Motor-Vehicle Accidents (MVA) happen like a bolt from the blue but their effects can last a long time, perhaps even for an entire life-time. Severe injuries result in people having to take time off from work to recoup their health and in many cases, the person may never be able to work again.

For most injured victims, a car collision also means heavy and unforeseen medical expenses that include extended hospitalization,  expensive, complicated and long-term treatments and medication, loss of mobility and chronic pain.

One of the aspects that’s seldom taken into consideration is the emotional aspects of trauma. Post-traumatic stress is a common consequence of a devastating car crash. Fear, anxiety, phobia, sleep disturbances, mood changes, substance abuse and breakdown of relationships are all typical results of having survived a shocking event.

Are Accidents Preventable?

As our experienced Orillia personal injury lawyers know from experience, most accidents are avoidable and preventable. MVAs are almost always caused by someone’s fault or negligence. Vehicle drivers have a responsibility to share the road safely with other road-users and ensure that their co-passengers are also kept safe.

Accidents are usually caused by:

• Impaired driving
• Speeding
• Disobeying Traffic Signals, Road Signs and Warnings
• Distracted driver
• Poor weather conditions
• Non-maintenance or poor design of roads
• Defective or malfunctioning auto parts

Whatever the reason for the collision, injured victims in Ontario are entitled to receive statutory benefits, regardless of fault, payable by their own insurer. Additionally they’re also entitled to file a personal injury suit against the at-fault party.

Witnessing A Collision

Some of us may have been in a situation where we’ve seen a collision happening at close quarters and we’ve experienced the dilemma of wondering what to do.

It’s the regulation in many countries that anyone who witnesses an automobile accident should stop and ensure that no one’s hurt and should call for help.

As a witness, you must:

• Stay calm, cool and collected
• If you can’t stand the sight of blood, avoid looking
• Base your actions on the type of response needed
• Ensure your own safety – keep your own vehicle at a safe distance, since there could be a fire or explosion, flying/broken glass, etc
• If possible turn off the ignition in running vehicles to eliminate fire risk
• Call the traffic/police emergency number immediately. Don’t assume that someone else may have already done so
• Approach the crash site very carefully and help only if you’re capable
• Never move injured persons but reassure them that help is on the way
• Don’t form judgments about whose fault it was
• Give a clear statement of facts and provide your contact details to the police and traffic authorities
• Make a note of the time, date and location of the accident and brief notes about whatever you saw, for future reference

Oirillia personal injury lawyers who have been retained by the injured persons have to put together a strong claim proving the negligence of the at-fault party and the impact of the injuries on the victim. Eye-witness testimony can be of crucial importance in such cases.