bodily harm
• Impaired driving causing bodily harm
• Over 80 mg operation causing bodily harm

Although the loss of a loved one is never easy, this loss will undoubtedly be more difficult to accept for the family given the circumstances.  Despite our laws and education and awareness efforts, many disregard caution and make the decision to drink and drive.  This Toronto fatal accident is another reminder of the dangers of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence.  

YOUR RIGHTS IF A LOVED ONE IS KILLED BECAUSE OF A DRUNK DRIVER:
Fatal accidents caused by drunk drivers continue to occur far too often on Ontario roadways.  In addition to the criminal proceedings that often result from drunk driving fatality accidents, there are often civil claims.  For the family that has lost a loved one, their grief is often followed by feelings of uncertainty and despair.  In addition to the loss of companionship, love and affection, a family often faces financial hardship following the sudden loss of a loved one.   In Ontario, when someone is killed as a result of a motor vehicle accident, their family can make claims for financial losses.  This type of claim is often referred to as a wrongful death claim.  

Despite the facts of the case, which may appear compelling, wrongful death claims can still present challenges.  These claims are often vigorously defended by the insurance company.  Even when fault is admitted for the accident, the insurance company will often dispute the financial losses claimed.  As such, it is wise to seek the advice of a Ontario lawyer with experience in wrongful death claims so that you will take the right steps to preserve and maximize your claim.  

If you have lost a loved one as a result of an auto or bike accident in Ontario, contact Iacobelli Law Firm for a FREE consultation with an experienced lawyer.  Call us any time at 416-900-1070 or toll free at 1-866-234-6093 or complete our online contact form here.  

Connect with Andrew Iacobelli on Google+

There are reports of a serious car accident that occurred in Brampton, Ontario on Sunday, April 7, 2013.  This Brampton car accident occurred around 3:00 a.m. on McLaughlin Road near Lormel Gate in Brampton.  According to information provided by the Peel Regional Police, this motor vehicle accident involved a 2004 Mazda MPV and a 2009 Dodge Journey. 

An 18 year-old male from Mississauga and a 68 year-old resident of Brampton, along with the 5 passengers of the MPV, were reportedly transported to hospital with injuries. Some of the vehicle occupants were later transported to trauma centres in Toronto.  

First and foremost, Iacobelli Law Firm offers its support to those that have been injured in this Brampton car accident.  We hope that all involved will make a complete and speedy recovery from their injuries.

The accident is being investigated by the Peel Regional Police.  Anyone with information about the circumstances leading to this Brampton car accident, are asked to contact investigators with the Major Collision Bureau at (905) 453-2121, ext. 3710. Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or by visiting www.peelcrimestoppers.ca. 

Following a serious car accident in Ontario, those that are injured and their families will be faced with immediate concerns and challenges.  In addition to the health care and recovery, the injured persons will also be required to provide information and make decisions about insurance coverage and available benefits.  The circumstances can be, and often are, overwhelming for those involved.  The decisions that are made immediately following an accident can have major consequences with respect to the compensation that may be available. 

In Ontario, car accident victims may be able to receive compensation from more than one insurance company.  Ontario car accidents provide for no-fault or statutory accident benefits, as well as tort claims against the at-fault driver.  The availability of these claims and the amount of compensation will depend upon the facts and circumstances of the accident and resulting injuries. 

With regard to those that were injured as a passenger in a motor vehicle that was involved in a car accident in Ontario, they may be able to claim for your losses. Passengers that are injured in Ontario car accidents are almost always covered by insurance. Although it can feel like an uncomfortable situation when the person responsible for your injuries is a relative or friend, you should keep in mind that the claims will be for insurance proceeds.  Auto insurance is available for situations where passengers are injured - it is not a claim against that driver's personal assets. 

Free Consultation With Ontario Car Accident Lawyer
To learn more about your rights following a serious car accident, contact a Brampton and Toronto car accident lawyer.  We offer a free, no obligation consultation, with an experienced Ontario car accident lawyer.  To request your free case review, call us at 416-900-1070 or toll free at 1-866-234-6093 or complete our online contact form here.

Connect with Andrew Iacobelli on Google+