​​As we approach the winter season, here are some safe driving tips we would like to share with you this winter season:

• Keep your vehicle in good condition – Regular maintenance on your vehicle will prevent breakdowns or other service failures especially now that winter has arrived. Make sure your tires are in good shape and your winter tires have been installed. Check your windshield wipers and replace them if necessary. Have your battery tested and fluid levels checked on a regular basis in order to have confidence that you are behind the wheel of a safe vehicle each and every time you hit the road.
• Clear the snow - Be able to see and be seen. Keep windshields, windows, mirrors, lights, reflectors and the roof of your vehicle clear of snow and ice. Snow flying off the back of a car or truck can blind the driver of the vehicle behind it, creating the potential for a collision.
• Be mindful of the space between you and vehicles – Road conditions during the winter are unpredictable and so many drivers become less predictable as well. Give others plenty of space when you brake in order to avoid sliding on ice or snow leading to a collision.
• Minimize distraction – Make sure your cell phone is charged and tucked away in your glove compartment, pocket or purse, only adjust your GPS when stopped and adjust the radio sparingly. Maximize all of your focus on driving.
• Buckle up – Wearing a seatbelt greatly reduces the risk of serious injury if you are involved in a collision and it’s the law.
• Navigating Snow Plows – never crowd a snow plow or drive directly beside it. Not only do snow plows stop and exit the road frequently, they also drive slowly, make wide turns and overlap into other lanes. It is much safer to drive on the road behind a snow plow because it is clear of snow and ice. When driving behind a snow plow, avoid following too closely or making sudden stops. Snow plows can sometimes throw up a cloud of snow that can reduce your visibility and make it difficult to react to various road hazards.
• Prepare for the worst – No one wants to think about worst-case scenarios but it’s always important to be prepared especially with a full tank of gas. Put together an emergency kit with food, water, blankets, a small shovel and your snow brush that includes an ice scraper. That way, if you end up stuck you have the supplies you need and you will not run out of gas.
• Unless absolutely necessary, do not drive. Do not make unnecessary trips and try to cancel plans if you are worried about your ability to handle the snow. Icy roads can be treacherous and even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone can.

When you have a hard time seeing due to a white out condition

• DO NOT PANIC.
• Slow down and put your hazard lights on.
• Do not use bright lights because they will reflect back at you.
• If traffic has stopped moving, come to a complete stop.
• Pull over if necessary and only when it is safe to do so. Remember to stay in your car.

Winter driving can be dangerous but with a little preparation, you can keep yourself and others safe this season. If you had the unfortunate experience of sustaining an injury while driving in the snow it is important to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.  Our team at Iacobelli Law Firm realizes how difficult it is when you find yourself involved in a collision and the hardships that you unexpectedly face. Our Team provides compassionate, professional and effective legal counsel. We also offer a FREE Consultation so please feel free to call us at 1-866-234-6093 or complete our online contact form here. We are honored to serve our clients and our community.

Andrew Iacobelli is an experienced personal injury lawyer who established Iacobelli Law Firm with offices located in Ontario, Canada as well as offices in Florida, U.S.A. Andrew restricts his practice to the representation of personal injury victims in claims involving serious injuries and wrongful death.

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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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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There was a serious multi-vehicle crash on Highway 400 on Monday November 5, 2012.  This highway 400 car accident occurred near highway 88 in the southbound lanes.  Sadly, this Highway 400 accident resulted in at least one fatality and serious injuries for others involved.  One man was airlifted to St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto. 

First and foremost, Iacobelli personal injury law firm offers its support to those that have been affected by this highway 400 accident.  This is a sad day for all of those involved as well as their friends and family.  Our condolensces to the family and friends of the person who was tragically killed in this multi-vehicle car accident.  We also wish a speedy and complete recovery for those that were injured in this accident. 

Highway 400 in the Greater Toronto Area is busy stretch of highway.  There are, unfortunately, many Ontario car and truck accidents that occur on Highway 400.  There are a number of factors which can result in serious highway accidents, including speed, improper lane changes, driver fatigue, and distracted driving.  More information is needed to determine the cause of the four-vehicle collision that occurred in this particular highway 400 multi-vehicle accident.  At this time, the circumstances of the accident are being investigated by the OPP. 

Irrespective of fault, those injured in this highway 400 accident, will have access to much-needed Statutory Accident Benefits.  In Ontario, accident benefits are available to all persons injured in motor vehicle collisions.  These benefits pay for some of the expenses following a collision, including medical and rehabilitation, as well as some loss of income.  It is also possible to bring a tort claim against the at-fault driver for the additional expenses and losses that are not covered through accident benefits. 

If you or a loved one is injured or tragically killed in a highway 400 motor vehicle accident, speak with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer to learn more about your rights.  Iacobelli personal injury law firm offers each prospective client with a free, no obligation, consultation with a personal injury lawyer.  To learn more, or to request your free consultation call us at 416-900-1070 or toll free at 1-866-234-6093 or contact us here.