Your Car Accident

Running a red light or failing to stop at a stop sign are two of the leading causes of devastating collisions and injuries. The likelihood of substantial damage and injury is increased simply because the at-fault driver is behind the wheel of a car already travelling at considerable speed. This is not always the case, of course, but it is a common characteristic of crashes at intersections. Though failing to stop is not usually deliberate, some drivers routinely refuse to stop when required and others have a habit of running yellow lights, despite unsafe circumstances. Taken to the extreme, negligent drivers can face serious criminal charges. Also, if a failure to stop later leads to a person failing to remain at the scene of a crash, such reckless and irresponsible drivers can be charged with both a motor-vehicle offence and under the Criminal Code of Canada. The most serious consequence is the suffering of innocent victims injured through crashes of this type.

Whether you are a new driver or one with a lot of experience, it is vital to always be aware of which car has the right of way at stop signs, lights, intersections and in uncontrolled areas.

A general rule is that left-turning vehicles go last. That is, if you are turning left, you must yield the right of way to cars travelling straight and cars that are turning right. This is especially true in cases when two or more cars come to an intersection at the same time. A left-turning vehicle is usually considered primarily at fault if colliding with a car that is travelling straight ahead at either a controlled or uncontrolled intersection unless excessive speed by the oncoming vehicle was a factor.

If you are involved in an accident with a left-turning vehicle, unless an injury leaves you unable to do so, immediately make notes about the relevant details of the crash, including which direction the cars were travelling at the time, the approximate speed of all vehicles involved and any comments regarding distance, signalling and so forth. This information could be helpful to accident investigators, insurance adjusters and legal counsel.

In most cases passengers will be compensated for their injuries regardless of which driver was at fault for the accident. This includes passengers of all manner of vehicles — cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, etc.

Drivers and passengers in cars hit from behind can be seriously injured both due to the violence of the crash and due to the direction in which the body is forced to move upon impact. Collisions of this kind almost always come without warning, leaving accident victims unable to brace themselves before the crash.

Rear-end collisions can occur in various ways. Most commonly, one car is slowing down for or stopped at a traffic light or stop sign and is hit by a vehicle travelling behind it. There can be a chain reaction where each car is pushed into the vehicle in front of it, thereby causing multiple impacts and injuries to the vehicle occupants. Or, a vehicle speeding along a highway can hit a car travelling in the same direction, causing both cars to lose control and perhaps collide with other nearby vehicles. Rear-end collisions can also cause the vehicle that was struck to slam into concrete barriers, poles or lampposts or into oncoming traffic.

If the car you were travelling in was hit in this way, you will likely experience pain soon after the accident and you may develop further symptoms hours or even days later. Whiplash is a common injury associated with rear-end collisions. You have suffered whiplash if your neck was subjected to a sudden, uncontrolled movement. Your neck bones could be pushed out of place and pain can be felt due to damage of the nerves and surrounding tissues.

Unfortunately, whiplash is not the only injury that can be caused by a rear-end collision. The force of a crash and the chain reactions involving the movement of metal and bodies during an accident can lead to broken bones and various other internal and external injuries.

Responsible driving behaviour includes proper attention to road conditions, traffic and weather. The speed limit is generally accepted to be safe in conditions that are ideal for driving. However, in bad weather or road conditions, drivers are required to make appropriate adjustments to their speed. Simply put, driving at 60 kilometres an hour may be suitable in an area one day but excessive the next.

Hard rain can have a major effect on road conditions. Drivers need to be aware of this and must adjust their driving appropriately, primarily by slowing down. The same can be said when street and traffic conditions are not ideal. Construction is common during the summer on Canadian roads and highways. This may require drivers to slow down considerably. Road work in an area often requires temporary changes in traffic flow. Drivers must adhere to such conditions. Failing to do so can lead to tragic consequences. The need for special attention and precaution is the main reason why traffic fines are highest in construction zones and school zones.

Weather and road conditions can be highly relevant when determining who was at fault for a car accident. If the weather or road conditions contributed to a crash you were involved in, make sure to document the details of the accident, including the actions of the drivers involved and the weather and road conditions at the time.

Your neck is made up of small bones, cartilage (or discs) between the bones, muscles, nerves, ligaments and tendons, any or all of which can be harmed by sudden uncontrolled movement. The key area involves the seven bones of the cervical spine, which support the head, as well as provide a basis for balance and proper posture. Whiplash is the result of a sudden moderate to severe uncontrolled movement of the neck.

Whiplash injuries are common result after a car crash. The unexpected force of the crash can cause the head to be rapidly thrown back and pushed forward. This can force the neck bones to snap out of place and cause damage to the surrounding muscles and nerves. In some cases, nerve damage interferes with blood flow and the transmission of the nerves’ electrical impulses. Pinched nerves can damage or even destroy the function of certain parts of the body.

Rear-end collisions are a big cause of whiplash injuries, simply due to the nature of the impact, which causes a person’s head to be knocked forward and then bounced back. One reason for the high number of whiplash injuries in car accidents is the lack of warning before impact. In a split second, your neck can go from a relaxed position to an extended and strained one. This extreme and rapid change in motion is unnatural and the results can be painful, debilitating and long-lasting.

Sprains, strains and hyperextensions are common descriptions of whiplash-related injuries. Whiplash can also cause shoulder pain, shooting pain to the arms, muscle spasms, swelling, headaches and dizziness. When it comes to treatment, whiplash and other neck injuries need to be taken seriously right from the start. Getting medical advice is a good idea, especially in cases of significant pain and when mobility is decreased. Injuries can be more serious than they appear. A protective neck collar may be needed, as well as pain medication and restricted activity.