Ottawa Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents in Ottawa often leave people with serious injuries and long-term consequences. If you or a loved one suffered harm in a crash involving a commercial truck, you may already be dealing with medical treatments, missed time at work, and major disruptions to daily life.

When another party caused the collision, you have the right to hold them accountable. Our Ottawa truck accident lawyers can help you pursue compensation and guide you through each step of the claims process.

At Preszler Injury Lawyers, our legal team has represented injured people across Ontario for decades. We understand the challenges that follow a truck accident and provide the support you need to move forward.

Reach out to our firm today for a free consultation to learn about your legal options.

Key Takeaways About Ottawa Truck Accidents

• Truck accidents often cause more serious injuries than passenger vehicle collisions because of the size and weight of the vehicles.
• Liability may involve several parties, including drivers, trucking companies, and maintenance contractors.
• Evidence such as driver logs, maintenance records, and cargo documentation plays a critical role in proving a case.
• Commercial trucking is governed by both provincial and federal regulations, which add another layer of complexity to claims.
• Victims may pursue compensation for pain and suffering, lost income, out-of-pocket expenses, rehabilitation, and the impact injuries have on daily life.
• Ontario law sets strict deadlines for filing claims, so acting quickly is necessary to protect your rights.

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Since 1959, we’ve helped thousands of Canadians get the compensation they deserve with their truck accident claims. One of Canada’s oldest personal injury law firms, personal injury law is exclusively what we do. Book a free consultation today with our top-rated personal injury lawyers.

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What Makes Truck Accidents Different from Regular Car Accidents?

Collisions involving large commercial trucks differ in several ways from ordinary car accidents. These differences influence both the severity of injuries and the legal process required to resolve claims.

Severity of Injuries and Property Damage

Large trucks weigh significantly more than passenger cars. In a collision on a busy roadway like Highway 417, the smaller vehicle almost always absorbs the greatest force. Victims often suffer broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries, which can require months or years of medical care. Property damage is also typically more extensive.

Complex Liability Issues

Truck accident cases rarely involve only two parties. While the driver may have caused the collision, other entities often play a role. For example, a trucking company may allow drivers to exceed daily driving limits, or a maintenance provider may fail to keep the vehicle in a safe condition.

Multiple Parties Potentially at Fault

Unlike a typical car crash, where one or two drivers are usually responsible, truck accidents can involve a web of liability. This makes gathering evidence and identifying all responsible parties critical to ensuring a fair outcome.

Federal and Provincial Regulations

Trucking companies must comply with strict rules at both the federal and provincial level. These regulations govern driver hours, vehicle maintenance, and cargo securement. When violations occur, they can serve as evidence of negligence in a personal injury claim.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Ottawa

Truck accidents occur for many reasons, some of which involve preventable mistakes.

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Truck drivers often work long hours under pressure to meet delivery deadlines. Fatigue reduces reaction times and decision-making abilities. Federal and provincial laws limit driving hours, but violations still occur.

Improper Loading and Cargo Securement

Cargo that shifts during transport can cause a truck to tip or lose control. Companies responsible for loading must follow safety standards to secure cargo properly. Failure to do so places everyone on the road at risk.

Mechanical Failures and Poor Maintenance

Faulty brakes, worn tires, and other mechanical issues contribute to serious accidents. Trucking companies must perform routine inspections, but cost-cutting measures sometimes lead to skipped maintenance.

Distracted and Impaired Driving

Distraction from mobile devices, eating, or adjusting equipment diverts a driver’s attention. Impaired driving caused by alcohol or drugs, including prescription medication, also significantly increases the risk of a crash.

Weather and Road Conditions

Ottawa winters often bring icy roads and poor visibility. Truck drivers must adjust their speed and driving practices to account for weather conditions. Failure to adapt can result in collisions on routes such as Hunt Club Road or Bronson Avenue.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?

Establishing liability is often one of the most complicated parts of a truck accident claim. Several parties may share responsibility.

The Truck Driver

Drivers may be held liable when they speed, drive distracted, ignore traffic signals, or operate while fatigued. Their individual conduct is usually the first factor considered.

The Trucking Company

Employers may bear responsibility if they failed to train drivers, pushed unsafe schedules, or ignored safety regulations. They may also be liable under a legal principle called vicarious liability, which holds companies accountable for their employees’ actions.

Cargo Loading Companies

Third parties that load and secure cargo must follow safety standards. Improperly loaded trailers can cause rollovers or jackknife accidents, making these companies potentially liable.

Vehicle Manufacturers

If a defect in design or manufacturing contributed to the crash, the truck or parts manufacturer may share liability. For example, a defective braking system could directly cause a collision.

Government Entities

Poorly maintained roads, missing signage, or dangerous intersections may place responsibility on municipal or provincial authorities. Claims against government bodies like the City of Ottawa may require you to provide written notice within 10 days of the incident, as outlined in Ontario’s Municipal Act.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Truck Accident?

In Ontario, medically necessary treatments are usually covered by the public healthcare system. However, truck accident victims often face many costs beyond basic medical care.

You may pursue compensation for:

• Private rehabilitation costs: Services such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or chiropractic care often fall outside the public insurance coverage system.
• Lost income: Wages you miss while recovering from injuries.
• Future lost earning capacity: When injuries limit your ability to work long-term.
• Pain and suffering: The physical discomfort and emotional impact of living with injuries.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Activities or hobbies you can no longer participate in due to your injuries.
• Future care costs: Long-term medical support, in-home care, or assistive services.
• Out-of-pocket expenses: Costs like prescription medications, mobility aids, or necessary home modifications.

How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Ottawa?

Timing is a major factor in truck accident claims. Ontario law imposes strict deadlines.

Limitation Periods Under Ontario Law

Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to start a lawsuit, subject to the statutory threshold. Missing this deadline can bar you from seeking compensation.

Exceptions to the Two-Year Rule

Certain situations extend or shorten the timeline. For example, minors and incapable persons have additional time, while claims against government entities often require notice within 10 days to proceed.

The Importance of Acting Quickly After a Truck Accident

Even if you technically have two years, waiting can weaken your claim. Evidence such as vehicle data or witness recollections becomes harder to secure as time passes. Acting promptly allows your lawyer to build a stronger case.

What Evidence Makes a Strong Truck Accident Case?

Evidence provides the foundation for any truck accident claim. The more comprehensive the evidence, the stronger the case.

Driver Logs and Electronic Data

Commercial trucks often contain electronic logging devices that record driving hours and vehicle movement. These logs can confirm fatigue or regulatory violations.

Vehicle Maintenance Records

Records of inspections, repairs, and service appointments can reveal whether a company neglected necessary maintenance.

Cargo Documentation

Bills of lading and loading records help determine whether cargo was secured properly and who was responsible.

Accident Scene Evidence

Photographs, police reports, and measurements from the crash site document important details such as skid marks, road conditions, and impact points.

Witness Statements and Expert Testimony

Eyewitness accounts and expert analysis of accident reconstruction often strengthen a claim by providing independent support.

How Insurance Works in Commercial Truck Accidents

Insurance coverage for truck accidents is different from that of typical car crashes.

Statutory Accident Benefits

Ontario drivers can access accident benefits through their own insurance, regardless of fault. These benefits may cover income replacement, medical care, and rehabilitation.

Third-Party Liability Claims

When another party caused the crash, you may bring a claim against their liability insurance for additional damages not covered by accident benefits.

Commercial Vehicle Insurance Requirements

Commercial trucks carry higher insurance limits than passenger vehicles. This means more coverage may be available to address serious injuries.

Dealing with Multiple Insurance Companies

Truck accidents often involve several insurers. Each company may attempt to shift responsibility onto another. Experienced legal representation helps ensure your interests are protected.

How Our Ottawa Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help

Our team at Preszler Injury Lawyers provides comprehensive support to truck accident victims in Ottawa.

Thorough Investigation and Evidence Gathering

Our lawyers conduct a detailed review of every factor that may have contributed to the collision. This often includes:

• Requesting driver logs, electronic control module (black box) data, and GPS information to determine speed, braking, and driving hours.
• Reviewing maintenance and inspection records to check for skipped repairs or equipment failures.
• Securing surveillance video or dashcam footage from surrounding businesses, intersections, or nearby vehicles.
• Consulting accident reconstruction professionals who can recreate the crash and provide clear visual explanations of how it occurred.

A thorough investigation may strengthen your claim by showing exactly what happened and who bears responsibility.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts by offering low settlements, if any offers are even made, or by delaying claims. We take over those negotiations, using the evidence gathered to push back against tactics designed to reduce your compensation.

By handling communication on your behalf, we prevent insurers from prejudicing your claim. Our approach emphasizes facts, documentation, and a firm stance against unfair practices.

Identifying All Liable Parties

Truck accident cases often involve a network of responsibility. A single crash may involve the driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, a maintenance provider, or even the manufacturer of a faulty part. We investigate every possible angle so that no responsible party avoids accountability.

For example, if a truck tips over because of unevenly loaded cargo on Bank Street, the loading company may share liability along with the driver. By identifying all potential defendants, we broaden your avenues for pursuing compensation.

Calculating Full Compensation

Financial losses after a truck accident often extend far beyond immediate medical bills. We work closely with medical professionals, vocational experts, and financial analysts to calculate both current and future needs.

This process may involve projecting the cost of long-term care, estimating the impact of missed career opportunities, or documenting the ways your injuries affect your daily life. A detailed calculation provides a clearer picture of the resources required to move forward.

Court Representation When Necessary

If insurers or at-fault parties refuse to resolve the claim fairly, we are prepared to represent you in court.

Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers in Ottawa Now

Truck accidents can leave lasting consequences, from ongoing medical care to reduced earning capacity. Taking action sooner rather than later protects your right to seek justice. At Preszler Injury Lawyers, we offer free consultations and the support you need to pursue a claim.

Call us today at 1-888-608-2111 or fill out our online contact form for your free case evaluation.

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