Serious Personal Injury Lawyers North York and Toronto

Car Accidents

Car Accidents in Ontario: The Two Ways of Getting Compensation

In 2018 there was an estimated 35, 746 fatal and personal injury collisions in Ontario. Unfortunately, this means that car accidents are more common than many would think. To make matters worse, if you have been in an accident, the legislation and court system can make navigating your claim difficult and confusing. This is further compounded by the fact that such accidents are often traumatic, and the moments afterward can be a blur, including feelings of fear, anger, frustration, and anxiety.

This article will explain, in a simple and straightforward manner, what your legal options are after a motor vehicle accident.

Slip and Fall/Trip and Fall Accidents

When the temperature drops below 0º, Ontario residents brace for the inevitable onset of snow and ice. The winter weather also brings hazardous weather conditions to municipal sidewalks. Ontario’s Municipal Act outlines some of the rules and tenets of slip and falls on municipal sidewalks.

Notice to the City

An injured person should be aware of the strict notice period found in the Municipal Act. An injured person has 10 days to provide written notice to the municipality. This notice should include the injury, identity of the injured person, the date, the time, and location of the fall. An injured person who does not put the city on notice within the timelines prescribed by the Municipal Act may be barred from starting an action for the recovery of damages.

Short Term/Long Term/CPP Disability Benefits

It is common for an employee to experience a disability leave at some point in their careers. Mental illness in particular is growing in prominence as a cause for a short-term or long-term disability leave. According to Manulife Financial Group, disability claims based on psychiatric injury, primarily depression, are growing at the fastest rate. Among youth in particular (15 to 24 years old), mental illness related disability is the most common type of disability.

Given the prevalence of disability leaves, many employers will offer policies of Short-Term and Long-Term Disability. Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Benefits will protect a person’s monthly earnings in the event of disability. Disability benefits are simply income replacement insurance in the event of injury or illness.

Accidents Involving Brain Injuries

Within the last 10 years, scientists have become increasingly aware of the causes and symptoms of a traumatic brain injury. A traumatic brain injury may be triggered even in the absence of a serious blow to the head. For example, a new study from the University of Rochester found that a single season of college football could cause brain damage.

Traumatic brain injuries can also be a consequence of a slip and fall or a motor vehicle accident. An injured person need not bump their head to experience a traumatic brain injury. Even a violent headshake could cause serious injury to the brain.

Pedestrian and Cyclist Accidents

Pedestrians and cyclists be aware!

The weather will eventually improve again. With the beautiful weather comes the desire for Torontonians to enjoy the great outdoors, and it is important to be mindful of the dangers posed to pedestrians and cyclists. Data indicates that the summer months are the deadliest for these groups with regards to the potential for auto collisions.

Active transportation collisions are most likely to occur at intersections and at major arterial crossings. Toronto ranks poorly amongst other Canadian cities for road safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and the estimated cost of collisions is over $60 million a year.