You may assume that driving in the springtime is a breeze, especially after enduring a harsh winter season with snow and ice-covered roads. However, you may want to consider the other road hazards that may arise at the same time when plants begin to grow again and animals begin to emerge from hibernation. Continue reading to learn which spring road hazards to look out for and how an experienced Toronto auto accident lawyer at Merricks Law Group, P.A. can help you if a situation arises.
What are some spring road hazards I should look out for?
Even though the peak season for auto accidents may have passed, you must still be abundantly careful when setting out on the Toronto roads during the springtime. Without further ado, below are just some examples of spring road hazards that you keenly look out for:
- You must be aware of areas and roads susceptible to flooding during this time of spring showers.
- You must be aware of fallen trees, branches, utility poles, and other debris from heavy spring rainfall.
- You must be aware of the influx of drowsy or fatigued drivers heavily affected by the spring daylight savings.
- You must be aware of the influx of cyclists and pedestrians on the road during this time of better weather.
- You must be aware of animals that may haphazardly jump out onto the road during their active season.
- You must be aware of the increasing rate of potholes on the road from plow damage during the winter months.
How is fault determined in a spring driving accident?
Sadly, your springtime driving accident may have been caused by circumstances beyond what you could have reasonably controlled with your cautious driving. However, you may be concerned with what your options for financial recovery look like if you believe you could have done more to prevent this.
With this, you may rest easier knowing that the Province of Ontario follows a pure comparative negligence system for personal injury claims such as yours. This means you may still recover financial compensation regardless of your degree of fault. Though the amount of financial compensation you may be awarded may be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault.
For example, say a pothole on the road was the catalyst of your accident. You may blame a city entity for not filling the pothole within a reasonable timeframe after the winter months. But at the same time, you may have been speeding and significantly limited your reaction time. So, the Toronto court may charge you 25 percent of the blame. Therefore, they may only award recovery for 75 percent of the damages you claimed.
In a way, the best thing you can do to help yourself is to let a skilled Ontario personal injury lawyer help you. So please, as soon as you are ready, reach out to us at Merricks Law Group, P.A.
