Ottawa Truck Accident Lawyers

In Ottawa and throughout the metropolitan and rural areas of Ontario, we rely on trucks to deliver everything. Truck drivers have 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 lead to tragic results.

Truck accidents can be terrifying – the damage is 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. 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. 

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 possible from truck drivers, truck owners, and trucking companies. 

Free consultation with Experienced Ontario Truck Accident Lawyers

Ottawa personal injury lawyers, Brenda Hollingsworth and Richard Auger represent victims throughout Ontario who suffer serious injuries (or even death) due to truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, car accidents, pedestrian accidents, cyclist accidents, and other vehicular accidents.

The trucking company and your insurance company act in their own interest. The Auger Hollingsworth truck accident lawyers protect your interests. To avoid giving the trucking company an unfair advantage, contact us for a free consultation as soon as possible after you are involved in a truck accident. We’ll meet with you in your home, at the hospital, by phone, or at our office. We put your needs first and you won’t pay anything unless and until you get a settlement or judgment. 

Ontario Truckers Must Comply with Insurance Rules and Complex Legislation

Whether they operate large semi-trailers, gravel trucks, garbage trucks, or dump trucks, trucking companies are required to be well insured and comply with 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. 

This legislation includes trucking companies (motor carriers) who operate just within Ontario and interprovincial trucking companies. Ontario provides very strict guidelines about truck safety. Many truck accident cases are won by proving that the truck driver and trucking company violated the provincial and/or national trucking laws.

Injuries from Truck Accidents are Often Traumatic and Tragic

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 death and 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

Many truck accidents result in death. Because the consequences of truck accidents are so severe, it’s important to have someone who can hold the trucking company and drivers accountable. Your injuries make it very important for victims and their families to get the best benefits and compensation available to them. Call Auger Hollingsworth at +1 (613) 233-4529 for a free consultation about your legal options.

Our Ottawa Lawyers are Experienced with Truck Accident Investigations

Sometimes the cause of an accident is obvious, like when a truck rear-ends a car. At Auger Hollingsworth, because we’ve handled many truck accident cases, we know that the cause of truck accidents is not always immediately apparent. Even in a rear-end collision with a car, there can be other causes that are specific to trucks and truck drivers. These accidents need to be carefully investigated to determine if:

• The driver was impaired or drove improperly

• • • Logbooks show the driver was fatigued, sleepy, or drove too many hours without rest
    • Alcohol or drugs were used by the driver
    • Tried to run your car off the road 
    • Failed to yield the right of way
    • Improper or inadequate training
    • Inexperienced driver
    • Reckless driving
    • Speeding
    • Wide turns

• The truck was not maintained or loaded properly

• • • Problems with safety systems, reflectors, lights, and other warning devices
    • Overloaded or oversized vehicle
    • Poor brake maintenance
    • Poorly maintained or installed tires
    • Blind spots

• Weather and road conditions

• Poor visibility due to smoke, fog, snow, or rain

• Ice, hail

• Poorly maintained roads

• Poor or confusing signage

Contact our Ottawa truck accident lawyers to help ensure that your truck accident is thoroughly investigated.

Fatigue is a Leading Cause of Jackknifing and other Ottawa Truck Accidents

We rely on transport trucks to quickly deliver everything to and from our brick and mortar and virtual stores. Ontario roads are clogged with them. Drivers are under a lot of pressure and often work long hours without appropriate rest. Lack of sleep and other driver impairment is the most frequent cause of truck accidents. 

It seems that jackknifing trucks on our highways are occurring more frequently. Jackknifing is when the truck pulling a trailer folds on itself to form a V shape. This can be caused by skidding, equipment malfunction, improper braking, speeding, icy roads, and going too fast into a curve. Jackknifing and other 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.

Insurance and Lawsuits Pay Bills for Ottawa Drivers Involved in Truck Accidents

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, SAB may include:

• Income replacement benefits
• Caregiver benefits
• Non-earner benefit 
• 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, family visits, etc.

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, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of income
• 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 will need.  Auger Hollingsworth’s lawyers help 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 before you speak as soon as possible after you are involved in a truck accident. 

Free Consultation to Learn How we can help with your Ottawa Truck Accident

For a free consultation about your truck accident, contact Auger Hollingsworth. We represent innocent drivers, passengers, and pedestrians from all over Ontario. During your free consultation, our lawyers will evaluate your case and explain how we always make you our highest priority. Brenda Hollingsworth and Richard Auger are always nearby and will provide you with a free consultation without any obligation. Call us at +1 (613) 233-4529.