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If a large commercial truck collides with a small passenger vehicle at high speeds, the results can be catastrophic. Owing to the large discrepancies in vehicle size and weight, if a large commercial vehicle is involved in a collision with a smaller car, the truck driver might sustain only mild or moderate injuries, whereas the occupants of the passenger vehicle could be severely injured. Indeed, collisions caused by negligent truck drivers in Richmond Hill often have fatal consequences for accident victims.
Serious truck accidents are on the rise. Recently, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) reported a 9% year over year increase in commercial motor vehicle collisions on the province’s roads and highways, with thousands of truck accidents resulting in serious injuries and fatalities.
Like the operators of every motor vehicle on the province’s roads and highways, commercial truck drivers are subject to the traffic rules and regulations outlined in Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act. As such, truck drivers owe a duty of care to other road users, including:
- Other drivers
- Their passengers
- Motorcycle riders
- Cyclists
- Pedestrians
- And others
Truck drivers have a legal responsibility to operate their commercial vehicles with a reasonable degree of caution that takes the safety of other road users into consideration at all times. Additionally, truck drivers are subject to strict commercial vehicle safety requirements that must be fulfilled in order to reduce the risk of injury-causing accidents.
However, owing to the rigorous demands of their strenuous jobs, certain truck drivers may feel the need to violate traffic laws in order to arrive at their destinations on time. They might engage in improper, unlawful conduct behind the wheel, including:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of amphetamines, stimulants, and other illicit drugs
- Fatigued driving
- Eating while the vehicle is in motion
- Improperly changing lanes
- Ignoring traffic signs/signals
- Texting while driving
- Distracted driving
- And more
If the violation of a traffic law causes a collision in which another road user is injured, the truck driver might be considered negligent. Therefore, they might be liable for damages incurred by the injured victims of the accident they caused.
However, depending on the circumstances of the collision, it might be determined that other parties and/or entities are also responsible for compensating injured accident victims. For example, if a truck driver’s employer was aware that they had a history of negligent driving but allowed them to continue driving, the company might be considered contributorily negligent. If so, they might also be liable for damages incurred by injured truck accident victims.
There are several things you should know after being injured in a truck accident. By taking advantage of a free initial consultation with our Richmond Hill truck accident lawyers, you will have the opportunity to learn about options for financial compensation that might be open to you. To learn more, call 1-800-JUSTICE and receive a cost-free, no-obligation consultation with our truck accident lawyers serving Richmond Hill.
Call 1-800-JUSTICE Today For A Free Initial Consultation
Our Richmond Hill truck accident lawyers offer all prospective clients a free initial consultation, during which they can ask important questions, receive case-specific legal advice, and learn whether they might be entitled to compensation. To speak with our truck accident lawyers serving Richmond Hill, contact Preszler Injury Lawyers today.
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Please note that past results are not indicative of future results as each scenario presents itself with its unique set of circumstances. But here are some truck accident related wins we’ve had for our clients.
More truck accident Topics
Here’s more information on truck accident related topics that we think you might find helpful.
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truck accident FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions for truck accident claims
Do I need a lawyer if the truck driver’s insurance company contacts me?
Insurance companies often call quickly after a crash, sometimes before you’ve even spoken to a doctor. Their goal is to protect their bottom line. Having a lawyer ensures you don’t accept less than what your claim may be worth.
What if the truck accident was partially my fault?
Ontario uses a system called contributory negligence. If you share some responsibility, your compensation may decrease, but you can still recover damages based on the other party’s share of fault.
How much does it cost to hire a truck accident lawyer?
Our Ottawa truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay upfront legal fees. Instead, we collect fees as a percentage of any settlement or court award we obtain for you.
What if the trucking company is based outside Ontario?
Many companies operate across provinces or internationally. You can still bring a claim in Ontario if the accident occurred here, even if the trucking company is headquartered elsewhere.
Can I still pursue a claim if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
Yes. Independent contractors still owe a duty of care, and the companies they work for may share liability depending on the circumstances.
What is the first thing I should do if I am in an accident with a commercial truck?
Your first priority is safety. If you can, move to a safe location away from traffic. Call 911 immediately to report the collision and request medical assistance, even if you feel fine, as some serious injuries are not immediately apparent.
If possible, take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any relevant signs. Get the truck driver’s name, contact details, employer information, and the vehicle’s CVOR (Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration) number, which is usually displayed on the side of the truck.
Avoid discussing fault with anyone at the scene and call our Ottawa truck accident lawyers as soon as you receive medical care.
What are Ontario’s Commercial Vehicle Operators’ Registration (CVOR) regulations?
The Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration (CVOR) system is run by Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation. It tracks the on-road safety performance of commercial vehicle operators. Trucking companies are rated based on collisions, inspections, and convictions.
A trucking company with a poor CVOR record may have a documented history of safety violations, which can become important evidence in proving negligence in an accident claim.
Will I have to go to court for my truck accident claim?
Most personal injury claims, including those from truck accidents, resolve through a negotiated settlement without ever going to trial.
A settlement is an agreement between you, the at-fault parties, and their insurance companies.
However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation for your injuries and losses, filing a lawsuit and proceeding to court becomes a necessary step to protect your rights.
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