A 65-year-old man has died after a serious collision involving a wheelchair-accessible taxi in Ajax.
Durham Regional Police said the two-vehicle crash happened shortly after 4:30 p.m. on Monday near Bayly Street East and Clayton Road. The intersection is east of Audley Road South.
The man was a passenger in the accessible taxi. Emergency crews transported him to hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Police have not released the passenger’s identity. Police are still investigating the cause of the collision. No charges have been announced.
Anyone who witnessed the Ajax car accident or has dash-camera footage is asked to contact Detective Constable Kollaard of the Durham Regional Police Traffic Services Branch at 905-579-1520, extension 5267. You can provide anonymous information to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Our thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones following this tragic loss.
What Police May Examine After a Fatal Ajax Car Accident
Fatal motor vehicle accidents often require detailed investigations. Police may examine the vehicles, the collision scene and the actions of everyone involved.
Investigators may consider:
- The speed and direction of both vehicles
- Traffic signals and right-of-way
- Driver attention and visibility
- Road and weather conditions
- Vehicle maintenance records
- Surveillance or traffic-camera video
- Dash-camera recordings
- Statements from drivers and witnesses
- The passenger-restraint and wheelchair-securement systems
At this stage, police have not said what caused the collision. It is important not to assume that either driver was responsible before the investigation is complete.
Wheelchair-Accessible Taxi Accidents Can Involve Additional Evidence
A collision involving a wheelchair-accessible taxi may raise issues that do not arise in a typical passenger vehicle accident.
Accessible taxis are designed to safely transport passengers who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices. The vehicle may have ramps, lifts, floor-mounted anchors and specialized restraint systems.
After a serious accessible taxi accident, investigators may need to determine whether the passenger and wheelchair were properly secured. They may also examine whether the vehicle’s safety equipment was present, maintained and used correctly.
Relevant evidence could include:
- Wheelchair tie-down and occupant-restraint systems
- Taxi inspection and maintenance records
- Driver training documents
- Onboard camera footage
- GPS and trip information
- Dispatch and pickup records
- Vehicle event-data-recorder information
- The taxi company’s accessibility and safety procedures
The existence of this evidence does not mean that the taxi driver or company did anything wrong. It means that a complete investigation may need to look beyond the point of impact.
Who May Be Liable for a Wheelchair-Accessible Taxi Accident?
Liability depends on how the collision happened.
Depending on the evidence, a personal injury or fatal accident claim could involve one or more parties, including:
- The driver of the taxi
- The driver of the other vehicle
- The taxi company
- The owner of either vehicle
- A vehicle maintenance provider
- A manufacturer of defective equipment
- A municipality or road authority
More than one party may share responsibility for an Ontario car accident. A police investigation is important, but it does not always answer every question related to civil liability.
A personal injury lawyer may conduct a separate investigation. This can include obtaining expert opinions, reviewing vehicle records and taking steps to preserve video or electronic data.
What Rights Do Taxi Passengers Have After an Accident in Ontario?
Passengers are rarely responsible for causing the collision in which they are injured. However, they may still face a complicated insurance process.
An injured taxi passenger may be entitled to apply for Ontario accident benefits. These benefits may help pay for eligible medical care, rehabilitation, attendant care and other accident-related expenses.
Depending on how the crash occurred, the passenger may also have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit against an at-fault driver or another responsible party.
These claims can become more complex when several vehicles, drivers, owners, insurers or commercial transportation companies are involved.
Can a Family Make a Claim After a Fatal Taxi Accident?
Certain family members may have legal rights following a fatal car accident in Ontario.
The available compensation will depend on the circumstances. A family’s claim may include eligible losses related to:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of household services
- Travel expenses
- Care, guidance and companionship
- Other accident-related financial losses
Insurance benefits may also be available following a fatal motor vehicle accident. The family should receive legal advice about which insurer must be contacted and what deadlines may apply.
No amount of compensation can replace a loved one. However, a legal claim can help a family obtain answers, financial support and accountability when another party’s negligence contributed to the death.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fatal Taxi Accidents in Ontario
Can a passenger sue after a taxi accident in Ontario?
An injured passenger may be able to pursue a claim against an at-fault driver, taxi company or other responsible party. The available claim depends on the cause of the collision and the passenger’s injuries.
Are taxi passengers covered by accident benefits?
Taxi passengers injured in Ontario motor vehicle accidents may be eligible for statutory accident benefits. The correct insurer and available benefits depend on the circumstances.
Can a taxi company be responsible for a passenger’s injuries?
A taxi company may be responsible in some cases. Relevant issues may include vehicle ownership, driver conduct, maintenance, training and the use of passenger-safety equipment. Liability must be determined from the evidence.
What happens if a passenger dies after the accident?
The fact that a person dies later in hospital does not prevent the family from exploring insurance benefits or a potential wrongful death claim. The medical evidence must connect the death to the injuries caused by the collision.
How long does a family have to start a fatal accident claim?
Ontario claims are subject to strict notice and limitation periods. The applicable deadline can depend on the parties involved and the type of claim. Families should seek legal advice as soon as possible.
Contact Bergel Magence Personal Injury Lawyers
If you have lost a family member in a fatal taxi accident, car accident or commercial vehicle collision, experienced legal guidance can help you understand what comes next.
Bergel Magence Personal Injury Lawyers represents injured people and families throughout Toronto, Ajax, Durham Region and communities across Ontario. Our legal team can investigate the collision, deal with the insurance companies and explain whether your family may have a claim for compensation.
We understand that families need clear answers during an extremely difficult time. We will listen to your concerns, explain your options and help protect your legal rights.
Contact Bergel Magence today for a free consultation. There are no upfront legal fees. You only pay if we recover compensation for you.