Tag Archives: brampton injury lawyer

Car Accident – Lost Job. We Can Help. Brampton car accident lawyers

Posted on by
Reply

When car accidents happen, they can result in significant disruption to your life and that of your family’s regardless of the nature and extent of your injuries and losses. However, when there are serious, life-altering injuries, the physical, financial and emotional consequences can be devastating. Whether you are the primary income-earner in the family or you contribute to it, being injured means that you need to take time off from work for treatment and rehabilitation.

Medical treatment, hospitalization, follow-up visits, therapy, etc. result in huge expenditure. Emotionally, this is a very difficult time for the victim and loved ones. The injured person may need care and assistance to perform the tasks of daily living, feeding, toileting, grooming etc. The loss of companionship, guidance, and care, help in making important decisions and lack of emotional support, help with household chores and tasks that were available prior to the accident can impact relationships and emotional well-being.

Claiming Compensation

As experienced Brampton car accident lawyers know, accidents are rarely accidental. They are in a large part caused by someone’s fault or negligence. Those injured in the accident are entitled to claim compensation for their losses.

There are different avenues of compensation available to injured victims. Statutory insurance benefits are available in Ontario to all victims through their own auto insurance policies, regardless of fault. This provides some amount of income replacement, reimbursement of medical and rehabilitation expenses and some other categories, based on the terms of the contract. Another area that can be tapped is to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. You are entitled to seek damages for pecuniary and non-pecuniary losses.

Have You Lost Your Job Because Of Inability To Work?

One of the most distressing aspects of being injured in an accident is the loss of function or working capability. It can put people and families into a serious financial crisis. Income replacement is essential because it helps to restore financial stability. In general, up to 70% of gross income replacement may be awarded and in some cases, this can go up to 100% based on the individual circumstances of each case.

Injured While Driving To/On Work

If the collision happened while you were driving to work, using a company vehicle, or were traveling on work related to the company’s business, other complex issues may arise. These concerns help in establishing the actual liability and responsibility, determining which insurance company should make the settlement payout, exploring other avenues and special benefits including workers’ compensation etc.

This is where an experienced, knowledgeable Brampton personal injury lawyer can give you the right advice and assistance.

Most people are unaware of the various options available to them. They may also not know how the specific laws in Ontario are applicable in their cases. Employers can be held liable if the collision occurred within the scope of your employment terms, the accident happened when you were on company work, and the company would have benefited from the work that you were on. In such cases, the company’s insurance coverage will apply as third-party damages. This also applies to drivers and passengers in the at-fault vehicle, pedestrians, passengers in the company’s vehicles etc. However, if you were on a personal errand or business at the time of the accident, or were committing a crime at the time, like drunken driving or running a red light, the liability remains with you.

In addition to employer’s compensation, you are also entitled to file a personal injury suit against the at-fault driver. Since employer’s compensation generally covers only a part of the lost wages and does not compensate you for pain and suffering, this additional suit can help you to make up the shortfall. 

How Is Income Loss Calculated?

Under Ontario laws, the injured person is not eligible to receive any compensation for the first seven days following an automobile accident. This clause does not apply for injuries sustained in other types of accidents. Statutory accident benefits coverage is available up to a maximum of $400 per week, but if there is a difference between this amount and what you normally earn, you have to claim this from the at-fault party. Generally, income loss is calculated by examining your previous paychecks, tax returns, bank statements and any other documents that can prove how much you were earning.

Income replacement also depends on the nature and extent of an injury and your age at the time of the accident. If you are completely disabled, you may receive more compensation, again based on your age, possible career path, pay hikes you may have received, and also your ability to take up an alternate career at a later stage.

These benefits are not for life and you have to ensure that a suitable life-plan is created and documented so that your future is taken care of.

Brampton car accident lawyers: Defensive Driving Tactics to Avoid Car Accidents

Posted on by
Reply

Car accidents generally happen due to the fault or negligence of others as well as our own like a distraction, faulty driving or anxiety. There can be a number of factors that could lead to accidents. What is required on the part of every vehicle driver is to ensure a safe ride, comfort and reaching the destination in time?

Reliable, reputed legal firms can help injured victims to file compensation claims and provide certain ways in which accidents can be avoided. We at Singh Barristers provide a wide and comprehensive range of solutions to the problems that face clients in daily life. Here the focus is on discovering the ways through which a car accident can be avoided.

  1. Awareness

Staying alert is the key aspect of driving on the road. This means looking in the rear view from time to time to ensure that a check is kept on the vehicles behind while ensuring that your eye is kept constantly on the road in front. Anticipate traffic jams with help from local radio stations, look for signboards and traffic signals. Stay focused on the task.

  1. Drive Responsibly

Driving responsibly means following the regulations. A valid and appropriate driver’s license is a basic requirement. Traffic laws in Brampton are very strict. Safe driving demands that there are checks on speed and discipline. Speed-breakers help to regulate speed, indicators signal that you are turning or changing lanes, red lights regulate the flow, yielding to other motorists, and keeping an appropriate distance from other vehicles ensures that there is no collision.

Maintenance of the vehicle is another thing that needs to be ensured. Keeping vehicles in good condition ensures that pollution is reduced and makes ensures smooth operation of the vehicle.

  1. Alertness, Judgment and Reaction Time

Train yourself to have an attentive and reactive mind. This helps drivers to react prudently in situations that are not favorable, and your ability to react instantly helps you to act fast and look for a solution.

Anticipating problems helps you to think of escaping situations in every situation and go a long way in avoiding accidents. Our highly trained, experienced and skilled Brampton personal injury lawyer would always have your back in claiming compensation when you suffer injuries due to someone else’s fault or negligence.

  1. It is not always you

Even when you are driving safe and following all the rules, accidents can and do happen. Most of these are avoidable and preventable. They are caused by someone’s fault or negligence.  Unfortunately, the consequences of such accidents have to be borne by the injured victims and their families. They go through enormous physical, financial and emotional trauma. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, our catastrophic injury lawyer in Brampton can take care of you.

  1. Use safety equipment

Today’s sophisticated automobile technology ensures that safety equipment is integrated in the vehicle. Seat belts, air bags, crash guards, sensors, etc help to protect you under adverse conditions. Ensure that children riding in the care are made to sit properly in the back seat and your speed is accordingly managed.  A centralized locking system and good child locks should be installed in the car to prevent children from accidentally opening the doors while driving.

  1. Never drive when you are drunk, drug-impaired or taking certain prescription medications

Drinking and driving is a criminal offense under Brampton laws and severe penalties are imposed for such behavior. If you do consume alcohol, it’s wiser to have someone else drive for you. This ensures that you and your co-passengers remain safe and it also protects other road users. Brampton serious injury lawyers can help you if you are the victim of a drunk or impaired driver, or a passenger in a car accident where the driver was drunk/impaired.

  1. Maintain distance from other motorists

There are certain driving conventions that should be learned by all drivers. Two-wheelers should be given enough space. Some motorists may behave in ways that are quite quirky and adventurous, causing trouble for other road users. Maintain appropriate distance from other motorists so that there is enough room to maneuver for all.

  1. Avoid distractions

Ensure that there are no distractions while you are driving. Do not use mobile phones while driving. Using your cell phone to text, answer mails, for social media posting, checking directions and also make calls is the number one cause of road accidents. Music at high volume can suppress outside noises that could alert you to problems. Bus drivers should avoid talking to passengers. Fatigue and drowsiness while driving can also cause accidents.

Brampton car accident lawyers are ready to serve you, but it is well said that prevention is better than, that’s why it is important to avoid an accident in the first place. In case you are injured, Brampton free consultation is provided by Singh Barristers.

Brampton Personal Injury Lawyer: Most Common Injuries Sustained In Winter 2018-2019 Auto Accidents

Posted on by
Reply

What To Do Right Away? 

Statistics show that nearly 30% of automobile accidents in Canada happen during the winter season. Snowy and icy conditions prevail in Ontario, from December through to March, with January being the coldest. Often, heavy snowfall, icy rains, sleet and winds add to the harsh conditions. Together with poor visibility and difficult driving conditions, all these elements together make the risks of winter driving that much higher.

Though Ontarians are experienced winter drivers, accidents can and do happen. Many of these are avoidable and preventable. They may be caused by someone’s fault or negligence. If you or a dear one has been injured in a winter automobile accident, ensure that you get immediate medical attention. Following this, get in touch with a lawyer near you as soon as possible. You may be entitled to compensation.

Why do Winter Accidents happen?

Weather conditions can challenge even the most experienced drivers. Multi-vehicle pile-ups are common during this season and they bring their own set of hazards. Inexperienced drivers and tourists may not prepare adequately for winter conditions or maintain the right precautions. Some of the typical reasons for these accidents include:

Speeding: Though it seems a no-brainer that you need to drive slower and more cautiously in winter conditions, speeding is one of the most common reasons for accidents. “Lead-foot driving” or failing to compensate for changing terrain or weather conditions causes a majority of winter collisions. Night driving, rural roads and unfamiliar routes contribute too.

Uncleared Windows/Windshield: Clearing the ice/snow from all the windows increases your visibility all around. Many drivers clear their windshield and rear windows but fail to clean up all the windows, reducing their peripheral vision.

Bad Planning: Whether it’s a daily commute to the office or a holiday trip, planning is a key element in safety. Drivers need to keep a margin of spare time to compensate for unexpected weather conditions, traffic blocks etc. As a result of stress and anxiety, you could be tempted to take risks and indulge in risky driving behaviors.

Poor Winter Driving Habits: Following too close, failing to take precautions on slippery roads, not understanding the problems of braking on icy roads, over-acceleration, stopping unexpectedly in a lane, etc are reasons for collisions. In winter driving, pumping the brake slowly is better than jamming them on suddenly. If you have an anti-lock braking system, you need to understand its features well before taking your car out in hazardous conditions.

Failure to check weather conditions: You’re the best judge of whether you really need to take your vehicle out or not. Often, it’s less stressful to take public transport. Otherwise, it’s essential to check weather conditions on your local news feed before you start.

These are some of the usual reasons for winter driving accidents. If you suffer injuries in such an accident, get help from an injury lawyer to claim your insurance. 

Typical Injuries

 Winter automobile accidents result in a variety of injuries, ranging from simple cuts, bruises, sprains and lacerations to serious, life-threatening or life-altering injuries. Injuries are based on the nature, severity, the amount of safety restraints used and type of crash.

  • Head-on collisions cause head, upper body and facial injuries. Neck injuries and whiplash are also seen. Chest and abdominal injuries and knee/leg/foot injuries  due to impact are common.
  • Rear-ender injuries are usually in the head/neck region. Drivers may suffer chest/abdominal injuries due to impact from the steering-wheel, while passengers may suffer facial/foot/leg injuries too.
  • In T-bone collisions, the persons sitting on the side of the crash can suffer severe fractures of shoulder, pelvis, legs. They may also have internal bleeding and organ injuries, along with head injuries.
  • Other collisions like rollover are the most serious, where death or catastrophic injuries may occur.
  • Side-swipe collisions are the least likely to cause serious injuries.

What To Do?

  • Ensure that you stay calm and turn on your hazard lights if they’re working
  • Control your emotions and don’t confront the at-fault driver or jump out of your own vehicle to assist immediately
  • Call emergency traffic authorities and medical services
  • Never leave the site of the accident
  • Whatever the type of injury, it’s essential to get immediate medical attention. Never move injured people without expert medical supervision. If the vehicle is in an unstable condition it can increase the risks manifold. It is important to use the right safety equipment and move the injured person only by those with medical training and experience
  • Take photos of the location, landmarks, position of vehicles, damage, injuries etc
  • If possible, move your car to the side of the road
  • Otherwise, stay inside your car so that you avoid exposure to the cold
  • If your engine is not damaged, turn on the heater, keeping windows slightly open
  • Exchange details with the other driver regarding vehicle number, insurance and personal contact information
  • Avoid talking to insurance company representatives, even your own, without advice from your trusted lawyer in Toronto or your trusted lawyer in Brampton

When And Why You Need An Injury Lawyer?

Most people fail to realize that insurance-companies are focused on protecting their own business interests. They may not always act in good faith when you make an accident injury claim. Instead, they could deny/delay/dispute/dismiss your claim on a number of technical grounds.

One of the first questions you should ask if you’ve suffered injuries in a motor-vehicle accident is “How to find the best lawyer in Toronto?” or “How to find the best lawyer in Brampton?”

We are available 24×7 and can handle all the complex medical, legal and insurance issues, paperwork and procedures related to your claim, ensure you meet filing deadlines and present a robust claim backed by the right evidence and documentation.

The Most Rated Injury Lawyer in 2018 – We’re there for you!

FAQ: What Questions Should I Ask My Brampton Personal Injury Lawyer?

Posted on by
Reply

When you have been injured in a car accident or a slip and fall accident, you may find that you face a financial and emotional crisis apart from the physical injuries that you have suffered. Serious injuries may require hospitalization, a series of operations and clinical treatments, different follow-up treatments and medication, physiotherapy, psychological counseling etc. All these are expensive and you may not have the financial resources to sustain them, especially since you’re unable to work. Being unemployed also means loss of family income, whole or contributory. These aspects can have a devastating impact on yourself and your family.

Under the law, accident victims are entitled to seek compensation and benefits available to them. You need help with your motor vehicle accident claim to ensure that your rights and entitlements are protected and that you get the best possible settlement to take care of your present and future needs. If you’ve suffered long-term or permanent disability, you need lifetime support and care. These are aspects that an experienced Brampton car accident lawyer or a Brampton slip and fall accident injury lawyer can help you with.

We Address Your Concerns And Answer Your Queries

Before you start the claims process, there may be several doubts in your mind. Brampton personal injury lawyers provide an initial, free, no-obligations consultation. This two-way interaction helps us to understand your circumstances, the nature and extent of your injuries and their impact on your life, the potential value of your claim and what strategies we can adopt for success. It helps clients by setting their minds at rest that we can provide them with the best advice, assistance and advocacy, protect their interests and safeguard their rights.

Let’s look at typical queries that clients may have:

Q: Do I have a valid claim?

A: Each case is unique. We base our assessment on the facts and circumstances of your individual case. Personal injury claims are hinged on:

  • proving fault or negligence of the at-fault party
  • evidence of injuries sustained in accidents caused by the negligence
  • losses caused by the injuries

We provide you with a genuine, swift and comprehensive assessment that allows you to decide what steps you need to take next.

Q: Do you have experience in handling such claims?

A: Like other professions, the law also has areas of specialization. Personal injury is a branch of civil law that deals with disputes and settlements. In this sector too, lawyers and law-firms tend to gain experience and expertise in certain areas like motor-vehicle accidents, slip and fall accidents, defective product, dog bite, long term disability claims, medical malpractice, wrongful death etc. Based on the circumstances of your case, you need to ask your personal injury lawyer about their experience, knowledge and expertise in handling cases similar to yours. You also need to know what our previous record in such cases has been.

Q: What are my chances of a successful outcome? How much will I get?

A: While it’s impossible to accurately predict success or the exact figure that will be settled on, from our experience with previous cases, we can offer an educated guesstimate. Ultimately, the success of a claim depends on the strength of evidence that’s presented. We can conduct independent investigations to help gather proof to back a robust claim. This includes accessing police and medical records, assembling testimony from experts and eyewitnesses, ensuring that all documentation is in order, making sure that paperwork is filed accurately and within the prescribed deadlines, protecting your rights and safeguarding your interests.

Q: Who will handle my claim?

A: This is a very important question. Many firms conduct initial meetings and consultations with senior partners. Later, your claim may be handed over to a junior lawyer or less experienced associates. Ensure that you get clarity on the lawyers who will handle your claim. We ensure that our experienced, knowledgeable lawyers handle your case. Establish a firm line of communication with them and insist on regular updates. This helps you to stay involved and informed and gives you a better chance of staying in control.

Q: How much will the entire process cost?

A: Most people are reluctant to get involved in the legal process because they think it’s going to be horrendously expensive, lengthy and unpredictable. Personal injury lawyers and law-firms take up cases on a contingency fee, No Win No Fee arrangement. This means that clients don’t pay any fees upfront. Unless your claim is successful, we don’t charge any fees and only bill you for expenses. Besides this, we can also help to fund your medical expenses and take soft loans to help meet household and caregiver expenses. When your claim is satisfactorily settled, these amounts can be adjusted against the final figure.

We advise clients to make a note of all the questions they have in mind before they meet us for a consultation to help them get clarity on all important aspects.

Icicles And Snowdrifts On Roof-Tops: These Winter Pile-Ups Can Be Dangerous!

Posted on by
Reply

Brampton personal injury lawyers know that icicles and snow-laden roofs may look great on Christmas cards and in family photos, but they can cause accidents that are far from pretty!

Known as ice dams, the icicles that hang so charmingly from the eaves of your roof can cause huge problems to your roof, pose a hazard to occupants and visitors and also raise heating and energy costs inside the house.

Brampton Personal Injury Lawyer

All these issues have serious implications for homeowners and property owners. If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by ice dams or faced losses because of snow pile-ups on your roof, contact the nearest personal injury lawyer in Brampton. You may be entitled to compensation under the Toronto Municipal Code.

What Causes Ice Dams?

Icicles are essentially formed by water run-offs from melted snow which re-freeze when the temperature falls again. An ice dam is a raised ridge that’s formed because of repeated freezing and melting of ice at different times. This ridge prevents falling snow from sliding off your roof. Instead the layers of snow accumulate on your roof. Occasional warm temperatures may cause a portion of the dam to melt and drip, forming icicles as the temperature goes down again.

Icicles are also an indication that your roof is losing heat. Since warm air rises to the top portions of the building, it escapes through gaps in ceilings, attics and damaged portions of roofs. This causes snow on roofs to melt and form dams or icicles.

Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer

Hazards of Icicles and Ice Dams

Dams can force water to flow back into the shingles, and ultimately into the walls and ceilings of the building, causing serious damage to brick, plaster and wood-work.

A 2014 report in the Toronto Star reveals that it’s not just older buildings that have this problem. Ultra-modern towers with super energy-saving features like energy-efficient glass, use the latest building materials and are constructed using cutting-edge design elements play a huge role in increasing the risks of falling snow and ice.

Though the Ontario Building Codes specify the wind and snow load bearing capacity of roofs, they don’t address the issue of sliding or falling snow. These laws hold the city liable for removing ice and snow from the streets but not from roofs. This is the property owner’s responsibility.

Roof-Top Avalanche Injuries

Sudden release of piled-up snow from the dam or careless removal of snow pile-ups can be dangerous. People can be seriously injured by falling snow, children and older people can be buried underneath, they can die of hypothermia or suffer serious brain damage due to cold. Other injuries include:

  • Broken bones
  • Facial/Dental damage
  • Crush/Impact Injuries
  • Traumatic head/neck injuries

Predicting when a slide could happen is almost impossible and this  depends on a large variety of conditions. However, the risk to unwary pedestrians and other road users in the vicinity can be enormous. In many countries with traditionally heavy snow-fall, orienting the roof away from pedestrian traffic is recommended for this reason.

Our experienced slip and fall injury lawyers can assist you to file a personal injury claim for compensation if you have been injured in such an accident.