As car accident injury lawyers, we see firsthand the impact that car accidents have on mental health and emotional well being.  These injuries may be invisible to most, but to the victim the impact of a mental health injury can be catastrophic.  While the physical injuries sustained in a car accident are often the focus of medical attention, it is important not to overlook the impact that car accidents can have on mental health and emotional well-being.

Here are some of the ways that car accidents can impact mental health and emotional well-being:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Car accidents can be a traumatic event, and some people may develop PTSD as a result. Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety.
• Depression and Anxiety: It's common for people involved in car accidents to experience depression and anxiety. These conditions can be brought on by the physical injuries sustained in the accident, as well as the emotional trauma.
• Fear of Driving: After a car accident, some people may develop a fear of driving, which can impact their ability to travel to work or engage in other activities.
• Insomnia: Insomnia is a common problem for people who have been involved in a car accident. The stress and anxiety of the accident can make it difficult to sleep at night.
• Relationship Problems: Car accidents can cause significant stress on relationships, particularly if one or both partners are injured in the accident. This can lead to arguments, feelings of resentment, and a breakdown in communication.

Even a car accident that does not cause any physical injuries can result in major emotional and mental health issues.  If you have been involved in a car accident, and your noticing changes to your mood or emotions, it is important to seek medical attention.  A mental health professional can help you process the trauma of the accident and develop coping strategies to manage the emotional injuries.  If you know someone that was involved in a car accident, pay attention for signs of mental health injury and encourage your loved one to get appropriate help. 

The good news is that, in many cases, mental health issues following a car accident can improve with psychological treatment.  I recently sat down with a clinical psychologist, Dr. Jeremy Frank, to learn more about mental health after a car accident and options for victims to get better.  The video is posted below or you can watch it on our YouTube channel or Podcast.  

Andrew Iacobelli is an experienced personal injury lawyer who established Iacobelli Law Firm with offices located in Ontario, Canada and Florida, U.S.A. Andrew restricts his practice to the representation of personal injury victims in claims involving serious injuries, Catastrophic Injuries, and wrongful death in Canada and the United States.  Andrew is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and  the author of "Are You a Canadian Injured in the United States? Claim the Damages and Insurance Coverage the Right Way". 

Some common question we are asked are: "How long will it take to settle my car accident case?" or  "Why is it taking so long for my car accident case to settle?"  These are great questions, and we understand how frustrating it can be for victims of car accidents waiting for their cases to resolve either by settlement or trial verdict.  Personal injury cases can be stressful and this is made all the worse when you are waiting for your case to conclude.  Unfortunately, while your lawyer may have opinions with respect to the merits and value of your case, this doesn't always mean that the insurance company for the defendant will concede and resolve the case.  That is, insurance companies can, if they choose, drag out your car accident case by making unreasonable offers to settle your case.  In some instances, insurance companies will offer no money at all for as long as they can, despite the fact that you were objectively injured in the car accident.  In Ontario, another factor that allows insurance companies to essentially delay your case is the fact that it takes a long time to get a trial.  Our courts are overloaded with cases, and there are simply not enough judicial resources to hear and resolve all of the cases that are pending.  The insurance companies know this, and some insurance companies routinely take advantage of this fact by delaying and denying claims that have merit.  

In our experience as car accident lawyers handling hundreds of car accident cases every year, we have seen unmistakeable trends with certain insurance companies in Ontario.  In particular, it has been our experience that the one particular insurance company, which will remain unamed in this article (we'll call them out in an upcoming blog) is the insurance company in Ontario that most often delay cases by failing to engage in any meaningful settlement discussions.   In fact, in our experience, this particular insurance company takes a hardline approach in defending lawsuits as well as in claims that are made by their own policyholders.  This insurance company does not hide the fact that they do not want to pay injury victims; in fact, their own adjusters and lawyers often broadcast this point.  It seems to be a point of pride for this insurance company and their team, that they will drag injury victims through the mud.   Very often, it's the first thing we hear from an adjuster or their lawyer. Some of the lawyers doing work on behalf of this insurance company do express their disagreement with the approach, and say that the insurance company will not take their advice to pay the claim.   This particular insurance company is not only hurting the injured victim in Ontario, they are also a burden on our society.  By forcing litigation in cases with merit, they tax our court resources, they delay treatment and recovery for accident victims, which keeps these individuals out of the workforce and from being productive.  When an insurance company takes this approach they are also hurting their insured policyholder.  The policyholder is also put under the continuing stress of a pending lawsuit without closure for years.  

Of course, any insurance company has the right to defend a case how it sees fit, provided they are acting in good faith with respect to their policyholder.  We recognize that most insurance companies will vigorously defend contentious cases that may lack merit or those with other issues such as liability.   With this insurance company, however, it has been our experience that even cases with merit - those with objective injuries and clear fault - are routinely defended aggressively, and we can only speculate that this is for the purpose of delay and wearing down the plaintiff.   We can only surmise that, in the short term, this is found to be a profitable way to conduct claims handling.   When international insurance companies come to Canada they earn substantial revenues from premiums paid by hardworking Canadians.   Ultimately, in the long run, the approach of delaying and denying claims may cost the company more than what they are saving in the short term; the public tends to respond to business reputation with their hard-earned money.  Most of our clients that have had the experience of a claim with one particular international insurance company, tell us in no uncertain terms that they will never purchase another policy of insurance with this compnany.   We all know that an unsatisfied customer tends to broadcast their experience far more than a satisifed customer.   In fact, I even know insurance brokers that steer clients away from this particular insurance company because the insurer denied or delayed accident benefit claims.  In the end, an insurance product is about peace of mind and service and this company delivers neither.    I consider myself level headed and objective.  In my more than 20 years experience, I have only lost my temper and yelled at an insurance adjuster once, and it was an adjuster for this particular company - why?  Because the adjuster made it plainly clear that she was withholding funding for treatment for my brain injured client in hopes that the client would eventually lose touch with myself and her family so that she could no longer pursue the claim.  It was despicable.    

For a jury in a car accident case, they may also be wondering why the trial is taking place so many years after the accident.  In all likelihood, it is because the insurance company for the at-fault driver dragged the case on for years and decided not to make any attempt to resolve the claim.  Most injury victims do not want to go to trial, and most are extremely reasonable in their expectations for compensation following a car accident injury. The laws in Ontario make it unlikely that an injury victim will ever be fully compensated for the harms or losses, and certainly there is no opportunity for a windfall.  If the case is at trial, it is probably because the insurance company did not want to pay anything to the victim.  

While this is not the only reason why a car accident case may take a long time to resolve, it is certainly a major factor.  Your personal injury lawyer most likely wants to resolve your case as soon as possible, once there is sufficient medical evidence to ascertain the value of your case.  This can typically occur within a year to two years.  If your case is taking longer than that, it is probably because the insurance company is refusing to pay money for your claim.   Instead of being frustrated with your lawyer, you might want to consider thanking your lawyer and their team for continuing to fight the difficult battle for you.  It's not easy to keep fighting a case for a long time without any revenue, and lots of expenses.  In addition to overhead, your lawyer has probably spent tens of thousands of dollars on expert reports that will be needed at trial.  If your case is not successful, your lawyer may be paid nothing for their time and expense.  While we know that the delay is a financial hardship to the victim and their family, if your lawyer is working on a contingency fee agreement, then they are also working for years without any pay for their efforts.  Keep this in mind, and remember you and your lawyer are on the same side and your lawyer wants the best possible result for you.  

We hope that this helps explain why sometimes a car accident case can take longer than expected and gives you some peace of mind.  

Andrew Iacobelli is an experienced personal injury lawyer who established Iacobelli Law Firm with offices located in Ontario, Canada and Florida, U.S.A. Andrew restricts his practice to the representation of personal injury victims in claims involving serious injuries, Catastrophic Injuries, and wrongful death in Canada and the United States.  Andrew is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and  the author of "Are You a Canadian Injured in the United States? Claim the Damages and Insurance Coverage the Right Way". 

When pedestrians are the victims in a collision with a car, the results can be devestating.  Cars hitting pedestrians can cause serious injuries and even fatalities.  Many catastrophic injuries are the result of a car or truck striking a pedestrian.  Every year, far too many pedestrians are involved in accidents on the roads and sidewalks of the province, and many are left with lifelong physical, emotional, and financial losses. Understanding the causes of pedestrian accidents and knowing your rights as a pedestrian can help you stay safe and protect yourself in the event of an accident.

Common causes of pedestrian accidents in Ontario include:

• Distracted driving: Distracted drivers are a major threat to pedestrians, especially with the rise of cell phone use. Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise distracted can easily overlook pedestrians in their path.
• Reckless driving: Reckless driving, such as speeding, running red lights, and making sudden lane changes, puts pedestrians at risk.
• Poor road design: Poorly designed roads and sidewalks can create hazards for pedestrians, such as narrow sidewalks, lack of crosswalks, and insufficient lighting.
• Inclement weather: Wet and slippery conditions can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians and for pedestrians to maintain their footing.
• Intoxicated driving: Impaired drivers pose a serious risk to everyone on the road, including pedestrians.

As a pedestrian in Ontario, you have the right to use the roads and sidewalks safely. If you are hit by a vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses, such as lost income and medical expenses.

To protect yourself as a pedestrian, it is important to take precautions such as:

• Being visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at night, and make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street.
• Staying focused: Put away your phone and other distractions and stay focused on the road while walking.
• Following the rules of the road: Cross at designated crosswalks and obey traffic signals and signs.
• Being aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to your surroundings, especially while walking near busy roads.

If you are involved in a pedestrian accident in Ontario, it is important to seek the guidance of an experienced personal injury lawyer.  A lawyer can help you understand your rights and assist you in pursuing a claim for compensation.  Our injury lawyers have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of victims of pedestrian accidents throughout the province of Ontario.  We understand that after a serious injury, you will need maximum compensation to secure your future.  

Our phone lines are open to you 24 hours 7 days a week.  To learn more or to request your Free Consulation call us now or complete our contact form online to request a call back.

Andrew Iacobelli is an experienced personal injury lawyer who established Iacobelli Law Firm with offices located in Ontario, Canada and Florida, U.S.A. Andrew restricts his practice to the representation of personal injury victims in claims involving serious injuries, Catastrophic Injuries, and wrongful death in Canada and the United States.  Andrew is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and  the author of "Are You a Canadian Injured in the United States? Claim the Damages and Insurance Coverage the Right Way". 

There was a fatal accident in Markham, Ontario on Tuesday, October 12, 2022, at approximately 2 p.m..  This fatal accident in the area of Markham Road and Elson Street involved a dump truck with a trailer and an Acura with three occupants.
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The driver, a 21-year-old male, and rear passenger, a 23-year-old female, in the Acura were sadly pronounced deceased at the scene. A third front passenger, a 52-year-old female, was transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries, where she remains in critical condition.

First and foremost the wrongful death lawyers and team at Iacobelli Law Firm offer sincere condolences to the family and friends of these two young people that lost their lives in this tragic fatal crash.   We also wish the survivor a speedy and full recovery from her serious injuries. 

The 46-year-old male driver of the dump truck remained at the scene with no injuries. 

Although the police investigation remains ongoing with York Regional Police, in our view the dump truck driver and owner will have civil responsibility for the deaths and injuries arising out of this crash.  That means, if the family members of the deceased decide to pursue a lawsuit, the owners and operators of the dump truck may have to pay money for the losses in a wrongful death claim.  Additionally, the female survivor, who is critically injured, could also bring a civil lawsuit to recover money for her injuries and losses.   In a civil case, the injured parties and their loved ones only need to show that the dump truck driver was in some way negligent in the operation of the dump truck and bears responsibility for the losses.  These claims are almost always covered by insurance, and in this case, it would be the insurance policy on the dump truck that would likely have to pay the claims.  

We have learned that there was dash cam footage of this accident, which captured the dump truck entering the intersection against a solid red traffic light signal.   From the perspective of a civil wrongful death claim, it appears clear from the dash cam footage that the driver of the dump truck was completely at fault for running a red light resulting in the death of two young people and serious injuries to another.  

It is important to note that  a civil claim is different and separate from any charges that may emerge from the police investigation.   Whether or not the police charge the driver of the dump truck, this will have little impact on the rights of the victims to bring their own separate civil claims for money damages.   The victims do not need to wait for the police investigation, but can launch their own claims immediately with the help of a personal injury lawyer that has experience with wrongful death claims. 

Get The Answers To Your Questions From a Lawyer:

We recognize that you probably have a lot of questions about your rights following the wrongful death of a loved one. Our law firm offers all prospective clients a free case review.  We understand that you want answers as soon as possible, without the obligation of having to retain a lawyer and pay hourly fees.   If you have tragically lost a loved one as a result of the negligence of another person or company, contact a dedicated Ontario wrongful death and fatality claims lawyer to learn about your rights.  

For a confidential and complimentary consultation, contact Iacobelli Law Firm, or call 1-866-234-6093.  Our lawyers work tirelessly on behalf of victims to get you justice for your loss.  Consultations are always free and there is absolutely no obligations. 

Andrew Iacobelli is an experienced personal injury lawyer who established Iacobelli Law Firm with offices located in Ontario, Canada and Florida, U.S.A. Andrew restricts his practice to the representation of personal injury victims in claims involving serious injuries and wrongful death in Canada and the United States.  Andrew is the author of "Are You a Canadian Injured in the United States? Claim the Damages and Insurance Coverage the Right Way". 

There are reports of a serious motorcycle accident on August 16, 2022 on Highway 401 near Meadowvale Road in Scarborough.  This incident was the result of a large 4x4 container falling off another vehicle on the highway 401. Unfortunately, the motorcycle collided with this fallen object, resulting in serious life-threatening injuries for the motorcyclist.

This motorcycle crash occurred in the eastbound express lanes of Highway 401 around 1 p.m. on August 16, 2022.  The OPP indicated that they have located the vehicle the container came from.

This is an unfortunate incident that could have been avoided if the container was properly secured to the vehicle.  When loads are not properly secured, they can often result in serious injuries.  Our lawyers have represented people injured in accidents where loads were not properly secured. 

The victims and their families in these types of accidents, will usually be able to claim for their losses against the at-fault party, including compensation for income loss, health care expenses, and pain and suffering.  

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact us for a Free consultation. Learn about your rights, and pay us nothing unless we recover money for you.  

We represent injured motorcyclists and their families throughout Ontario.

In our recent You Tube video lawyer Andrew Iacobelli discusses important steps you need to take if you are involved in an auto accident in Ontario.  

To see the entire video, visit our You Tube channel to get important information about your rights following an accident or injury. 

Pedestrian accidents in Toronto account for many tragic deaths every year.  Recently, on October 30, 2021, a 65 year old man was killed while crossing Kennedy Road near Lawrence Avenue East in Toronto.  According to reports, the pedestrian was struck by a blue Dodge Caravan, operated by a 35 year old man.  The Dodge van was travelling northbound at the time of the collision.

First and foremost, the wrongful death lawyers and team at Iacobelli Law Firm offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the man who was tragically killed in this Toronto pedestrian accident. 

The investigation is on-going by members of Traffic Services with the Toronto Police.  Members of the public with information are asked to call Toronto police and provide information.  In our experience, when a pedestrian is struck by a motor vehicle, there is usually fault on the part of the driver of the vehicle.  Ontario also recognizes a rebuttable presumption of liability on the part of the driver in the context of a civil suit.  

In wrongful death cases involving pedestrians struck by vehicles, the Estate of the deceased along with immediate family members will have the right to advance civil claims for their losses.  These claims do not assign any criminal responsibility on the at-fault driver.  Instead, in a civil claim the family members can only seek money for their loss.  These claims are almost always handled and paid by the insurance policy on the vehicle involved in the crash.  

If you have lost a loved one due to a fatal pedestrian accident, you may be wondering about your rights.  Call us anytime or request a Free Consultation online and we can answer your questions and explain your rights and options.  There is no charge for the consultation, and there is absolutely no obligation.  All consultations are also confidential and private.  

Andrew Iacobelli is an experienced personal injury lawyer who established Iacobelli Law Firm with offices located in Ontario, Canada and Florida, U.S.A. Andrew restricts his practice to the representation of personal injury victims in claims involving serious injuries and wrongful death in Canada and the United States.  Andrew is the author of "Are You a Canadian Injured in the United States? Claim the Damages and Insurance Coverage the Right Way". ​

There are reports of a serious Toronto car accident that occurred on October 24, 2021 in the area of Bartor Road and Clayson Road in Toronto.  This Toronto car accident occurred at approximately 8:19 pm, and resulted in serious injuries.  

According to early reports, a 32 year old man was driving a Nissan Altima southbound at a high rate of speed, and rear-ended a Nisan Maxima.  The Nissan Maxima was stopped in the southbound lane when it was hit from behind.  Unfortunately, the driver of the Maxima, a 49 year old man was seriously injured in this crash, and was transported to hospital with life threatening injuries.  The driver that caused this accident then fled the scene on foot, before being found and arrested by officers.  The driver, Anthony Brown, has been charged.  

We wish the man injured in this Toronto car accident a speedy and complete recovery from his injuries.  This man was doing nothing wrong, and was the unfortunate victim of a dangerous driver.  

When people are needlessly injured in Toronto car accidents, the impact can be life changing for them and their families.  Serious injuries from car accidents can result in lost income, as well as medical and rehabilitation expenses.  This is in addition to all of the pain and suffering and emotional losses experienced by the victim and their family.  

Although there may be prosecution for the offense, the victim and their family may also need to consider a civil remedy.  This is a separate claim that does not assign any criminal responsibility on the at-fault party, but instead seeks compensation for the losses and damages suffered.  A civil claim for a car accident, would allow the victims to recover money to help restore some of the losses and cover future losses.  Most often, these claims are covered by insurance.  In Ontario car accident injury cases, the injured party may have the right to access insurance coverage from their own automobile insurance police and that of the at-fault party.  These claims are known as accident benefits and tort claims. 

If you or a loved on has been seriously injured in a car accident in Toronto or anywhere in Ontario, you should speak with an experienced car accident lawyer to learn about your rights.  Time is not on your side - there are deadlines that must be followed.  Consultations are Free and there is no obligation to hire us.  If we are able to assist with your claim, we will not ask you to pay us anything up front, and we will only be paid at the conclusion of your case if we are successful in recovering money for you.

Andrew Iacobelli is an experienced personal injury lawyer who established Iacobelli Law Firm with offices located in Ontario, Canada and Florida, U.S.A. Andrew restricts his practice to the representation of personal injury victims in claims involving serious injuries and wrongful death in Canada and the United States.  Andrew is the author of "Are You a Canadian Injured in the United States? Claim the Damages and Insurance Coverage the Right Way". ​

There are reports of a Toronto fatal car accident involving a pedestrian that occurred on Tuesday October 19, 2021 at Danforth Avenue and Birchmount Road.  According to early reports, a 17 year old girl was crossing Danforth Avenue north on the east side of Birchmount Road, when she was struck by a Dodge Caravan that was making a right turn.  The young girl was taken to hospital, and sadly, succumbed to her injuries.   

We are saddened to learn that a young girl has tragically died as a result of this Toronto pedestrian accident.  The personal injury lawyers at Iacobelli Law Firm, offer sincere condolences to the family and friends of the victim.  

At this time, the Toronto Police are continuing to investigate this accident, and police are asking local residents, businesses and drivers, who may have security or dash camera footage of the area or incident, to contact investigators.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1900, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes or Google Play.

Liability for Pedestrian Accidents
In Ontario, when a pedestrian or cyclist is struck by a motor vehicle the driver of the vehicle is presumed to be at fault.  This presumption of negligence, however, can be rebutted by the driver and/or by their insurance company and their legal team.  In serious pedestrian accident cases, such as fatal accidents or other catastrophic injury cases, insurance companies and their lawyers often fight vigorously to contest fault or liability.  Where the pedestrian is killed or catastrophically impaired, the victim is unable to provide any account of the accident details.   This gives opportunity for the insurance companies to search for facts or circumstances that permit them to blame the pedestrian.  In all serious pedestrian accident cases, it is important to retain an experienced injury lawyer early to preserve your rights.  A lawyer will often be able to investigate the circumstances of the accident early and appropriately respond to any attempts by the insurance company to blame the accident on the victim.  

Who Can Make a Claim for Wrongful Death Following a Fatal Pedestrian Accident in Ontario?
In Ontario, wrongful death claims are subject to the Family Law Act.  Specifically, Part V of the Family Law Act provides that, where a person is injured or killed by the fault or neglect of another, then the spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters of the person are entitled to recover their pecuniary loss resulting from the death.

If you have lost a loved one as a result of a fatal pedestrian accident in Toronto or anywhere else in Ontario, our lawyers can help you recover for your losses.  Family members can claim for financial losses, and losses related to the companionship and guidance of your loved one.  We offer free consultations with an injury lawyer.  There is no obligation to hire us, and all information is strictly confidential.  To learn more call us 24/7 at 1-866-234-6093 or complete our online contact form here to speak with a pedestrian accident lawyer.  We serve all of Ontario.  

Andrew Iacobelli is an experienced personal injury lawyer who established Iacobelli Law Firm with offices located in Ontario, Canada and Florida, U.S.A. Andrew restricts his practice to the representation of personal injury victims in claims involving serious injuries and wrongful death in Canada and the United States.  Andrew is the author of "Are You a Canadian Injured in the United States? Claim the Damages and Insurance Coverage the Right Way". ​