Earlier this month, a multi-vehicle accident on Highway 401 in Whitby, Ontario claimed multiple lives and injured more than a dozen other people. According to the OPP, as many as twenty vehicles, including four tractor-trailers, were involved in the multi-vehicle pile-up.
The accident occurred at a construction zone in the westbound lanes of Highway 401 in Whitby. A transport truck was travelling westbound, and traffic slowed down due to construction in front of the truck. However, the truck did not slow down and hit the vehicle in front. OPP said that the initial crash caused vehicles to be “pushed forward” in a “chain reaction collision sequence.”
Sadly, a man, a woman and a 12 year old boy died immediately as a result of the tragic accident. Another 10 year old boy died a couple of days later in the hospital due to his injuries from the accident. The 10 and 12 year old boys were brothers. In addition, 4 other people were critically injured with life-threatening injuries and 11 other people suffered serious injuries.
The aftermath of a catastrophic multi-vehicle accident in Ontario is often confusing and overwhelming for the car accident victims and their families. Often, they do not know where to start or what to do. Victims are often in shock. Family members whose loved ones are catastrophically injured are consumed with worry and are often at a loss. Where do family members of deceased victims start after such a tragedy? Filing accident benefits claims with insurance companies and tort claims against the at-fault driver are the last things they want to think about. Unfortunately, it is something they will have to deal with eventually.
Accident Benefits
It is important to remember that regardless of who caused the car accident, in Ontario, injured victims and family members of deceased family members must file accident benefit claims with their own auto insurance companies. Victims are entitled to receive medical and rehabilitation benefits, income replacement benefits and other benefits.
Surviving family members may file accident benefits claims to receive death benefits and funeral benefits to help pay for the expenses of a funeral if they qualify to receive payments. See Accident Benefits for Surviving Spouses After Ontario Car Accidents in Kingston & Ottawa
Tort Claims
In addition to receiving accident benefits, victims and surviving family members may file tort claims against the at-fault drivers. Victims and surviving family members may recover for different types of damages, such as pain and suffering.
Help After a Kingston or Ottawa Car, Truck or Pedestrian Accident
If your loved one was catastrophically injured or tragically killed in an auto accident, we know the last thing you want to think about is dealing with the insurance company to apply for accident benefits or thinking about tort claims. We are here to help. If you want to explore your legal rights, we can answer your questions and concerns. Call our office to schedule a FREE consultation. 1-866-384-5886
*Source: www.kingstonregion.com (Three dead in multi-vehicle crash on 401)
