TRUCK ACCIDENTS
TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYERS SERVING BARRIE & SURROUNDING AREAS
Truck accidents can entail some of the most serious motor vehicle accidents, resulting in catastrophic injuries and even the deaths of thousands of Canadians. The type of trucks mostly involved in truck accidents are tractor trailers, 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, and other large commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of greater than 10,000 pounds.
CAUSES
Most common causes of truck accidents are driver errors, resulting in truck rollovers, jackknifing, under-riding, trucks crossing into oncoming traffic, trucks taking a wide turn and hitting a vehicle, and failing to adjust speeds on downhill or winding roads. Some truck drivers fail to properly maintain their trucks and disregard trucking regulations. Poor road conditions increase the likelihood of accidents as well. Also concerning, truck drivers may fall asleep at the wheel, tired from long hauls, and sometimes drive impaired by alcohol or drugs. Many truck accidents happen on large highways, and Orillia and Midland have seen a high number of them. The lawyers at Littlejohn Barristers serve Orillia and Midland regularly and have extensive experience with personal injury cases involving truck accidents.
INJURIES
The injuries from truck accidents can range from minor to catastrophic. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries including paraplegia and quadriplegia, amputation, neck and shoulder injuries, fractures and broken bones, knee injuries, soft tissue injuries, scarring and other forms of disfigurement and other serious disabilities.
COMPENSATION YOUR ARE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE AFTER A TRUCK ACCIDENT
Similar to other motor vehicle accidents, those who incur injuries from a truck accident are entitled to receive compensation. Compensation for lost wages and medical expenses and rehabilitation can be obtained through an accident benefits claim (also known as a no-fault claim), usually through the injured victim’s own insurance company. Accident benefits will cover only what is not provided by other insurance you may have, however, such as one acquired through your employer, your spouse or one you purchased privately.
Unlike some other provinces in Canada, in Ontario you can also file a tort claim for additional compensation amounts. Claiming the statutory benefits through no-fault insurance can provide immediate access to funds you need to meet basic income needs and to continue with ongoing medical treatment while your legal case develops. A personal injury lawsuit can take years to settle, especially if the injuries are serious and long-term.
If you have been involved in a truck accident, the prescribed time frame to inform the automobile insurance company of your intention to claim accident benefits is seven days from the date of the accident. The insurance company will mail forms that you must have completed and returned within 30 days of receipt. The insurance company is required to make a reply to your claim within 14 days of receipt. To file a personal injury lawsuit, the insurance company of the at-fault driver must be notified within 120 days from date of accident and your lawsuit must be filed within the prescribed period of two years.
CONTACT LITTLEJOHN BARRISTERS
If you have been injured in a truck accident, a personal injury lawyer at Littlejohn Barristers will handle your case effectively. Our lawyers have extensive experience with truck accidents in Orillia, Collingwood, Barrie and Midland, especially those occurring on the busy routes of Highway 400 and Highway 11. Contact our Barrie-based law firm at Littlejohn Barristers as soon as possible after your accident for your free consultation at 705-725-7355.
CONTACT A LAWYER IN BARRIE, ONTARIO & AREA
For your convenience, we’re located just minutes from the County Courthouse. Call Littlejohn Barristers today at 705-725-7355 to find out how we can help you in your fight for justice. Our office is in Barrie, but our lawyers are proud to serve Midland, Collingwood, Orillia and surrounding Ontario areas.