CALL 24/7A two-vehicle collision on Highway 401 near County Road 27 in Lakeshore has left a 10-year-old child with life-threatening injuries. Three others were also hurt, including a second young child. An impaired driver involved has been charged.
What Happened on Highway 401
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Essex-Windsor Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to the scene of a two-vehicle collision on Highway 401 near Lakeshore just before 7 p.m. on Sunday, 22 June 2025.
Police say both vehicles’ drivers and two young children, aged eight and ten, were transported to Windsor Regional Hospital following the collision.
Both drivers and the eight-year-old sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The 10-year-old passenger suffered life-threatening injuries.
OPP laid charges against the 32-year-old Windsor resident, including the following:
- Operation while impaired by alcohol and drugs
- Operation while impaired with a blood alcohol concentration over 80 mg
- Dangerous operation causing bodily harm
The accused driver also received a 90-day driver’s licence suspension. The vehicle was impounded for seven days.
Highway 401 was temporarily closed at the scene while police investigated the crash but has since fully reopened.
Children Are Among the Most Vulnerable in Impaired Driving Crashes
This crash is a sobering reminder of the real and devastating consequences of getting behind the wheel impaired.
Children cannot protect themselves in these situations. They depend entirely on the adults around them — including drivers — to keep them safe. When someone chooses to get behind the wheel and drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they put every person on the road at risk. In this case, two young children paid the price for someone else’s decision.
Impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in Ontario motor vehicle crashes.
What Victims and Families Should Know
Being involved in a serious crash is traumatic. Understanding your legal rights shouldn’t add to that burden. Here are some of the questions we often get after a car crash and what Ontario law says about your options. We can provide more in-depth answers to your questions when you call our firm for legal help. There is no cost for a case review, and no obligation to move forward with taking legal action.
Can Passengers Injured in a Crash Pursue Compensation?
Yes. Injured passengers — including children — have the right to seek compensation from the at-fault driver. Being a passenger does not limit your ability to make a claim. In fact, passengers are typically in a strong legal position because they bear no responsibility for the cause of the collision.
Can a Parent or Guardian Pursue a Claim on Behalf of an Injured Child?
Yes. When a child suffers serious injuries, a parent or guardian can pursue a legal claim on their behalf. In cases involving life-threatening or catastrophic injuries, compensation may include medical and rehabilitation costs, long-term care needs, future lost income capacity, and damages for pain and suffering.
Does a Criminal Charge Against the Driver Strengthen a Civil Injury Claim?
It can. A criminal charge, especially one as serious as dangerous operation causing bodily harm, can be highly relevant in a civil personal injury claim. However, civil and criminal proceedings are entirely separate processes. A conviction supports a claim, but a civil case can succeed even without one. The burden of proof in civil proceedings is lower.
What If the Injured Person Was Also in the at-Fault Vehicle?
That does not disqualify them from making a claim. Passengers in the at-fault vehicle have the same right to pursue compensation as occupants of any other vehicle involved. Their injuries and damages are assessed on their own merits.
How Long Do Victims Have to File a Claim in Ontario?
In Ontario, crash victims have two years from the date of the collision. In cases involving children, special rules may apply that extend this period. However, waiting is never advisable. Evidence can be lost, memories fade, and certain procedural steps have shorter deadlines. Speaking with a lawyer as early as possible is always in your best interest.
If You or Your Child Was Injured in This Crash
A crash like this can upend a family’s life in an instant. When a child is seriously hurt, the emotional and financial toll can be immense. It can be overwhelming to try to navigating an injury claim while managing a loved one’s recovery.
You don’t have to do it alone.
Greg Monforton & Partners has represented seriously injured victims and their families across Windsor-Essex for over 45 years. Our experienced car accident lawyers investigate thoroughly, pursue every avenue for compensation, and fight to ensure you and your family receive what you deserve.
Free consultations. No upfront fees. You only pay if we recover compensation for you.
Call Greg Monforton & Partners today: (866) 320-4770
