Blog – Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers
Most fatal car accidents are preventable, says OPP report
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In 2014, the OPP investigated more fatal traffic collisions than the year before, but there were fewer deaths.
According to recent statistics released by the OPP, last year there were 265 fatal motor vehicle collisions in Ontario, which resulted in the death of 287 people. In 2013, there were 251 fatal road collisions, which resulted in the death of 290 people.
There are typically four reasons that can cause a collision, which are labelled by the OPP as the “big four”. The most common cause for a collision last year was inattentiveness, which includes distracted driving. Last year, there were 73 collision deaths due to inattention, 61 deaths due to speeding, 50 deaths related to a not wearing a seatbelt or helmet and 46 deaths related to intoxicated driving by alcohol or drugs. There were also 25 pedestrians killed in 2014. Overall, there were 74,684 motor vehicle collisions last year.
While there were fewer fatal collisions due to intoxicated driving, inattention and lack of seatbelt/helmet from the year before, there was an uptick in the number of speeding related collisions. Sometimes fatal collisions can be caused by more than one of the big four factors, which means it’s counted multiple times, or by another factor not a part of the big four, such as an animal-related collision or a driver under medical duress.
But every year there’s one aspect that’s discovered during an accident investigation, which is the fact that many of these fatal collisions could have been prevented.
This year, the OPP conducted a multi-year study that analyzes traffic statistics within the past ten years. The OPP plans to continue to share this collision and fatality data in a bid to bring more awareness to how the driving behaviour of Ontarians contributes to fatal accidents, said Deputy Commissioner Brad Blair, Provincial Commander of Traffic Safety and Operational Support, in a press release.
“As we have said before, regardless of how hard the OPP works to reduce the number of lives lost in road collisions, we cannot do this alone,” said Blair. “Ontarians need to understand what we learn from this data, which is that the vast majority of the people who have died on our roads did not have to die.”
Over the past decade, there was a steady decline in fatal car accidents. The study also found that January is the most dangerous month for drivers with 10,605 collisions occurring that month last year.
Accident benefits are available to anyone involved in a motor vehicle accident. The personal injury and accident lawyers at Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers have been dealing with all accident related issues throughout Ontario for over 45 years. We know how to get you the compensation that you deserve and get your life back in order after being in a car accident. Call us at 416-920-4242, set up a free consultation, and come speak with us.
How to protect yourself from animal motor vehicle accidents
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When we see cars on the road as a pedestrian or a cyclist, we know the proper way to react is to wait until they’ve passed before we cross. Unfortunately, animals don’t have the same reactions.
Drivers need to know how to safely react when it comes to seeing an animal on the road. You might come across a smaller animal while driving in the city or a larger animal while on a rural highway.
In 2014, there were 11,466 animal-related collisions, which accounted for 15.4 per cent of the total motor vehicle collisions in Ontario, according to the OPP. There were two fatal collisions, in which two people died. This is an improvement from the year before, where animal-related collisions represented 16.1 per cent of motor vehicle collisions and there were six fatalities from six fatal crashes. Drivers should make sure they know how to react when they see an animal on the road.
Last December, a Quebec driver was sentenced to 90 days in prison, along with 240 hours of community service and a ten-year ban on driving, after she stopped on a highway to rescue ducklings, which led to two deaths. In 2010, the 26-year-old stopped her car on the left side of a highway to assist a group of ducks to cross the road. A 50-year-old father and his 16-year-old daughter were riding a motorcycle that hit the back of the car and they died from the impact. The driver was later charged with two counts of criminal negligence causing death and two counts of dangerous driving causing death. In early January, the Quebec driver appealed the sentence.
In 2012, the Ontario government built its first wildlife overpass near Sudbury to provide another route for animals near Highway 69. There’s a section of the highway that sees many animal-related collisions with large animals, such as white-tailed deer, elk, moose and black bears. The province is also looking into installing between five to ten wildlife tunnels to help prevent collisions, according to CBC News.
When you drive on the highway, it’s common that you see signs warning of deer crossings ahead. But how can you help prevent animal-related collisions?
Be aware of any signs If you spot a sign with an animal picture, take note and remain alert. Your reaction to this situation could save you from a car accident.
Slow down Animal-related collisions are more likely to happen during a clear night with dry road conditions and on long stretches of straight road, according to Workplace Safety North. Drivers tend to speed during these conditions, which affects their ability to react to an unexpected situation.
Be a defensive driver Always be on the lookout for any wildlife or movement on the side of the road while driving. Pay attention to both sides of the road and if you see flickering from any oncoming traffic, it could be a warning of an animal crossing the road.
Know what your options are When you spot wildlife, your gut reaction may be to swerve, but this could put you in danger since you could land in a ditch or hit oncoming traffic. Depending the size of the animal, such as a deer, it might be safer to brake, while if a moose is in front of you, it might be safer to swerve. Also, if a deer is in front of you, you could honk your horn or flash your lights to scare it off the road, while these tactics won’t work on a moose. If it’s a smaller animal, such as a squirrel, you’re surrounded by traffic and it’s dangerous to stop, the unfortunate fact is that you should just hit the animal. If there isn’t traffic around you, you should be able to slow down and try stopping in a straight line.
Be mentally prepared It’s easier for you to react a situation after you’ve played out how you plan to react in your head compared to reacting on the fly. If you frequently take long trips, it’s important to think about what you would do if a deer walked onto the road. Also, know what you should do if there’s no way to avoid the animal. If a crash is unavoidable, you should crouch as low as you can in your seat and aim for the direction the animal came from rather than where it is headed. This way, you may hit the animal at an angle, which reduces the impact. Right before you’re about to hit the animal, lessen the amount of pressure on the brakes since this way you’ll reduce the chances of the animal crashing through the windshield. You should also have your seatbelt on at all times.
If you do hit an animal, follow the same procedure as you would if you’re involved in any other motor vehicle collision.
Motor vehicle accidents happen and accident benefits are available to anyone involved in a motor vehicle accident regardless of who caused the accident. The personal injury and accident lawyers at Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers have been dealing with all accident related issues throughout Ontario for over 45 years. We know how to get you the compensation that you deserve and get your life back in order after being in a car accident. Call us at 416-920-4242, set up a free consultation, and come speak with us.
New car technology can save lives
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When you get behind the wheel, it’s your responsibility to safely drive a vehicle. There’s an expectation that you won’t drive a vehicle while intoxicated or distracted and that you’re alert and aware of your surroundings while driving. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case.
In 2012, 165,172 Canadians were injured in a motor vehicle collision, according to Transport Canada. While this number has dropped from the previous year, there were more fatal motor vehicle accidents in 2012 than 2011.
Automakers are looking to help prevent accidents by installing technology that can keep a vehicle’s occupants safe, along with pedestrians and cyclists that also share the road.
Jaguar is the latest company to announce an innovative safety feature, Bike Sense, which aims to prevent accidents between vehicles and cyclists and motorcyclists. At the Jaguar Land Rover’s Advanced Research Centre, researchers are looking into ways to alert vehicle drivers about the potential danger of a motorcyclist or a cyclist. The car’s sensors will be able to identify when a cyclist or motorcyclist is approaching, even before the driver can see them.
The facility is testing different ways, whether it’s through colour, sound or touch, to alert the driver. For example, if a cyclist is approaching on the right hand side behind the vehicle, Bike Sense could trigger a bicycle bell or a motorcycle horn on the right audio speaker. This alerts the driver to the type of potential hazard and which direction it may be coming from.
Also, as a cyclist approaches the car, there could be LED lights on the window sills, dashboard and windscreen pillars that would show an amber light and change to red as the bike approaches.
If the cyclist is approaching behind the vehicle and there’s a possibility it may overtake them, the top of the seat will “tap” the driver’s shoulder on whichever side the bike is approaching. This will trigger a driver to instinctively look over their shoulder.
“Human beings have developed an instinctive awareness of danger over thousands of years,” said Dr. Wolfgang Epple, Director of Research and Technology at Jaguar Land Rover, in a press release. “Certain colours, like red and yellow, will trigger an immediate response, while everyone recognises the sound of a bicycle bell.”
If the driver ignores these warnings, the car could prevent dangerous behaviour through vibrating or making the accelerator pedal stiff or preventing vehicle doors from opening if the vehicle detects a cyclist. Also, door handles could light up, vibrate or alert passengers to approaching dangers.
Dooring is a common hazard for cyclists and within a nine-month period in 2013 to 2014, there were 62 recorded dooring incidents in Toronto. Currently, there’s proposed provincial legislation that could increase fines and demerit points for those who’ve been convicted, along with instill additional safety laws for cyclists.
In 2012, there were 61 cyclist fatalities from a motor vehicle collision, which accounts for 2.9 per cent of fatal motor vehicle accidents, according to Transport Canada.
“By engaging instincts, Bike Sense has the potential to bridge the gap between the safety and hazard detection systems in the car and the driver and their passengers,” added Dr. Epple. “This could reduce the risk of accidents with all road users by increasing the speed of response and ensuring the correct action is taken to prevent an accident (from) happening.”
Jaguar isn’t the only company working on additional technological safety features for vehicles. GM announced it’s working on a safety feature to combat distracted driving. Also, software created by Canadian tech company BlackBerry will allow automakers to track a vehicle’s seat and steering wheel positions, according to Bloomberg Business. Maybe one day this tracking could be paired with a warning system if the vehicle detects unsafe use.
Motor vehicle accidents happen and accident benefits are available to anyone involved in a motor vehicle accident regardless of who caused the accident. The personal injury and accident lawyers at Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers have been dealing with all accident related issues throughout Ontario for over 45 years. We know how to get you the compensation that you deserve and get your life back in order after being in a car accident. Call us at 416-920-4242, set up a free consultation, and come speak with us.
Queens Park looks into lowering speed limits to prevent accidents
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Pedestrians and cyclists may be relieved to hear that Queen’s Park is considering lowering the default speed limit to 40 km/h from 50 km/h in some Ontario cities and towns.
Currently, the Ontario government is running comprehensive consultations, which will include workshops, questionnaires and webinars, with other municipalities to discuss the options, according to the Toronto Star.
The Ontario government has four options to choose from:
- Keep the current default speed limit at 50 km/h
- Lower the default speed limit to 40 km/h
- Let municipalities decide the default speed limit in their cities or towns
- Let municipalities decide specific speed limits in certain neighbourhoods
“We have heard from a number of municipalities — for example, Ottawa —that as urban areas continue to intensify, lower speeds may be appropriate in high pedestrian areas and have requested a change to the default speed limit to enhance pedestrian safety,” a government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the Star.
Following the posted speed limit gives drivers enough time to react to an unexpected situation, which also affects the control they have over their vehicles. Speeding is a frequent reason for many motor vehicle accidents and in 2014, the New Zealand Transportation Agency launched a graphic advertising campaign last year to illustrate the importance of driving at the posted speed limit.
In 2011, motor vehicle accidents caused by speeding resulted in 80 deaths, which accounts for 16.1 per cent of fatal crashes, according to the Ministry of Transportation’s 2011 Ontario Road Safety Annual Report.
Speeding has also been cited as a factor for higher fatal pedestrian collisions in rural areas, according to a 2010 Pedestrian Death Review, which was conducted by the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario. The study analyzed fatal pedestrian deaths in 2010. It discovered that 67 per cent of pedestrian fatalities occurred on roads with a posted speed limit of 50 km/h. Only five per cent of pedestrian deaths occured on roads with speed limits less than 50 km/h. Pedestrian deaths in Ontario rose to 98 in 2011 from 95 in 2010, according to the MTO report. The Coroner’s report recommends that municipalities be allowed to lower the default speed limit to 40 km/h in residential areas.
In 2007, the Ontario government passed Bill 203: Safer Roads for a Safer Ontario Act which levies tougher street racing penalties in an attempt to crackdown on dangerous driving. If you are caught driving 50 km/h more than the posted speed limit, you can face a penalty of up to $10,000, your license may be suspended immediately and your vehicle could be impounded for seven days. The province’s penalty imposes one of the highest fines for street racing in the country.
Motor vehicle accidents happen and accident benefits are available to anyone involved in a motor vehicle accident regardless of who caused the accident. The personal injury and accident lawyers at Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers have been dealing with all accident related issues throughout Ontario for over 45 years. We know how to get you the compensation that you deserve and get your life back in order after being in a car accident. Call us at 416-920-4242, set up a free consultation, and come speak with us.
The right rehabilitation team is important to your recovery
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If you need to tap into your disability insurance, whether you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident or a slip and fall incident, chances are that you require some extra recovery time.
The health issues people recover from vary between a less serious injury, such as a broken wrist, to a life-changing injury, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. There are cases that have shown that a patient’s rehabilitation progress can be affected by the people helping and supporting them, which makes a difference to a patient’s ability to recover body functions and to their livelihood.
After four months, a 50-year-old Torontonian who had been diagnosed as an incomplete quadriplegic was able to walk out of the Toronto Rehab Foundation’s Lyndhurst Centre’s front doors, according to the Toronto Star. Chris Channon was working as an aid worker in Africa before he was hit over the back of the neck while walking in Thailand. His diagnosis is severe, but there is a chance he may regain movement after undergoing intensive rehabilitation.
In the Toronto Star article, the former aid worker credits his physiotherapist for putting up with his anger, frustration and fear to help him get back on his feet. While he is no longer an inpatient at the rehab facility, this is only the next step in his recovery. Channon hasn’t regained full movement in his arms yet, which affects his balance and he continues to need help eating, bathing and using the toilet. But he remains optimistic and he has many life goals he hopes to achieve when that day comes.
Another Torontonian is not letting his paraplegia condition get in the way of launching a Halal food truck. Aleem Syed suffered a spinal cord injury in 2008 which left him paralyzed from the waist down, but he is now the city’s second chef in a wheelchair.
He told the Toronto Star he was devastated after the incident, but there were people in his life who helped him adapt, such as his mother. The city’s first wheelchair chef, Pascal Ribreau, who was paralyzed after a car accident, also played a role in his recovery. Ribreau visited him at the hospital and once Syed was moved to rehab, the chef offered him a chance to cook in his restaurant’s kitchen. After being able to cook a meal and do the dishes, Syed left rehab after six months. He catered and worked at restaurants before embarking on the launch of the Holy Grill food truck. Syed can drive the truck using hand controls and the vehicle will also have a modified kitchen which allows him to cook inside. Meanwhile, Syed hasn’t given up on the possibility of walking and he hopes to make enough money to take part in the activity-based recovery program at Project Walk.
Researchers continue to work on new technological innovations for spinal cord injury survivors. But many survivors struggle to recover from a severe personal injury since it can take a take a toll on their mental health. Research has shown that serve personal injury has been linked to depression. A good support system, whether it’s in the form of friends, family and health professionals, can make a difference in your recovery.
If you have had an accident and are now coping with a spinal cord injury, your life has been significantly changed. Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers are here for you and have been handling all types of injuries for over 40 years. We understand the impacts they can have on you and we can help fight your case. Call us at 416-920-4242. Set up a free consultation and come chat with us.
More safety tips for a safe snowmobiling season
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Snowmobiling is a great activity to help you and your family enjoy winter outdoors. While it’s great family fun, you want to make sure you’re riding safely.
There have been three fatal snowmobile accidents since the beginning of the season to mid-January 2015, according to the OPP. Alcohol was the primary cause for two of the accidents and two of the victims were not wearing helmets.
Last winter season, 21 people died from snowmobile accidents. In 11 of the fatalities, speed was cited as the primary cause, and in seven of them, alcohol was the primary cause.
Recently, the OPP wrapped up its Snowmobile Safety Week, which educates riders on snowmobile safety.
Before heading out on your snowmobile for the first time this season, there are some things you should do to ensure your safety.
Here are a few tips to follow:
- Make sure your snowmobile works properly. Before riding it, take it to a garage for service since there’s a chance it could break down while you’re in a location without anyone to help.
- Never go snowmobiling without your helmet and other safety gear.
- Check your gear and equipment. Make sure you have everything before heading out. Check that everything fits properly and is in good working order.
- Always keep a repair kit, first aid kit and survival kit with you. A repair kit should include an owner’s manual, spare belt and spark plugs. Both a first aid kit or survival kit can be bought online or at outdoor stores, which can be a great help during unexpected circumstances.
- Don’t go out alone. It’s always safer and more fun to ride with a group.
- Bring electronics wit you. Whether it’s a GPS, cellphone, satellite phone or personal tracking unit, all these devices can help you or others find your location in an unexpected situation.
- Never drink alcohol or consume other drugs before snowmobiling
One danger the OPP has highlighted this winter is the risk of riding across ice. The OPP is warning people of this danger and asking riders to avoid it, if possible. This season, two snowmobiles, which were carrying one driver and one passenger each, fell into the water. Luckily, everyone was able to get out safely, but all riders need to be aware that riding on ice isn’t 100 per cent safe.
During the early winter or early spring, ice forms, but it isn’t thick enough to sustain much weight. It’s better to cross the water using bridges or culverts.
If you do choose to ride across the ice, the OPP suggests riders check the ice’s thickness and quality, such as whether it’s slushy, untracked or whether it’s near moving water or dock bubblers, before crossing; never travel over the ice alone; wear a buoyant snowmobile suit and bring ice picks; and be weary of obstacles, such as rocks, stumps and docks, while crossing the ice.
Accident benefits are available to anyone involved in a motor vehicle accident. The personal injury and accident lawyers at Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers have been dealing with all accident related issues throughout Ontario for over 45 years. We know how to get you the compensation that you deserve and get your life back in order after being in a car accident. Call us at 416-920-4242, set up a free consultation, and come speak with us.
Heated seat warmer malfunctions could burn drivers
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When the weather outside is chilly, many drivers switch on their seat warmers to keep warm. Heated seats are becoming the norm in many vehicles, but there have been some dangerous cases of malfunctioning seat warmers.
In the last few decades, there have been recall notices sent out regarding heated seats from car manufacturers, such as Volkswagen and Volvo.
Recently, a Toronto woman was almost burned by the seat warmer under her leather seats, according to CTV News. She smelled something burning while driving her 2004 Volvo XC70 and soon realized it was coming from her seat. She was wearing a heavy jacket at the time and escaped being injured, but the heater burned a hole through the leather. The driver was told that the heater overheating was a defect and a spokesperson told CTV Toronto that there hasn’t been any reported heated seat issues for Volvo vehicles produced later than 2005.
While in British Columbia, another driver experienced the same issue while driving her 2004 Volkswagen Jetta, according to CBC News. She also smelled smoke in the car and then realized her jeans were burning. Since the incident, she discovered the issue was due to a short circuit in the seat warmer, which caused it to burn. Her vehicle was among those recalled for the same issue.
In the US, there have been cases of more serious injuries from seat warmers with some from paraplegics and quadriplegics who can’t tell the temperature of the seats, according to USA Today. A 30-year-old paraplegic was burned while driving in his 2007 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck. The paraplegic has since filed a lawsuit against GM and experts told USA Today that it can take a few years for the heater to become worn out, which can lead to their overheating.
Last year, Toyota stopped selling eight models of its vehicles with heated seats due to the materials failing to meet fire retardation standards, according to Reuters. There were no fires or injuries related to the issue.
In the last two decades, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received 1,260 complaints in regards to seat heaters not working properly. There were 287 people injured from these incidents.
According to CTV News, heated seats are typically safe, but if you feel your seat getting too warm, shut it off and inspect the seat for any holes or burn marks.
Drivers have a right to feel safe and secure in the vehicles they operate. The personal injury and accident lawyers at Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers have been dealing with all product liability issues throughout Ontario for over 45 years. We know how to get you the compensation that you deserve and get your life back in order after being in a motor vehicle accident. Accident benefits are available to drivers, regardless of who caused the accident. Call us at 416-920-4242, set up a free consultation, and come speak with us.
First fatal bus accident in GO Transit’s history
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Many Ontario residents use public transit to travel from one destination to another, but recently the safety of these services is coming into question.
The TTC is facing scrutiny and reviewing its streetcar and bus driver policies after a string of accidents, but some concern may be directed towards the GO transit system in light of the service’s first fatal on-board crash in mid-January.
A GO bus travelling to York University from Hamilton was involved in a fatal single-vehicle collision on Highway 407 near Weston Road. The bus hit a highway guardrail and rolled over onto the grass, an OPP officer told the Toronto Sun. A female passenger, who was identified as a custodian at York University, died at the scene after she was ejected from her seat and trapped under the bus. The bus was carrying six people onboard, including the bus driver, and two passengers were taken to the hospital for minor injuries.
Police continue to investigate the incident. It’s currently unknown why the bus crashed into the guardrail, but in a press conference, GO President Greg Percy said the bus driver had over 15 years of experience. Also, the bus involved in the crash was eight years old and it had passed a regular safety inspection, according to the York Guardian.
While Metrolinx is in the process of outfitting its vehicles with dashboard cameras, the vehicle involved in the crash did not have one. But a diagnostic computer on the bus can provide additional insight since it records vehicle data, such as the bus’ travel speed.
Regardless, the president of the Ontario Safety League told Metro News that the transit service’s driver training and mechanical standards are a benchmark in North America since the incident was the first fatal crash in the company’s 47 years of history.
Meanwhile, the TTC expedited the completion of its 12-point Safe Service Action Plan after a fatal bus-pedestrian accident involving a 14-year-old teen.
Some of the report’s recommendations include:
- Reinforcing the need for drivers to obey traffic laws
- Ensuring speed limit compliance by using GPS data, along with regular speed audits and radar checks
- Removing or covering a schedule deviation display that informs drivers when they’re off schedule
- Studying dashboard cameras, Collision Avoidance Systems, Operator Fatigue Detection Systems and Vehicle Turning Warning Systems to determine if they should be used in vehicles
- Reviewing operator training, such as changes to recertification training, and more training for drivers during off hours
Recommendations will be presented to the TTC board and they will require board approval before moving ahead.
Motor vehicle accidents happen and accident benefits are available to anyone involved in a motor vehicle accident regardless of who caused the accident. The personal injury and accident lawyers at Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers have been dealing with all accident related issues throughout Ontario for over 45 years. We know how to get you the compensation that you deserve and get your life back in order after being in a car accident. Call us at 416-920-4242, set up a free consultation, and come speak with us.
What you need to know about slip and fall claims
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With constantly fluctuating temperatures and weather conditions during the winter, a pedestrian’s chances of slipping, falling and hurting themselves increases due to ice-covered sidewalks and walkways.
What is a slip and fall?
A slip and fall is when a person falls and sustains an injury, while walking through a hazardous area. In some cases, pedestrians may not realize that an area is icy due to low visibility or snow cover. In the winter, icy walkways frequently contribute to slip and fall injuries, but slip and falls can be caused by other circumstances, such as slipping on greasy or wet floors in restaurants or tripping over loose carpet in an office. While some people may only receive a bump on their knee or a scrape on their hand, slip and fall injuries can also result in wrist or hip fractures, which may require time off to heal.
What to do after a slip and fall accident?
If you’re the unfortunate victim of a slip and fall accident, take pictures of the general area where you fell, as soon as possible. (In the past, claimants needed to know the “precise location” where they fell, but this is no longer the case, according to Lawyer’s Weekly.) This will help explain what happened to any lawyers or judges involved in your case. You should take note of the date, time and the circumstances surrounding your injury, such as whether there were warning signs in place or what the weather conditions were like when you slipped and fell. If there was anyone in the area when you slipped, you’ll want to make note of any comments they make or even record their contact information as a potential witness in your case. Also, have injuries sustained from the fall checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. If you wait, the defendant may argue that the injury was sustained through another incident. For more information about what to do after a slip and fall accident, check out our most recent blog post.
How do you make a slip and fall claim?
Victims who have been injured during a slip and fall can file a claim under Ontario’s Occupier’s Liability Act. According to the act, “An occupier of premises owes a duty to take such care as in all the circumstances of the case is reasonable to see that persons entering on the premises, and the property brought on the premises by those persons are reasonably safe while on the premises.”
Determining the occupier of the property where you slipped and fell affects how soon you need to a file a notice. If the area you fell was municipal property, you have ten days to notify them, but if you’re considering a claim against a homeowner or business, you have two years to decide whether to go ahead with a case.
How do you prevent slip and fall accidents?
During the winter, giving yourself extra travel time to commute from one destination to the other could help prevent injuries. Bad weather conditions can increase the risk of car accidents, while pedestrians quickly walking from one destination to another can lead to a greater risk of slipping and falling on snowy and icy walkways.
The personal injury and accident lawyers at Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers have been handling accident injuries for over 45 years. We know how to help you get compensation after a slip and fall accident. Call us at 416-920-4242 to set up a free consultation.
2014 Auto recalls break records
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Last year was the year of auto recalls with a record number of more than eight million Canadian vehicles affected by almost 600 notices, according to the Canadian Press. Both the number of notices sent out and the number of vehicles affected was much higher than the previous year.
The previous record of recall notices in a year was set in 2010 with 468 notices, which affected 1.5 million vehicles, according to CP. The previous record for the most cars affected by recalls in a year was 2 million in 2013, when there were fewer notices sent out that year.
According to experts interviewed by CP, many automakers are taking a cautious approach after an investigation discovered that GM had waited approximately 11 years before initiating recalls.
Many of the recalls last year were related to older vehicles for issues such as faulty ignition switches in GM vehicles and faulty airbags. Automakers knew about these issues and their widespread distribution but failed to act upon this knowledge, President of the Automobile Protection Association George Iny told CP.
A wide range of automakers such as Nissan, BMW, Honda, Chrysler, Ford and Mazda have all announced recalls related to the vehicle’s airbags, which killed at least five people and injured others. Millions of vehicles have been affected worldwide by this recall, which can explode under changes from extreme heat to extreme cold and release metal fragments.
Takata, which produces a majority of the world’s airbags, was aware of this gas reaction within its airbags for a few decades, which was cited in the company’s patent applications, according to CNN Money.
In another vehicle recall case, Honda was fined the largest civil penalty of $70 million USD against an automaker by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for its failure to report injuries and deaths related to its vehicles, which includes complaints and injuries caused by airbags produced by Takata.
The company was penalized $35 million for failing to report 1,729 death and injury claims that took place between 2003 and 2014. The company must also come up with policies and procedures to ensure that the NHTSA requirements are met.
Meanwhile, GM is currently facing multiple investigations and lawsuits related to its ignition switch recalls. In the spring of last year, two Canadian law firms were pursuing claims against the automaker. The ignition switch defect causes the driver to lose control of the vehicle and airbags fail to deploy. GM was also fined $35 million by the US Department of Transportation for its slow recall notice.
While it’s unlikely that there will be as many auto recalls this year, automakers will possibly remain more proactive with their notices, experts told CP.
Drivers have a right to feel safe in the vehicles they operate and they should feel confident all safety features are fully functional to handle a worst case scenario. The personal injury and accident lawyers at Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers have been dealing with all product liability issues throughout Ontario for over 45 years. We know how to get you the compensation that you deserve and get your life back in order after being in a motor vehicle accident. Accident benefits are available to drivers, regardless of who caused the accident. Call us at 416-920-4242, set up a free consultation, and come speak with us.
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