The morning commute today was our first real test of winter driving this season in Toronto and southern Ontario.  This morning, I was making the drive from north York Region to North York, and it took me about 2 hours to arrive at my destination.  Although the drive was slow, and the roads were snow covered, I was pleased to see that most drivers were cautious and courteous.  

Although most people drive appropriate for conditions and weather, there inevitably those drivers that insist on driving too fast.  When people drive appropriately for the weather conditions, winter driving can actually be quite safe.  

As a Richmond Hill and Toronto personal injury lawyer, I often see the tragic results when people fail to adjust their speed to the weather conditions.  On snow and slush covered roads, driving too fast can result in sudden loss of control.  Losing control on a slippery road can result in high impact crashes, and even head on collisions.  This winter, please drive safe and adjust your speed to the road conditions.  

If you or a loved one has been injured due to a car accident because someone else was driving too fast for the road conditions, then you may be entitled to bring a claim for your losses.  Contact me for a FREE Consultation and to learn more about your rights. 

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If you were injured as a passenger in a motor vehicle that was involved in a car accident in Ontario, you may be able to claim for your injuries and losses. As a passenger, it does not matter whether the accident was caused by the driver  of the vehicle you were a passenger, or if another driver hit the vehicle you were riding in.  In either scenario, the accident was not your fault.  In most cases, the injured passenger will be able to make a claim for compensation.

When a passenger is injured in an Ontario car accident, the claim for injuries and losses are almost always covered by insurance proceeds.  Although it can feel like an uncomfortable situation when the person responsible for your injuries is a relative or friend that was driving, you should keep in mind that your claims will be for insurance proceeds.  The auto insurance proceeds are available for situations where passengers are injured. 

We regularly represent passengers that have sustained serious injuries as a result of car accidents, truck accidents and motorcycle accidents.  If you or a loved one has been injured while a passenger in a motor vehicle, call me and I will answer your questions.  Our initial consultation is complimentary, and confidential.  

To learn more call us at 416-900-1070 or 1-866-234-6093 to request a Free Consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer. 

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If you or family member has been injured in a car accident in Ontario, you are probably feeling weight of uncertainty and stress.  A serious injury from a car accident, motorcycle accident, or pedestrian accident, can take an enormous toll on you and your family.  Your main priority at this time is your health, and trying to get better and heal.  At the same time, however, there are concerns about the immediate loss of income, as well as uncertainty about the future.  Your family may be consumed with caring for you and helping you through the difficult road to recovering your health.  

Fortunately, there is insurance coverage in place to cover your losses following a serious motor vehicle accident.  The insurance company, however, while seemingly accommodating and sympathetic, will also be interested in minimizing its financial exposure and loss.  As such, they will want to pay you as little as possible.  Although you feel that you can do it alone, most people are far better off involving an experienced Ontario insurance and motor vehicle accident injury lawyer. 

Personal injury law is complex, particularly when the injury arises from a motor vehicle accident.  Your claim is governed by a multitude of statutes dictating what you can claim for, the amount you can claim for, and the entity that is responsible for paying.  There are forms to be filed, notices to be submitted, and strict timelines for compliance.  An experienced car accident injury lawyer will be able to prepare all of the paperwork for you and represent your interests to the insurance company so that you and your family can focus on your health.  An experienced injury lawyer may also be able to handle your case on a contingency fee, so that you will not be required to pay anything up front.  Our firm will only get paid if and when we are successful in recovering money for our clients.  

The following are some of the most frequently asked questions we hear following a serious injury accident in Ontario.  You can also call us at any time to request a free consultation, and have your questions answered by an Ontario car accident injury lawyer.  

1. Do I need a personal injury lawyer?
If another party's recklessness, carelessness, or negligence has caused you to suffer a serious personal injury, you should contact a lawyer. Typically, victims who attempt to go it alone with the insurance company receive smaller settlements than those who obtain the services of experienced personal injury lawyers.


2. What financial compensation can I receive in a personal injury lawsuit?
There is no guarantee of compensatory damages that could be awarded during personal injury litigation since these types of cases can vary greatly. However, the following are some of the considerations when verdicts and settlements are awarded:

• Medical and rehabilitation expenses
• Lost wages or earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Long-term care costs
• Property damage
• Physical pain
• Loss of mental capacity
• Physical and mental anguish
• Loss of life/companionship
• Disfigurement

3. How do I pay for a personal injury lawyer?
In most cases, fees will be charged on a contingency basis – in other words, there is no charge unless and until you receive compensation. The fee is normally a percentage of your final settlement.  The initial consultation with you is complimentary and absolutely free.

4. Are there any steps I can take to help build my case, while recovering from my injury?
Yes.  There are things that you can do to help your claim.  This is primarily retaining documents and information that will assist your lawyer in proving your case.  See the things that you can do to help your claim.

5. How long will it take to settle my case?
This will often depend on who you are suing and the nature and complexity of your case. After reviewing the specific facts of your case, a lawyer should be able to provide you with some estimate of how long your case will take to resolve.

6. Can I settle out of court?  
A claim can be settled at any time, including before the suit is filed, after the suit is filed, and, of course, before trial is started. Suits and claims can also be settled during or after trial. Statistically, most cases settle before trial and few ever go to trial. 

7. Is delay in speaking with a Ontario personal injury lawyer a bad idea?
It is absolutely a bad idea to delay in speaking to a lawyer about your rights if you have been injured.  Time is not your friend.  There are specific time limits, called statutes of limitations that govern the period in which you must file a personal injury lawsuit.  When the statute of limitations expires on your case, you are barred from bringing a lawsuit and you simply don't have a case anymore.  Statues of limitations differ according to the kind of lawsuit involved.

8. If I hire a personal injury lawyer will I have to go to court?
The vast majority of cases (about 90% to 95%) settle out of court, and so you probably will not be required to attend a trial.  Settlements are often achieved through settlement conferences and mediation.

9. What is the Statute of Limitations?
Time is not your friend.  There are specific time limits, called "statutes of limitations," that govern the period during which you must file a personal injury lawsuit.  When the statute of limitations expires on your case, you are barred from bringing a lawsuit and you simply don't have a case anymore.  Statues of limitations differ according to the kind of lawsuit involved.

10. How much is my Ontario personal injury case worth - and is it really worth putting in a claim? 
Every case is different. In personal injury cases, you are entitled to compensation for such things as pain and suffering (past and future); lost wages and ability to earn income (past and future); medical and rehabilitation expenses (past and future); disfigurement; disability, and loss of enjoyment of life (past and future). In order to evaluate your personal injury claim, we will have to speak with you and ask you some questions.  We offer a free, no obligation, consultation for prospective clients.  

11. Is there any obligation or fee if I contact you for a consultation? 
No. Consultations are free. Fees are only charged if your case is accepted and a recovery of money damages is achieved on your behalf.  If, after discussing your case with us, you decide not to pursue a claim or if you decide to proceed with another law firm there is no obligation on your part. Any information you have provided to us is also confidential and protected by the lawyer-client privilege.

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Although Ontario law prohibits texting while driving, it still happens.  We have all seen people behind the wheel driving and texting on their smart phone.  There is no doubt that it is tempting to read and respond to messages while driving, particularly over a long commute in Toronto and the GTA.  Reminding your teen drivers that the text message can wait may not always be enough.  Despite how responsible your child may be, mistakes can happen.  In the case of texting while driving, the mistake can have catastrophic consequences, which should not be underestimated.  As an Ontario personal injury lawyer, I have seen many devastating accidents that have resulted because of distracted driving.  

These days, it seems as though there is an app for just about everything.  So, it is not surprising that there are apps available for disabling the text and email features on cell phones while driving.  These apps have the potential to save lives, and should be considered by parents with a teen driver.  Although I am sure there are many such apps available, I have listed below only a couple that I recently came across.  

• Cellcontrol (www.cellcontrol.com)
  
• Textecution (www.textecution.com)

The above-listed apps seem promising, but you should do your own research on the various apps available.  Again, I would strongly encourage anyone with a teenage driver in the household to consider a program to disable texting and email while driving.  

If you need any further motivation, you can check out the many youtube videos of people sharing their stories of tragedy as a result of an accident caused by texting while driving.  The video below was prepared by AT&T, and it provides a compelling reminder of the dangers of texting while driving.  

Given the volume of traffic on Ontario roadways, particularly in Toronto and the GTA, it is not surprising that rear-end car crashes account for a significant number of Ontario car accidents.  Many Toronto and Ontario rear-end car accidents are the result of vehicles travelling to fast or following too closely.  The increasing reliance on cell phones is often also a cause of serious rear-end car crashes, due to distracted driving.  


Thankfully, many Ontario rear end car accidents occur at low speeds. Many rear-end accidents result is minor injuries only. Nonetheless, even at moderate speeds there is the potential for serious injuries following a rear end collision in Toronto.


In most rear-end car accidents, the driver that rear-ended the vehicle will be found to be at fault for causing the accident. Often, the police will issue a citation/ticket to the vehicle that caused the rear-end collision.  Most rear end crashes can be avoided by leaving ample space ahead of your vehicle, and by driving at a speed appropriate for the conditions.  It is important to drive slower and leave more room when the weather is poor. Drivers should never tail gate the vehicle ahead, as this can lead to a rear-end collision.

Common Injuries From Rear End Car Accidents
Rearend car accidents can result in many injuries for the occupants of the vehicle, including orthopaedic injuries, brain injuries, and soft tissue injuries.  The most common injury that results is damage to the head and neck.  "Whiplash" is a common name for injury to the cervical spine and discs. 


 The brain is also susceptible to serious injury in  a rear-end collision because of the sudden movements of forward and back.  Ontario rear-end accidents can result in herniated discs in the neck or back, as well as concussive syndrome.  

Disc herniations following a rear end car crash can result in neck pain, numbness, and shooting pains down the arms. In the case of a severe spinal disc herniation, the treatment can include spine surgery.  

If you have been injured in a rear-end car accident in Ontario, contact our Ontario car accident law firm for a free case review.  We offer free consultations to prospective clients.  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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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.  

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. 


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