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Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer in Ottawa, Ontario

McNally Gervan is one of the leading law firms in handling serious injury claims arising from distracted or impaired driving accidents in Ottawa.

Distracted and Impaired Driving Accidents in Ottawa

Public awareness of the dangers of impaired driving has been rising steadily over the past few decades. Statistics show that more people are making smart choices to avoid driving while they are impaired (taxis, ride-sharing, and designated drivers have all helped). Meanwhile, the statistics regarding distracted driving are more and more alarming each year.

As per Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation, the number of deaths caused by distracted drivers has doubled since the use of smartphones became widespread. In 2021, driver inattention accounted for nearly 20% of driving deaths, according to the Province of Ontario’s most recent statistics. At no time is distraction more dangerous than behind the wheel.

The Canadian Automobile Association notes that distracted drivers are eight times more likely to be in a crash, or near crash event, than non-distracted drivers.

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    McNally Gervan
    (613) 238-1424
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    1-855-592-1669
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    Contact Us For A Free Consultation

    McNally Gervan
    (613) 238-1424
    Local
    1-855-592-1669
    TOLL FREE

    Were You Involved in a Distracted Driving Accident?

    The lawyers at McNally Gervan have advanced many claims and personal injury cases for serious injuries and damages arising from accidents caused by impaired and distracted driving.

    What Are Common Causes of Distracted Driving Accidents?

    Distracted driving is governed by Section 78.1 of Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act which prohibits drivers from texting, emailing, typing, dialing, and calling without hands-free mode on a hand-held communication or entertainment device while driving. Violators of this law may be subject to a fine between $500.00 and $1,000.00 for a first offense, and may also have three demerit points applied to their driving record.  Most drivers are not aware that a first offence also results in a suspension of their driver’s licence for 3 days.  This increases to 7 days for a second offence and 30 days for a third offence.

    The use of a hand-held device while driving is one of the main causes of motor vehicle accidents as it pertains to distracted driving. Such devices include smartphones and GPS devices (if not dashboard mounted). However, the reality is that the use of hand-held devices and distracting technology is just part of the problem.

    Even where devices are not hand-held, and are instead operated by voice command, drivers who are engaged with someone or something else can be just as distracted. 

    Their attention is divided, and studies show that their reaction time and perceptions are not as quick as they would be if they were focused entirely on driving.  The easiest way to avoid distracted driving is to pull over safely and use your device while your vehicle is not in motion.

    The following driving behaviours are dangerous distractions and can also cause serious accidents:

    • Eating or drinking;
    • Attending to children or pets;
    • Searching for something in a bag;
    • Reading maps or printed directions;
    • Setting GPS coordinates, a dashboard clock, or other instrumentation; and
    • Engaging in a stressful or demanding conversation with a passenger or on the phone.

    How The Personal Injury Lawyers At McNally Gervan Can Help

    Are you or a loved one dealing with the aftermath of an accident and struggling to navigate the complex legal system to obtain the compensation you deserve? Look no further than McNally Gervan.

    Our car accident lawyers understand how devastating car accidents caused by distracted drivers can be. That’s why we offer comprehensive legal services to help accident victims navigate the complex aftermath of such accidents.

    Our team of lawyers will help you understand their legal rights and obligations, explain the types of compensation you may be entitled to, and gather evidence to build a strong case against the distracted driver. We can also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring that you are not lowballed when it comes to your accident claim.

    We can also help you access medical treatment and rehabilitation services, as well as support them through any legal proceedings that may arise. 

     Our goal is to help you get back on your feet and move forward with your life after such a traumatic experience. If you or a loved one has been in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, don’t hesitate to contact us for compassionate and effective legal representation.

    Distracted Driving, Accident Benefits Claims & Personal Injury Cases

    Driving is a serious responsibility that requires complete attention and focus. Impaired or distracted driving is a major cause of accidents, particularly among young people. The consequences can be devastating, as these accidents often involve multiple passengers, including friends and family members. To prevent such tragedies, it’s crucial for both drivers and passengers to prioritize safety on the road.

    Accidents arising from impaired or distracted driving can be among the most serious and tragic, as they often involve young people and cars filled with friends or family members. Driving a car safely requires the driver’s full attention, and passengers should not hesitate to remind their driver that he or she needs to focus on the traffic and on driving safely.

    Claims arising from accidents caused by impaired or distracted drivers can be complex and demanding. The investigation of an impaired driving case can lead to questions about who served the driver alcohol and whether a party host or bar might be partially responsible.

    Accidents arising from distracted driving can require that evidence be acquired from passengers, witnesses and from any data recorder (or black box) the car might have been equipped with.

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    McNally Gervan – Effective and Compassionate Legal Assistance

    If you have a question or need assistance because of a car accident that resulted from distracted driving, our experienced legal team is here to help. As a leading personal injury law firm, we understand that every case is unique, and we work hard to ensure that our clients are fairly compensated. We know it’s personal.

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