Fatal collisions on Eastern Ontario streets have been on the decline for the last 4 years. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) reported that the number of deaths on roads hit a five-year low in 2014 and has dropped for the third year in a row.
However, the fatalities due to car, truck and pedestrian accidents were mostly preventable, according to the OPP. Causes of fatal accidents include distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, aggressive driving and the failure to wear a seatbelt. Distracted driving does not just include texting or talking while driving, it includes other things as well, such as eating, inputting data in a GPS, etc.
Ottawa is also seeing a drop in the number of fatal collisions on the roads. The Ottawa Police has reported 23 unofficial fatalities in 2014. Though the number is unofficial, it is down from the number of fatalities in the last several years, as seen in the chart below.
| Year | Fatalities Due to Auto Collisions |
| 2011 | 25 |
| 2012 | 29 |
| 2013 | 27 |
Though the Ottawa Police didn’t indicate the causes of the fatal auto accidents, i.e., distracted driving, drunk driving, etc., the police did report that drivers in the age range of 20-24 were involved in more crashes than any other age group.
While some accidents are unavoidable, such as a car accident caused by sudden whiteout conditions in the winter, many Ontario car and truck accidents are avoidable. Drivers have to practice safe driving techniques. When they don’t, innocent motorist are injured, and can even die.
What to Do After an Fatal Ottawa Car Accident
Family members of deceased car accident victims are often at a loss and in shock. Nothing can bring back their loved ones. In addition, deceased car accident victims may leave behind their spouses and children. In such cases, family members may file wrongful death lawsuits against the at-fault drivers. Though no amount of money can compensate family members for the loss of their loved ones, the end result of the lawsuits is financial compensation for the family members.
In addition to filing lawsuits against the at-fault drivers, family members may also receive accident benefits through the deceased drivers’ auto insurance companies.
Related: Accident Benefits for Surviving Spouses After Ontario Car Accidents in Kingston & Ottawa
Help After a Car, Truck or Pedestrian Accident in Ottawa, Ontario
If you were injured in an Ottawa auto accident and want to explore your legal rights and/or have questions about Statutory Accident Benefits, call the lawyers at Bergeron Clifford to schedule a FREE consultation. 866-384-5886
