CALL 24/7A late-night crash on Confederation Line in Sarnia left one person dead and another with life-threatening injuries earlier this week. Sarnia Police closed the road for hours as investigators worked to piece together what happened
What We Know About the Crash on Confederation Line
The collision happened shortly after 11 p.m. Monday, on Confederation Line between Modeland Road and Blackwell Sideroad, according to a news release from Sarnia Police Service. Both people involved were taken to hospital with injuries police described as life-threatening. One of them later died.
Police closed Confederation Line to traffic for the rest of the day to investigate the scene. Officers asked drivers to avoid the area and take an alternate route in the meantime.
Police are asking anyone with information or dash cam footage of that stretch of road around the time of the crash, to come forward. That’s a routine step in serious motor vehicle crash investigations, but it’s an important one. Footage and witness accounts help investigators reconstruct what happened. Critical evidence often becomes central later on if victims or their families pursue a personal injury or wrongful death claim.
Legal Options Families Have After a Fatal Crash
When a crash like this causes fatal harm, families are often unsure what to do next. One instinct is to wait and see what police decide, but that is not necessary for a civil claim. You can speak to a lawyer to understand your legal options right away. In fact, it can be more optimal for your claim. Once you have legal representation, your lawyer can begin their own investigation into the cause of the crash and take legal steps to preserve evidence while it is fresh.
Families May Be Able to Seek Compensation for Damages
Under Ontario’s Family Law Act, certain family members, including a spouse, children, parents, and siblings, may have the right to bring a claim when someone dies because of another party’s negligence. This is true whether or not criminal or provincial charges are ever laid. A finding of no charges does not mean that no one was at fault in a legal sense. Criminal and civil cases use different standards of proof.
Strict Filing Deadlines Apply in Ontario
Ontario law has strict time limits for filing civil claims — generally that deadlines is two years of the date of the crash. It is important to note that certain circumstances can affect that timeline. Waiting too long to call a lawyer or file your claim risks losing the right to pursue a claim at all. If you miss filing before the deadline, the courts will likely bar you completely from seeking any compensation.
Types of Compensation Available in Wrongful Death Claims
A wrongful death claim in Ontario isn’t just about the loss of income. Depending on the circumstances, it may address several types of costs and damages, including:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of care and guidance a family member provided
- Loss of companionship for those left behind
- And more
Every situation is different — the type of compensation and how much you may recover depends on the specific facts of the case. You can speak with a lawyer in a free consultation to learn about your legal options, they can determine what compensation may be available in your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ontario Car Crashes
Can I file a claim for a family member who was killed in a car crash in Ontario?
Yes – in many cases. Ontario’s Family Law Act allows certain family members, including a spouse, children, parents, and siblings, to bring a claim when a death is caused by another party’s negligence.
Can I make a claim if I was a passenger injured in the crash, not the driver?
Yes. A passenger who’s injured can generally pursue a claim against the at-fault driver, regardless of which vehicle they were in.
How soon should I speak with a lawyer after a serious car accident that wasn’t my fault?
Sooner rather than later — you cannot seek legal help too soon. Speaking with a lawyer early does not commit you to anything. Your lawyer can take immediate steps to obtain and preserve evidence, witness statements, and dash cam footage before it gets lost, forgotten, or overwriten.
Does it matter if the other driver hasn’t been criminally charged?
No. Not for the purposes of a civil claim. A criminal investigation and a civil claim use different standards of proof, and many claims move forward whether or not charges are ever laid.
How long do I have to start a wrongful death claim in Ontario?
The statute of limitations that applies in Ontario is generally two-years from the date of the crash, though there are certain circumstances can affect that timeline. It’s best to confirm the specific deadline that applies to your situation.
What can family members recover in a wrongful death claim after a fatal car accident?
Depending on the circumstances, a claim may address funeral and burial costs, the loss of care and guidance the person provided, and the loss of companionship. Every family’s circumstances are assessed individually.
If I’m still recovering from my injuries, is it too early to start a claim?
No. You don’t need to have fully recovered to begin the process. A lawyer can help protect your position and answer your questions while you focus on your recovery.
Have Questions After a Car Crash in Sarnia? Call Greg Monforton & Partners for Answers.
After any car crash – especially one that causes the loss of a loved one — there are often a lot of questions. Our legal team works diligently to find the answers to those questions and to help family members seek the compensation they deserve.
If you are dealing with the aftermath of a serious or fatal crash anywhere in southwestern Ontario, we want to help. Our Windsor law firm has been advocating for injured victims and their families throughout southwestern Ontario for over 45 years. When we represent you, we work tirelessly to seek justice on your behalf. We take injury cases on contingency, so you pay nothing up front or throughout the legal process. We only get paid for our services if we secure compensation for you.
Call our law offices to request a free case review. We listen to what has happened, ask and answer questions, and discuss what legal options you may have. There is no need to navigate this process alone.
Call Greg Monforton & Partners at (866) 320-4770 for a free, no-risk conversation today.
