Living in Ontario means being well acquainted with the difficult driving conditions that accompany the winter months. Snow, ice, low visibility, and freezing rain are par for course. One peril that might not be so obvious is the risk of ice breaking loose from another vehicle, particularly large vehicles, such as semi-trucks.

A recent news article told the story of a 29-year-old healthcare worker from St. Catharines whose vehicle was hit by ice that slid off the top of a commercial truck on highway 401 in Trenton on December 19, 2016.  As a result, the vehicle’s windshield was severely damaged. The individual was able to continue driving and flag down the truck driver. Luckily, no one was physically injured.

Not all drivers are as fortunate. Falling ice can cause injury by striking another vehicle, or by causing another vehicle to lose control in an attempt to avoid the falling ice.

According to the article, some trucking companies have ice and snow removal stations and require their drivers to remove snow and ice from their trucks before driving on public roads and highways. However, not all businesses have such practices or facilities in place. In addition, clearing snow and ice from the top of a large vehicle can be difficult, and, even if the snow and ice is cleared, more snow and ice may collect in the course of driving the vehicle.

Finally, snow and ice flying off a vehicle is not a danger limited to commercial trucks. The article reports on a second incident that occurred on the same day, which involved ice breaking free from a passenger car and breaking the windshield of a truck.

If you have been injured by ice or snow falling of a vehicle, you may have a claim against the person or entity responsible for removing snow and ice from the vehicle. If that person or entity did not take the steps a reasonable person would have to remove the snow or ice, and their failure to do so caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. This could include (but is not limited to): medical/rehabilitation expenses; out-of-pocket expenses for things like transportation to medical appointments; lost income; family expenses; as well as general damages for pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. The compassionate and knowledgeable lawyers at Burn Tucker Lachaîne can help you and your family throughout the claims process.  Call, email or chat online with us today to get a free consultation to learn about the strength of your claim and the steps involved in obtaining deserved compensation.

Sources:

https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/12/21/who-is-accountable-when-ice-from-another-vehicle-hits-your-car-on-the-highway.html