Tag archives: AskSimonDiamond

What if I Can’t Afford a Lawyer After a Car Accident?

#AskSimonDiamond Car accident victims who suffer serious injuries and are unable to work are entitled to compensation from the party whose negligent conduct caused the accident to occur. Medical treatment, rehabilitation and physical therapy, diagnostic testing and other expenses you incur add to the stress of being unable to earn a living while recovering from an accident. A personal injury lawyer can help you to recover the compensation you deserve, but few people injured in an accident have the financial ability to pay the fees a competent lawyer charges for his or her services. There is, however, a solution that ... Read more

Posting on social media about an accident is a mistake

#AskSimonDiamond If it appears to you as though everyone you know is on social media, your perception has been confirmed by researchers at Ryerson University. Canadians who use the internet were asked about social media, and 94 percent of them confirmed they are on at least one of the many social media platforms. Facebook is the most popular platform with YouTube, LinkedIn and Twitter following right behind it. Social media offers a popular and convenient way to keep in touch with friends and relatives by sharing information about what is going on in your personal life and career, but too many people ... Read more

Police Target Street Racing in Wake of Speed-Related Deaths

#AskSimonDiamond Law enforcement personnel from across Ontario are coming together to make roadways throughout the province safer this summer by combining their resources to eliminate street racing by stepping up enforcement of the law prohibiting it. Before the campaign began, Ontario Provincial Police had already stepped up enforcement efforts in the wake of 21 speed-related deaths in the province so far this year. What is street racing? Ontario defines street racing as being dangerous driving in which a vehicle travels at a high rate of speed in competition with another vehicle without regard to the safety of the public. Street racing is ... Read more

Snowmobile safety

#AskSimonDiamond Snowmobiles are a popular form of winter recreation for individuals and families throughout Ontario. They are also a necessity in remote regions where heavy snows make other forms of transportation impractical, particular in an emergency. The popularity of snowmobiles comes at a price when people fail to operate them safely. Media outlets reported a sharp increase in deaths attributed to snowmobile accidents. Here are some snowmobile safety tips you can use to avoid accidents and injuries this winter. Obey licence and registration requirements You must be at least 12 years of age to legally operate a snowmobile and possess one of ... Read more

Steps Everyone Can Take To Ensure Pedestrian Safety

Last year proved to be the deadliest on record in Toronto in terms of pedestrian fatalities. Of the 43 people who lost their lives, 86 percent were 55 years of age or older. Police in the city reported 1,958 collisions involving motor vehicles and pedestrians. Equally as alarming were statistics released by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation revealing 96 pedestrians killed throughout the province. The total number of accidents resulting in pedestrian deaths or injuries was 4,189 in Ontario. Pedestrian safety requires an effort by government officials, drivers and pedestrians for there to be an improvement. Here are some of the things that may ... Read more

What to Do If You’re in an Accident and the Other Person Doesn’t Have Insurance

#AskSimonDiamond It is estimated that more than 400,000 drivers in Ontario do not have insurance covering their vehicles in the event of an accident. This situation exists even though it is the law in the province for all motor vehicles to have insurance to cover medical costs, lost wages, and the other damages suffered by a victim injured in a collision. The provincial government estimates that at least 2,100 motorist each year are involved in collisions without having the mandatory insurance coverage on their vehicles. Your rights as a personal injury victim following an accident You are entitled to be compensated for ... Read more

Pain and Suffering Compensation in Ontario

#AskSimonDiamond When an accident victim meets with a Toronto lawyer to talk about filing a claim for compensation, a topic that must be touched upon is the difference between pain and suffering awards in the U.S. and Canada. News stories about multimillion dollar awards for pain and suffering in the U.S. simply do not happen in Canada. Actually, to be more accurate, they cannot happen because of a series of court decisions by the Supreme Court of Canada that have come to be known collectively as “the trilogy.” Tort law and compensating victims A tort is a wrongful act or ... Read more

Tips to Avoid Buying an Unsafe Vehicle

#AskSimonDiamond Buying a used vehicle can be a gamble. You might end up with a great car at a bargain price, or you might be acquiring someone else’s headache. Fortunately for folks in Ontario, Canada, there is a program to help you avoid getting an unsafe vehicle, but you still have to be smart about how you shop. Should you buy from a dealer or from a private party The stereotypical used car dealer as portrayed in movies and TV shows is someone who says and does anything to make a sale. In real life, the majority of car dealers ... Read more

Choosing the Right Ontario Car Insurance

#AskSimonDiamond Auto insurance requirements differ from one province to another in Canada. While all provinces require drivers to carry liability coverage to protect third parties injured by your vehicle and accident benefits coverage to pay your medical expenses if you are injured, the minimum amount of coverage a driver must carry depends on the province in which you live. If you live in Ontario, there are a few things you should know to ensure you obtain the right car insurance. Ontario minimum insurance requirements Owners of vehicles in Ontario must obtain insurance with at least the following minimum coverages: Third-party liability: ... Read more

Tips for Sun Safety this Summer

#AskSimonDiamond If you are headed out to the beach, pool, lake, park, or festival this summer, you need to be aware of the dangers of sun exposure. Sun exposure can cause skin cancer, heat stroke, sunburn, and other heat-related illnesses. Infants, young children, and senior adults are at the highest risk for sun-related illnesses during the summer. Make sure that you take steps to avoid illness and injury this summer by protecting yourself and your family from the sun. Sun Safety Tips Protection is Your First Defence You should always wear sunscreen when you plan to be out in the ... Read more