According to MADD, an average of 4 Canadians PER DAY are killed, and another 175 are injured in accidents resulting from impaired driving in Canada. Annually, they estimate that more than 63,000 are injured, and anywhere up to 1,500 lives are lost due to impaired driving incidents. The latest figures available in Ontario show that nearly 55% of traffic deaths are a result of drivers under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
These numbers indicate that, unfortunately, drunk driving accidents are all-too-common. The effects of impaired driving in Canada are felt throughout the country, with injuries, damages, and even fatalities, as a direct result.
If you have found yourself the victim of a drunk driving accident, whether you or a family member has been seriously injured or suffered a tragic death, you have the right to pursue legal action against the responsible party and receive monetary compensation. Seeking assistance from a Toronto personal injury lawyer with a proven track record of success, and more than 30 years of courtroom experience in impaired driving lawsuits in Canada, will help you and your family receive the compensation you deserve.
Normally, an impaired driving conviction, or another alcohol-related conviction of a G licensed driver in Ontario, does not compromise the third party liability limits of the defendant’s automobile insurance policy; so the full third party policy limits will be available to respond to the plaintiff’s claims. An exception would include a situation where the drunk driver is not authorized by law to operate a motor vehicle, due to a prior driver’s license suspension, or a breach of the mandatory condition on the driver’s license to use an ignition interlock device. For novice drivers, the potential for a breach of the conditions of the driver’s license is even greater, given the zero tolerance for alcohol.
Given the conduct of some novice drivers and the extent to which some drunk driving offenders tend to repeat their actions over time, a careful review of the facts, and a determination of any possible policy breaches has to be reviewed in each case. With this review, a consideration of the possible need for a claim pursuant to the uninsured and underinsured provisions of your automobile policy must be undertaken by an experienced Toronto personal injury lawyer.
In addition to your entitlement to No-Fault Accident Benefits, you may be entitled to compensation against the at-fault drunk driver for damages including:
- Pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of past and future earnings
- Health care costs
- Loss of housekeeping and home maintenance capacity
- Compensation for family members or dependents affected by your injuries
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, contact Horowitz Injury Law today to learn more about the options available to you. First consultation is always free.
