Rotondo Law Firm, the GTA’s Leading Personal Injury Law Firm, Warns Motorists to Be Cautious After Rash of Collisions Following First Winter Storm
Toronto, Canada (PRWEB) January 03, 2014 -- Rotondo Law Firm (http://www.RotondoLaw.com), a Greater Toronto Area (GTA) personal injury and wrongful death law firm, cautions motorists to be careful after a large number of traffic accidents were reported after the first major winter storm hit the GTA and Southern Ontario.
Swaths of Southern Ontario were hammered with snow on December 14, 2013, with those areas situated near the Great Lakes getting hit with as much as 15 to 20 cm of snow. Road conditions throughout the GTA and on major highways were poor, so much so that by early Saturday afternoon, the Ontario Provincial Police Twitter account said the OPP was receiving around 50 accident reports per hour. By late that afternoon, there were collisions being reported every two minutes. (Sources: Ontario Prov Police, Twitter; https://twitter.com/OPP_GTATraffic, last accessed January 2, 2014; Magi, K., “Winter storm brings collisions every two minutes,” The Toronto Star web site, December 14, 2013; http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2013/12/14/gta_walloped_by_winter_storm.html.)
“The vast majority of the reported collisions were minor and involved single vehicles spinning and skidding out of control, ending up in ditches and hitting guardrails. According to the OPP, people were not driving according to the weather conditions,” says P. Michael Rotondo, lead counsel at Rotondo Law Firm. “While most of the delays and injuries were minor, two people died following a two-vehicle collision north of Barrie. The exact cause of the crash is not known, but police said road conditions were poor.”
With winter less than a week old, Rotondo explains, it’s important that drivers understand how important it is to adjust for the harsh winter road conditions. Winter driving in the Greater Toronto Area can be treacherous due to snow, black ice, and slush, and these conditions also mean it is difficult to stop, turn, and start, especially in emergency situations.
“In addition to driving according to the weather conditions, it’s also imperative that motorists in the GTA learn proper winter driving techniques before they actually need them,” he adds. “Vehicles respond differently to icy, slippery roads, so to prevent skidding, drivers need to learn how to handle their vehicles in all types of weather.”
Rotondo Law Firm advises drivers across the GTA to leave plenty of time to get to their destination, clear snow and ice from all windows and lights, top up fluids, and carry a roadside emergency kit. Drivers should also install four matching winter tires and make sure they are properly inflated.
Rotondo notes that when weather causes a single car accident, the individuals injured can seek compensation from their own insurer or the insurer of the vehicle. Even if there is no car insurance, those injured may still be able to seek compensation or coverage for medical expenses. An injured person may also have the right to sue the negligent driver of a vehicle or the owner of the vehicle.
“A large number of motor vehicle accidents in the Greater Toronto Area involve other drivers and are caused by weather conditions, driver error, or negligence. But regardless of who is responsible for a Greater Toronto Area car accident, victims are entitled to accident benefits,” Rotondo observes. “With Ontario’s no-fault system, most people are covered for accident benefits, which are paid to passengers, pedestrians, other drivers—anyone involved in the accident.”
Should death occur as a result of a motor vehicle accident, statutory accident benefits are available for the families of the victim. At the same time, victims or family members can also pursue the at-fault driver or owner of the vehicle for compensation.
“If you or a loved one has been seriously injured as a result of a motor vehicle accident, contact an experienced personal injury law firm in the Greater Toronto Area like Rotondo Law Firm and speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer,” Rotondo concludes
Rotondo Law Firm is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Toronto and has been providing personal injury law services to clients since 1999. Over the last 14 years, Rotondo Law Firm has been providing its clients with the highest level of legal service, spanning many areas of personal injury law, including trip and fall accidents; motor vehicle, pedestrian, motorcycle, and bicycle accidents; brain injuries; air flight accidents; accident benefit claims; and wrongful dismissal claims. Whether their clients have been injured in a car accident, are owed compensation from insurance, or have been wrongfully dismissed, Rotondo Law will work diligently to ensure they receive the settlement they deserve. More information on Rotondo Law Firm is available by visiting the firm's web site at http://www.RotondoLaw.com or by calling 416-868-0900.
Michael Rotondo, Rotondo Law Firm, http://www.rotondolaw.com/, +1 905-266-0350, [email protected]
Share this article