A tragic head-on collision in Scugog Township early Sunday morning has left one man dead and two others seriously injured, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). News of the accident was featured on CTV and CP24, amongst other news services.
Emergency crews responded to the crash around 6 a.m. on Highway 7/12 near 4th Line in Port Perry after reports of a serious two-vehicle collision. Police say the vehicles were travelling in opposite directions when the head-on crash occurred.
A 53-year-old man from Sunderland was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two other drivers involved in the collision suffered significant injuries. A 32-year-old man from Innisfil was transported to the hospital with injuries described as serious but non-life-threatening, while a 35-year-old Toronto man was airlifted to a trauma center with serious injuries.
The crash forced authorities to close both directions of Highway 7/12 while OPP technical collision investigators and reconstruction specialists examined the scene. The roadway has since reopened as investigators continue to determine exactly what caused the collision.
Sunderland is a township in Durham Region, which is considered part of the Greater Toronto Area.
Why are Head-On Collisions the Most Dangerous Types of Car Accidents?
Head-on crashes are among the most severe types of Toronto car accidents because the impact force is often doubled when two vehicles travelling in opposite directions collide. According to Canadian road safety data, these collisions result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities more often than other types of vehicle accidents, particularly on highways where speeds tend to be higher. This is why drivers must avoid distractions and pay attention to the road at all times when travelling.
Serious injuries in these types of crashes may include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, internal organ damage, broken bones and long-term physiological trauma.
For survivors, recovery can involve extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and time away from work.
Legal Rights After a Serious Car Accident in Ontario
Many injured drivers and passengers are unaware that Ontario law allows accident victims to pursue two different types of compensation after a motor vehicle collision.
First, individuals injured in a crash may qualify for Statutory Accident Benefits (SAB’s), which can help cover medical treatment, rehabilitation costs, attendant care, and income replacement benefits. These benefits are granted regardless of who was at fault.
Second, if another driver’s negligence contributed to the crash, injured victims may also have the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit for additional damages such as pain and suffering, loss of income, and future care costs.
Because evidence in serious collisions can disappear quickly, it is often important to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights. They are experts in dealing with all types of car accidents, and can provide guidance during your legal journey, letting you solely focus on getting better.
What are Tips for Toronto Drivers After a Serious Collision?
If you or a loved one was involved in a car crash in Ontario, it is recommended that you take these steps:
- Call emergency services immediately
- Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
- Document the scene with photos and witness information
- Report the accident to your insurance company
- Consult a personal injury lawyer before speaking with insurers
Contact Bergel Magence Personal Injury Lawyers for Help
Bergel Magence Personal Injury Lawyers has been helping seriously injured individuals get the justice and compensation they deserved after an accident for over 40 years. Our team of legal experts will fight on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your rehabilitation. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident, the legal experts at Bergel Magence Personal Injury Lawyers will help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
For a free consultation, contact Bergel Magence today at 416-665-2000 or visit www.bergellaw.com.