A catastrophic QEW car accident has claimed the life of an 83-year-old woman after a wrong-way collision near Trafalgar Road. According to the Ontario Provincial Police, officers received reports at about 10:10 p.m. Friday of a sedan travelling Toronto-bound in the Fort Erie-bound lanes of the QEW. Shortly afterward, police learned that the vehicle had collided with another sedan.
Both drivers were initially taken to hospital with injuries believed to be minor. However, the injuries suffered by the 83-year-old Hanover woman driving the wrong-way vehicle were later determined to be life-threatening. She subsequently died from her injuries. The QEW was closed while police investigated and the vehicles were removed.
A wrong-way accident on the QEW can become deadly in seconds. Vehicles travelling toward each other at highway speeds can create an extremely powerful impact. This collision is a tragic reminder of the importance of remaining alert when entering highways and navigating ramps, particularly at night.
Why Are Wrong-Way Highway Accidents So Dangerous?
Wrong-way collisions are particularly dangerous because they can result in a head-on crash at highway speeds. Drivers may also have very little time to recognize the danger and avoid an approaching vehicle.
Factors that can contribute to a wrong-way driving accident may include driver confusion, poor visibility, impairment, distraction, fatigue, or mistakenly entering a highway using the wrong ramp. The specific cause of any collision should be determined through a proper investigation.
Serious highway accident injuries can include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, internal injuries, severe chest trauma, and permanent disabilities. Fatal injuries are also possible.
Drivers who encounter a vehicle travelling in the wrong direction should avoid attempting to confront or stop it. Move away from its path when it is safe to do so and contact 911.
What Should You Do After a Serious QEW Accident?
If you are involved in a QEW car accident, your safety comes first. Call 911 when necessary and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
If you can safely do so, collect evidence at the scene. Take photos of the vehicles, damage, roadway, signs, and surrounding conditions. Get contact information from witnesses and preserve any dashcam footage.
People injured in an Ontario motor vehicle accident may have access to Accident Benefits. Depending on the circumstances, an injured person may also be able to bring a personal injury claim when another party’s negligence contributed to the collision.
A serious accident can result in medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost income, future care needs, and significant pain and suffering. An experienced Ontario car accident lawyer can review the circumstances of the crash and explain what insurance benefits and compensation may be available.
Understanding Fatal Car Accident Claims in Ontario
A fatal Ontario car accident can leave a family dealing with grief while also facing unexpected financial and legal issues. When another person’s negligence causes a fatal collision, certain family members may have the right to seek compensation under Ontario law.
Every case is different. Police reports, witness statements, dashcam recordings, vehicle data, medical evidence, and accident reconstruction may help determine how the collision occurred.
Families should consider getting legal advice early. A wrongful death lawyer in Ontario can investigate the accident, preserve evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and explain the family’s legal options.
Contact Bergel Magence After a Serious QEW Car Accident
If you or someone you love has been injured in a QEW car accident, Mississauga car accident, wrong-way collision, or another serious Ontario highway accident, Bergel Magence Personal Injury Lawyers can help.
For more than 50 years, our legal team has represented people and families affected by car accidents, head-on collisions, highway crashes, pedestrian accidents, motorcycle accidents, and catastrophic injuries throughout the GTA and across Ontario.
A serious or fatal collision can leave families with difficult questions about insurance, compensation, and what to do next. Contact Bergel Magence today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our Ontario personal injury lawyers can investigate the accident, explain your legal rights, deal with insurance companies, and pursue the compensation available to you and your family.