Your Personal Injury Lawyers
Are There More Car Accidents in the Winter?
No, recent statistics indicate that there are no more car accidents in the winter than at any other time of year. According to the Ministry of Transportation, the months with the highest number of injury and fatality accidents reported to police were:
- November (3,384)
- July (3,315)
- October (3,293)
- September (3,259)
- June (3,243)
In 2018, March had the fewest injury and fatality accidents with 2,396. This was almost 1,000 accidents below the month with the highest total, November. While these recent preliminary numbers do not seem to indicate a trend for more winter accidents in Ontario, that does not mean you should not be concerned about driving in winter weather.
Experts Concerned About Number of Traffic Fatalities in Canada During Winter
There appears to have been no more car accidents in the winter of 2018 than the other months of the year, but there is still reason to be concerned. The Canadian Medical Association Journal cites statistics comparing Canada to other countries with a similar climate to underscore that concern.
This report shows that about 12 percent of all deadly traffic accidents in Canada occur because of poor road conditions during the winter months. When adjusted for population, Canada has about twice as many winter weather-related traffic deaths as Sweden, another country that experiences snowy winters.
According to the CMAJ report, correcting this increased rate of fatal crashes may involve a multi-faceted approach that includes the following steps:
- Stronger road maintenance standards in winter conditions with government oversight.
- Winter tires required through legislation in areas where this is necessary.
- Lower speed limits during months when winter weather is likely.
- More education for motorists about driving safely in winter weather.
Slow Down and Take Your Time to Reduce Your Risk
The Ontario Ministry of Transportation offers information for drivers to help reduce the risk of causing a winter weather accident. Its guidance stresses slowing down and taking your time to reduce your risk of skidding or losing control. The Ministry also recommends always checking the weather for all areas along your route and paying close attention to road conditions when you travel during the winter. Be prepared with items in your car to keep you warm, if necessary.
While snowplows may make roads safer, it is important to pay attention and stay a safe distance away from them. You should also know how to steer out of a skid based on the characteristics of your vehicle. This may differ depending on the features of your car, truck, or SUV.
We May Be Able to Help You Understand Your Rights After a Winter Car Accident in Ontario
You might qualify to file a claim to recover compensation if you were the victim of a winter car accident in Ontario. You may qualify to pursue no-fault damages, as well as liability-based claims, depending on the facts of your case. A Toronto car accident lawyer may be able to review your case and assess your qualifications based on Ontario car accident and tort laws.
The team at Preszler Injury Lawyers may be able to determine how to approach recovering compensation and handle the process on your behalf if you qualify. This allows you to focus on treatment, rehabilitation, and getting the care you need for your accident injuries.
We may be able to help you determine:
- Negligence and liability
- What your case is worth
- That you qualify to take legal action based on liability
Under Ontario’s Insurance Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. I.8, you must take action within 120 days of your accident to serve notice that you may seek compensation based on liability if you qualify. You may also lose your right to file a lawsuit against the liable driver if you wait more than two years to start your suit per the Limitations Act of 2002, S.O. 2002, Chapter 24.
Discuss Your Case with a Member of the Preszler Injury Lawyers Team
No matter the weather, drivers in Toronto and nearby areas have a responsibility to drive in a safe and careful way that does not endanger others on Ontario’s roads. Failure to do so may lead to serious injuries or even fatalities. If you or a loved one sustained injuries because of a careless or reckless driver, the team at Preszler Injury Lawyers wants to speak to you about your accident.
You may discuss your accident with a member of our team today to learn if we may be able to help you file your claim or take other action to pursue compensation if you qualify. If your Ontario car accident injuries prevent you from travelling to our office, we may come to you.
Call Preszler Injury Lawyers today at 1-800-JUSTICE to talk to a member of our team about your case.
