Ottawa Truck Accident Lawyers
In Ottawa and throughout the metropolitan and rural areas of Ontario, we rely on trucks to deliver everything. Truck drivers are under a lot of pressure to get their loads to their destinations on time, and we are grateful that they provide these services. But the pressures that truck drivers face can sometimes cause them to make compromises that have tragic results.
The injuries from truck accidents are often severe and life-changing. When these large vehicles are involved in accidents, they do more damage than smaller vehicles and more frequently cause fatal accidents.
The experienced truck accident lawyers at Auger Hollingsworth fully understand that trucking companies are usually well-insured and have much higher policy limits than cars. We are committed to getting our Ontario clients the most compensation and benefits possible.
Practice Areas
Truck Accident Injuries
Commercial trucks are larger and heavier than most vehicles and often travel at high speeds. So, it’s no surprise that truck accidents result in more deaths, as well as life-changing injuries such as:
- Head injuries, e.g., concussion, traumatic brain injury, closed head injury, whiplash
- Spinal cord damage, e.g., paralysis, paraplegia, and quadriplegia
- Broken bones and fractures
- Shoulder, knee, and neck injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Severe burns or lacerations
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Soft tissue injuries and severe sprains
- Amputation
- Other serious injuries
The medical costs associated with these types of injuries can be astronomical. That’s why it’s so important to work with an attorney who can hold trucking companies accountable and recover the most compensation. Call Auger Hollingsworth at +1 (613) 233-4529 for a free consultation about your legal options.
Truck Accident Causes
The medical costs associated with these types of injuries can be astronomical. That’s why it’s so important to work with an attorney who can hold trucking companies accountable and recover the most compensation. Call Auger Hollingsworth at +1 (613) 233-4529 for a free consultation about your legal options.
- Truck driver fatigue
- Driver under influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driver inexperience
- Improper or inadequate training
- Reckless driving, e.g., speeding, excessively wide turns
- Overloaded or oversized vehicle
- Problems with safety systems, reflectors, lights, and other warning devices
- Poor brake maintenance
- Poorly maintained or installed tires
- Blind spots
- Poor visibility due to smoke, fog, snow, or rain
- Slick roads due to ice or hail
- Poorly maintained roads
- Inadequate or confusing signage
- Jackknifing (truck pulling trailer folds in on itself, forming a V shape)
Truck accidents resulting from driver fatigue can result in severe injuries and extensive property damage. The cause of a truck accident may not be immediately apparent and usually requires analysis by experienced investigators.
Ontario Trucking Laws
Ontario provides very strict guidelines about truck safety. Whether trucking companies operate large semi-trailers, gravel trucks, garbage trucks, or dump trucks, they are required to be well-insured and comply with the laws that enable these vehicles to be driven safely.
In addition to understanding the causes and investigation required for truck accidents, the lawyers at Auger Hollingsworth have extensive knowledge of the complex legislation related to trucking. We have won many truck accident cases by proving that the truck driver and trucking company violated the provincial and/or national trucking laws.
Free Consultation With Experienced Ottawa Truck Accident Lawyers
Since 2004, Ottawa personal injury lawyers Brenda Hollingsworth and Richard Auger have represented victims throughout Ontario who have suffered serious injuries due to truck accidents and other vehicular accidents.
Most truck drivers have their company’s formidable legal and engineering resources available within moments following the accident. They can quickly gather and analyze evidence from recorders and sensors. The amount and type of evidence make truck accident claims more complicated than car accident claims.
The trucking company – and your insurance company – will most likely try to pay as little as possible. But our truck accident lawyers can protect your interests. Contact us for a free consultation as soon as possible after a truck accident. We’ll meet with you in your home, at the hospital, by phone, or at our office – whatever is most convenient for you.
We put your needs first, and you won’t pay anything unless and until you get a settlement or judgment.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
There are several key steps you can take after a truck accident to improve your chances of securing compensation and recovering from your injuries, both physically and financially:
- Get the other driver’s name, address, driver’s license number, and insurance information. You should also write down the name of the trucking company that employs them.
- Wait for the police if they have been called. The police will take statements from you and the other driver, which could be extremely valuable later.
- Seek medical attention as quickly as possible. Besides improving your health outcome, it’s easier to prove your injury was caused by the accident if you see a medical doctor as soon as possible after the crash.
- Connect with a personal injury lawyer for a free consultation. Our team of experienced truck accident lawyers offer free, no-pressure advice about your rights and entitlements after you’ve been hurt.
Ottawa Truck Accident Compensation and Benefits
As part of Ontario’s no-fault car insurance, if you are injured in a motor vehicle accident, you are entitled to statutory accident benefits (SABs). Depending on your specific circumstances, SABs may include:
- Income replacement benefits
- Caregiver benefits
- Non-earner benefits
- Medical benefits
- Rehabilitation benefits
- Attendant care benefits
You can also recover benefits for items damaged in the accident (e.g., glasses, clothing), housekeeping and home maintenance expenses, and family visits.
In addition to claiming benefits through your insurance, you may also file a claim against the truck driver and/or the trucking company. This lawsuit lets you sue for losses not covered by SABs and other special damages, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of income
- Loss of life’s enjoyment
- Healthcare expenses
- Family Law Act damages
- Housekeeping and home maintenance expenses
- Other qualified losses
Because it is common for truck accidents to result in severe injuries, filing a claim against the trucking company can help you get the benefits and compensation you need.
Auger Hollingsworth helps accident victims in Ottawa, Toronto, and throughout Ontario in the aftermath of motor vehicle accidents. You can dramatically improve the outcome of your case if you speak to us as soon as possible after you are involved in a truck accident.
Contact our Ottawa truck accident lawyers to help you negotiate the best settlement or fight for more compensation in court.
Truck Accident Frequently Asked Questions
Truck accidents can be devastating, and knowing what to do afterward can be confusing. Here are some frequently asked questions about truck accidents and settlement claims in Canada:
Who can file a truck accident lawsuit?
Many people who have been injured in truck accidents are able to recover compensation by taking legal action against the truck drivers or trucking companies responsible for their injuries. In many instances, a truck accident is caused by driver impairment or fatigue, inadequate training, or improper maintenance of the truck. These and other accident causes may place legal liability on the driver or the trucking company.
The best way to find out if you qualify for a truck accident lawsuit is to speak with a truck accident lawyer.
What kind of compensation is available in a truck accident lawsuit?
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you may be able to file an injury claim seeking compensation for the following damages:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Auto repairs
- Wrongful death
- Other losses
Depending on the severity of your injury and the circumstances of your case, a truck accident verdict or (more likely) settlement could result in tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, especially if you’ve been left with a long-term disability.
In addition, you may be owed Statutory Accident Benefits (SABs) for the following:
- Caregiver benefits
- Income replacement benefits
- Medical benefits
- Non-earner benefits
- Rehabilitation benefits
An experienced truck accident attorney can help you determine how much your potential case could be worth. Contact Auger Hollingsworth at +1 (613) 233-4529 for a free consultation to learn more about truck accident compensation.
Who is legally responsible for truck accident injuries?
Liability for truck accident injuries depends on a variety of factors, including the cause of the crash, the condition of the truck driver, the maintenance of the truck, and the trucking company’s policies. For example, if the driver was impaired, they would likely be responsible. But if the driver hadn’t been adequately trained, the trucking company could be held legally accountable. It’s common for there to be more than one liable party.
A truck accident lawyer can listen to the details of your case and determine if the trucker, trucking company, and/or your own insurance company owes you compensation for your injuries. Contact Auger Hollingsworth to explore your legal options.
What are the most common types of truck accident injuries?
Because of the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, the injuries people suffer in truck accidents can be devastating. Some of the most frequent trucking accident injuries include:
- Head injuries (concussion, traumatic brain injury, whiplash, etc.)
- Spinal cord damage causing paralysis, paraplegia, or quadriplegia
- Shoulder, knee, and neck injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal bleeding
- Severe burns or lacerations
- Sprains and other soft tissue injuries
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you could be eligible for benefits and compensation to help cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Do Canadian truckers have different laws than other drivers?
Yes. In Ottawa, both trucking companies and truckers themselves must abide by special laws designed to maintain safety for trucks and other cars on the road. For example, truckers are only allowed to drive a certain number of hours without rest. Unfortunately, many truckers violate this rule in order to deliver more cargo, which can lead to accidents.
The trucking industry also has different insurance regulations than the rest of the auto industry. As a result, a trucking company’s insurance carrier may also be held liable for injuries sustained in a truck or tractor-trailer accident.
Do I need a truck accident lawyer?
If you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury in a truck accident, the last thing you want is to have to gather all the necessary evidence to make sure you’re fully compensated. That’s why a personal injury law firm can be so crucial to your recovery. Here are just some of the tasks they can carry out on your behalf:
- Interviewing witnesses
- Taking photos
- Obtaining camera footage
- Reconstructing accidents
- Consulting with medical experts
- Analyzing insurance policies
- Determining liability
- Negotiating for benefits and compensation
At Auger Hollingsworth, we have entire teams who are devoted to investigating and building truck accident cases. Working with our firm allows you to focus on resting, recovering, and spending time with your family – while we focus on securing the benefits you deserve.
What should I look for in a truck accident law firm?
The best truck accident lawyers have experience, expertise, and results. Auger Hollingsworth has been fighting for injured Ottawans since 2004. We have experienced lawyers who specialize in these types of cases. And we’ve recovered millions of dollars for people injured in car and truck accidents. In short, our longevity, resources, and success speak for themselves.
How do I file a truck accident lawsuit?
Reach out today for a free, no-obligation consultation to see if you qualify for truck accident compensation.
What Our Clients Say:
“Very thankful to have had a wonderful lawyer like Calla Rose and the team at Auger Hollingsworth handling my accident case, knowing that my best interest were being taken care of made recovery much easier.”
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Learn How We Can Help With Your Ottawa Truck Accident
For a free, no-obligation consultation about your truck accident, contact Auger Hollingsworth. We represent innocent drivers, passengers, and pedestrians from all over Ontario, and we’ve recovered millions of dollars for Ottawans injured in auto accidents.
During your free consultation, our lawyers will evaluate your case to see if you’re entitled to benefits and compensation. Call us at +1 (613) 233-4529.
More information about truck accidents
For more information, visit one of our blog posts:
- Should You Call An Injury Lawyer Right After An Accident?
- Motor Vehicle Accident Case Study: John
- 10 Tips for being a Great Witness Against the Driver Who Hit You
- Motor Vehicle Accident Case Study: Samantha
- Ottawa Car Accidents and Pain, Suffering and Loss of Enjoyment of Life
- Driving Anxiety After My Ottawa Car Accident
- Ontario Automobile Accident Checklist-What to Do After an Accident
- Top Ten Mistakes to Avoid After an Accident
- Unconscious at the Accident Scene?
- Did the air bag deploy in your Ontario Car accident?
