2. Some bad drivers need to be held accountable. While many people who cause an Ontario accident are normally careful drivers who were temporarily negligent, there are some drivers who cause multiple accidents; have many driving infractions etc. A law suit is one way to send the message that unsafe driving is not okay.

3. Most Ontario car accident law suits are totally legitimate and deserving. The insurance industry likes to talk about fraud. While there are fraudsters out there, as in any industry, the number of fake claims is significantly overstated.

4. Ontario Car Accident Victims Suffer. Whether it is chronic pain, broken bones, psychological illness or brain injury, car accident victims’ lives are often fundamentally and permanently changed. Monetary compensation is no substitute for their old lives, but, it is hoped that it will provide some solace.

If you have questions about bringing a lawsuit following an Ontario car accident, contact the lawyers at Auger Hollingsworth Professional Corp. at 613 233-4529. We are here to help.

Police were looking for witnesses to the crash.

We extend our sympathies to the family.

If you or a loved one has suffered a motorcycle injury, you may have access to statutory accident benefits and / or a claim against the at fault driver (or his or her insurance company).

For more information about your rights after a motor vehicle accident call 613 233-4529.

A 32 year old man was hit by the bus on April 4 near the Baseline and Woodroffe transit stations.  His serious injuries were life threatening.

Did you know that it is very difficult to settle a case against the City of Ottawa without starting a law suit?  Unlike traditional motor vehicle accidents where you may be able to settle directly with an adjuster, OC Transpo cases usually requires an experienced personal injury lawyer to get the case done.

If you need help with your bus accident case, let us know:  info@ottawalawfirm.ca or call 613 233-4529.

Even if you did not cause the Ottawa car accident, you cannot usually advance a claim or sue the at-fault party if you were knowingly driving without insurance.   Whether or not you were “knowingly” without insurance is something you should discuss with a personal injury lawyer if you have suffered serious injuries.

However, you may still be entitled to accident benefits, medical, rehabilitation and attendant care benefits.

If you suffered serious injuries and had no insurance, request a personal injury consultation by calling 613 233-4529.

Get the other driver’s information, including:

• Name
• Address, Telephone
• Vehicle licence plate,  make and model
• Driver’s licence  number
• Other driver’s  insurance company and policy number

If the other driver tries to deny you any of this information, call the police.

Never admit you were at fault or agree to pay for any damage.

Take photos of the accident scene, your car and your injuries.

Make sure you get the name and phone number of any witnesses.

Go to a doctor if you have been injured.  It is much harder to make a claim later on if you have not seen a doctor within the first week of your accident.

Call the police.  We generally do not accept cases where the police were not called to the scene.

Report the accident to your insurance company.

Get free legal advice from a personal injury lawyer to see if you have a viable claim.

Reasons for Reported Motorcycle Accidents in Ontario

• Speeding/riding too fast for conditions
• Helmet was not being worn
• Loss of control
• Under 25 years of age
• Single vehicle collisions

The Ministry of Transportation ofOntariomonitors and keeps statistics on accidents on its roadways.  It also sets out rules and regulations that are to be followed by all drivers and motorcyclists are not excluded.  Helmets are required by law when riding a motorcycle inOntario, yet 10% of riders who were killed and 15% who were injured were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.  Protecting yourself can be the difference between a serious injury or fatal accident.

Suggestions For Motorcycle Riding Protection (MOT)

• An approved motorcycle helmet
• Good quality motorcycle riding equipment
• Wear long sleeved shirts and pants
• Jackets with protective padding (areas like shoulder and elbows)
• Wear leather gloves and boots
• Wear bright colours and reflective clothing

With a little education and good judgement, motorcycle accidents can be greatly reduced and injuries from accidents can be less severe.   Follow all posted traffic signs and keep control of your bike at all times and dress in proper clothing.  Keep your motorcycle in good repair and make sure your insurance is up to date.  Riding can be a most pleasurable hobby and a most enjoyable way to travel.  Do it responsibly and enjoy it.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury while riding a motorcycle, contact the personal injury lawyers at Auger Hollingsworth for a free no charge consultation.  Call us at 613 233-4529.

If you have been involved or injured in a motorcycle collision and a victim of a hit and run, it presents some major challenges.  Often you are dealing with serious injuries and health issues, which should always be the number one priority of any accident victim.  In addition to this there is the added burden of trying to remember what happened and providing details to help apprehend the hit and run offender.  If at all possible, do your best to remember as much about the accident and the vehicle that caused this accident as possible.  Sometimes the smallest detail can be the most important.  If your injuries do not permit you to remember, do not worry.  The Ottawa Police and OPP, as well as crime scene investigators will use witnesses and evidence left at the scene to find and bring to justice this criminal offender.

It is important to remember that you are a victim of a crime.  As soon as possible you or someone you trust should contact a qualified personal injury lawyer to understand your rights and start working towards the compensation you are entitled to.  The person responsible for your accident could be held liable for any and all of the following.

• Medical bills and expenses
• Loss of personal income (both time and wages)
• Therapy and continuing treatment
• Pain and suffering
• Psychological damage

If you or a loved one has been involved in a hit and run motorcycle accident in Ottawa or within

Ontario it is important to know your rights.  Please check out the following website http://www.personalinjuryottawa.ca/ or contact the personal injury lawyers of Auger Hollingsworth at  613 233-4529 for a free, professional legal consultation.

Motorcycle Accidents: Injury and Death Reports (MOT: 2007)

Drivers                                                  Passengers

Year       Killed    Injured                Killed     Injured

1997       36           993                         2              255

1998       32           1,068                     3              263

1999       38           1,115                     3              223

2000       37           1,161                     1              257

2001       49           1,166                     3              318

2002       35           1,161                     3              311

2003       46           1,087                     6              268

2004       44           1,107                     3             297

2005       68           1,206                     6             362

2006       48           1,219                     5             352

There is no statistical evidence to explain the fluctuation in numbers from one year to the other, although experts suggest it is often related to the length of the motorcycling season and road conditions during the season.  Of particular interest are some statistics on those crashes that have resulted in death.

• 20%: under the age of 25
• 21%: alcohol involved
• 57%: speed too fast
• 34%: single vehicle collision
• 73%: during daytime hours
• 44%: on weekends

It is also interesting to note, that even though motorcycle helmets have been mandatory inOntariofor over 40 years, 15% of those killed were not wearing a helmet.  The Ministry of Transportation cautions all riders to wear helmets to avoid costly fines and most importantly, to help maintain the safety of you and your passengers and avoid personal injury.

Helmets save lives and can greatly increase your chances of avoiding a serious motorcycle injury or death. Ontarioprovides a beautiful backdrop for long sightseeing rides.  Enjoy them with safety and responsibility.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident or have lost someone you love the personal injury lawyers of Auger Hollingsworth can help.  Call us at 613 233-4529 for a no charge consultation.

Motorcycle injuries can often be very serious.  Some injuries, while still serious, may not be as easy to spot as fractured bones or severe cuts or lacerations.  Muscle, tendon and nerve injuries can often take days or even weeks to present any symptoms.  Concussions are also known to not show symptoms in the early stages after a motorcycle accident.  Nevertheless, all these injuries can have tragic effects on your ability to work and live for many years down the road.  Seek medical help and have a thorough post- accident examination immediately.  The sooner injuries are discovered and treated, the sooner you are can be on the road to recovery.

As soon as possible after your motorcycle accident, contact an Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer.  With their professional experience, help and guidance, they can help you ask the right questions and get the right answers.  From doctors to questions regarding insurance claims and benefits, they will ensure that your health and best interests are represented and you get the treatment, defence and settlements that you deserve.

If you have been involved in an Ottawa motorcycle accident contact, or have suffered a motorcycle injury, contact the personal injury lawyers at Auger Hollingsworth for a free no charge consultation.  Call us at 613 233-4529.

What is an Examination for Discovery?

Examination for discovery is an important component of most civil lawsuits. Essentially, it is a process where both parties involved in the lawsuit are questioned about the issues surrounding the lawsuit. While each party is questioned by the other party’s lawyer, and the answers are given under oath, examination for discovery is not in itself a trial.

What is the Purpose of Examination for Discovery?

The basic purpose of an examination for discovery is to allow each party and their lawyers to learn about and understand the other side’s case.

Throughout their questioning, the lawyers for each party will typically be trying to accomplish a few basic things, including the following:

-   Understand the other party’s point of view, and more fully define and narrow the issues involved in the lawsuit.

-   Discover if there are any areas where both parties are in agreement, possibly allowing a pre-trial settlement to be reached.

-   Obtain an admission from the other party that later can be used in their client’s favour while at trial.

What Should You Wear to an Examination for Discovery?

Many clients wonder what they should wear to attend this part of their legal process. Though it is not an official trial, it is still very important to make sure that you are appropriately dressed. A good rule of thumb is to make sure you look well-groomed and presentable. Essentially, you want to wear neat, clean, conservative clothes. You do not necessarily have to wear a suit, but you should look as neat as possible, and avoid any offensive slogans on your clothing. This is a very important part of your legal process, and it is crucial that you are as prepared and presentable as possible.

If you or someone you know has been in an Ottawa accident, a good injury lawyer can help you to better understand your legal options, and help you navigate all aspects of the legal process, including the examination for discovery.

To speak with an Ottawa personal injury lawyer at Auger Hollingsworth, please call us at 613-860-4529, email us at info@personalinjuryottawa.ca, or use our contact form.