Monthly Archives: February 2012
Steps to take following a Car Accident in Ontario
Car accidents can be inconvenient at best and devastating at worst. If you have suffered personal injuries as a result of the crash, you may need to consult a personal injury lawyer at some later date. In many cases, this may not be obvious to you at the accident scene. In fact, you may not even be aware of some of your injuries due to the stress and emotional impact of the accident.
Whether your accident is a straightforward fender bender or a more serious accident, there are some important steps you can take in the immediate aftermath of the accident which may assist your case should you need to consult with a personal injury lawyer at some later date:
- Report the accident to the Police
- Obtain the other driver’s insurance information
- Record details of the Accident
- Obtain any witness names and contact information
- Report the accident to your own Insurance Company
- Do not give a statement to the other driver or the other driver’s insurance company until you have consulted with a personal injury lawyer
- Do not share the details of the car accident on social media platforms such as Facebook or Twitter.
If you have been involved in a car accident and are struggling with some basic daily tasks, there is a good chance you are entitled to receive Accident Benefits and may be entitled to recover other damages from the at-fault party.
Our team of experienced personal injury lawyers have the expertise to ensure you are accessing all the benefits available to you and would be pleased to sit down with you for a free initial consultation. Contact us toll free at 1-800-563-6348.
Tips to keep safe on Ontario Slopes This Family Day Weekend
With all the great hills around Ontario, many sports enthusiasts head to the slopes for a day of skiing or snowboarding during the winter months. This Family Day Weekend will likely be no exception. Taking precautions to prevent personal injuries while on the hill should be a top priority for all skiers and snowboarders.
Skiing Injuries
Skiers and snowboarders can take a number of steps to help reduce the risk of suffering injuries like sprains, broken bones, back or neck injuries, spinal cord injuries and head injuries. Ferguson Barristers encourages you to follow these tips which are based on the Alpine Responsibility Code and the Canadian Ski Council website to help keep safe:
- wear a helmet specifically designed for skiing or snowboarding
- always stay in control on the slopes
- never sit or stand in the middle of a trail
- obey signs regarding closed trails
- if unfamiliar with ski lifts, ask an operator for assistance
Ski Lift Safety
It is particularly important to ensure you are using proper procedures when loading and unloading from chair lifts. The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), which is responsible for regulating the safety of chair lifts in Ontario, reports that user behaviour is the major cause of falls from chair lifts. Consequently, it is imperative that you ask an operator for assistance if you are unfamiliar with, or have any questions about, using the chair lift.
Whether or not you take to the slopes this weekend, Ferguson Barristers personal injury lawyers wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Family Day Weekend.
Ferguson Barristers Supports “Ride For Dad”
The Ride for Dad is a fundraising event that supports
the Prostate Cancer Fight Foundation through annual local Rides.
The Ride for Dad event started in the early 2000’s as a motorcycle ride and raised over $20,000 for the Ottawa Regional Cancer Center. Since that time, there have been various Rides in over 30 cities in Canada raising over $9,000,000 for prostate cancer research and awareness. The events have grown to include motorcycle, snowmobile and watercraft events.
Georgian Bay Ride for Dad 2012
Ferguson Barristers is a proud sponsor of this year’s Georgian Bay snowmobile event, taking place on February 18, 2012. You can register for this year’s snowmobile event on the Ride for Dad website.
- The ride starts at the Town Docks in Penetanguishene, ON
- Registration is between 8-10 am
- Trail ride begins at 10am sharp
- Fee is $25 or free registration for those who raise over $100 in pledges
Ferguson Barristers has an ongoing commitment to support prostate cancer research and looks forward to a safe and fun snowmobile event. For more details on how you can get involved or to register for the ride, visit the Ride for Dad website.
Safe Winter Driving – Emergency Car Kit
Despite Wiarton Willie’s prediction this morning of an early spring in Ontario, there is still reason to be prepared for more winter driving. Winter driving can be tricky, especially in Central Ontario, with sudden changes in the weather and the road conditions. One way drivers can be prepared for any eventuality is to have an emergency kit in their car.
Emergency Car Kit
Whether you are involved in a car accident or your vehicle breaks down, keeping an emergency kit in your vehicle at all times is extremely important – especially in the cold winter months. The following are recommended by the Government of Canada’s GetPrepared.ca site as items you should have in this kit.
- Food – that won’t spoil, such as energy bars
- Water – in plastic bottles so they won’t break if frozen (change every six months)
- Blanket
- Extra clothing and shoes
- First aid kit – with seatbelt cutter
- Small shovel, scraper and snowbrush
- Candle in a deep can and matches
- Wind–up flashlight
- Whistle – in case you need to attract attention
- Roadmaps
- Copy of your emergency plan and personal documents
Also, keep these additional items inside your trunk:
- Sand, salt or cat litter (non clumping)
- Antifreeze/windshield washer fluid
- Tow rope
- Jumper cables
- Fire extinguisher
- Warning light or road flares
Other Hints
It is also important to note that cellphones may significantly cut down on the time it takes for you to contact help, whether you are involved in an accident or are stranded on the side of the road. Ultimately, staying hydrated, warm and safe inside your vehicle will be key to riding out the wait for help, whether it is a few minutes or several hours.
If you or anyone you know has been in a car accident, our team of experienced Ontario personal injury lawyers can help. We would be pleased to sit down with you in your home town for a free initial consultation to answer any of your questions.