OC Transpo Bus – Via Rail Train Accident

September 18, 2013-  Today’s fatal accident involving a double decker OC Transpo city bus and a Via Rail train has left Ottawa in shock.  At least 40 families are facing the grief and sorrow that accompanies a fatal motor vehicle accident or one involving serious personal injury.

If you were involved in today’s bus – train accident at Woodroffe and Fallowfield, here are 5 things you need to know right now:

1.  Apply for Accident Benefits

If you were a passenger on the bus and you have your own car insurance policy, or live with a family member who does,  you should notify your car insurer immediately.  This will be a surprise to most people,  but that is how Ontario’s no fault accident benefits work.  Your own car insurance will pay for any non-OHIP medical or rehabilitation expenses.  Your own car insurance will also pay you an income replacement benefit up to a specified maximum if you can’t work for more than 7 days after the accident.  Have questions about accident benefits after an accident involving an Ottawa bus and Via Rail?  Call us at 613 233-4529.

2. If You Don’t Have Accident Benefits, OC Transpo will Provide Them

If you do not have your own car insurance policy, the City of Ottawa will cover your accident benefits.  You do not have to sue the City of Ottawa or OC Transpo in order to access accident benefits.  Our law firm can help you contact the City to get the application forms.

3. Accident Benefits include funding for Psychological Counseling

Many people involved in a mass transit accident will need psychological assistance.  This is a very traumatic event.  The accident benefits available to bus passengers will provide funding for psychological treatment, even if you did not suffer a physical injury in the accident.

4. You Should Give Notice of a Potential Claim within 120 Days

If you are seriously injured, you may have a claim for damages (compensation).  You do not have to decide whether or not to sue right away.  However, there is a requirement to give notice of a potential claim to the city of Ottawa within 120 days.  If you hire a personal injury lawyer, the lawyer  can provide notice for you.  If you wish to give notice on your own, you can write to the Clerk of the City of Ottawa to alert the City of Ottawa to the potential claim.

5.  Don’t Wait to Seek Medical Attention After Today’s Bus-Train Accident

You should seek medical attention after the accident if you are injured.  Waiting to report your injuries for days, weeks or months is a serious impediment to getting proper compensation.  It may also slow your recovery.

Need more information or want to discuss your options after the OC Transpo Via Rail Accident, call our office at 613 233-4529 or call Brenda Hollingsworth directly at 613 851-4529.  We are here to support you.

 

About the Author: Brenda Hollingsworth

Brenda Hollingsworth co-founded Ottawa’s Auger Hollingsworth in 2005 with her husband Richard Auger. Together, their mission was to create a personal injury law firm for Eastern Ontario that is unrivalled in the province for customer service and legal expertise. Brenda was named an Ottawa Business Journal Forty Under 40 award recipient and took home the Women’s Business Network’s Businesswoman of the Year award in the Professional category. She was also recognized as one of Ottawa Life Magazine’s “Top 50 People in the Capital.” She is often quoted as an expert and has appeared in media outlets such as CTV, The Globe and Mail, National Post, Ottawa Citizen, Sun Media, CBC, Toronto Star, Montreal Gazette, CFRA and many legal publications.

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