CALL 24/7
An 80-year-old woman is fighting for her life after sustaining serious injuries in a multi-vehicle collision at a busy Amherstburg intersection.
The crash occurred late Sunday morning at Front Road North and Kingsbridge Drive. Police report that a driver attempting to turn left moved into the path of oncoming traffic. The resulting collision forced the turning vehicle into a third car that was already stopped at the red light.
The elderly passenger in the turning vehicle suffered life-threatening injuries. She was rushed to hospital where she remains in critical condition.
The Windsor Police Traffic Reconstruction Unit closed the intersection for several hours to investigate the collision. Authorities are asking witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to contact the Traffic Enforcement Unit at 519-945-9645, ext. 7032, or anonymously on the “catch crooks” website.
You can read the full details from the original news report here.
What Are a Passenger’s Rights After Being Injured in a Car Crash?
Left-turn collisions are among the most common — and most preventable — types of intersection crashes. Drivers turning left are required by law to yield to oncoming traffic; they can only proceed when it is safe to do so. When drivers misjudge the speed or distance of oncoming vehicles, or attempt risky turns, the results can be catastrophic for everyone in both vehicles.
Passengers who sustain severe injuries due to the negligence of the motorist driving them have the right to pursue compensation, even if that driver is a spouse, family member, or friend. Many elderly passengers, in particular, may not realise they have legal options when injured by someone they know and trust.
It can be helpful for victims to know that these claims are resolved through the at-fault driver’s automobile insurance policy, not their personal finances. Ontario’s insurance system exists exactly for that reason: to provide compensation when negligent driving causes harm — even if the victim is a passenger in the at-fault driver’s car.
Who May Be Held Liable in a Multi-Vehicle Intersection Collision?
Assessing fault for multi-vehicle intersection collisions can be tricky. It can be hard to determine who caused the crash and requires careful examination of all the circumstances.
When one driver’s failure to yield the right-of-way sets off a chain reaction involving multiple vehicles, several parties may potentially bear responsibility for the resulting injuries:
- The Turning Driver: When a driver fails to yield the right-of-way whilst turning left and causes a collision, they bear primary responsibility for all resulting injuries, including injuries to their own passengers.
- Vehicle Owner: If the negligent driver was operating someone else’s vehicle with permission, the owner may be held vicariously liable under Ontario law.
- Municipality: In some cases, poor intersection design, inadequate signage, obstructed sight lines, or malfunctioning traffic signals may contribute to a collision. The municipality responsible for maintaining the intersection may share liability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Crash Claims Involving Passengers
Can elderly passengers in Ontario make claims against their spouse or family member who was driving?
Yes. All passengers — regardless of age or relationship to the driver — have the right to pursue compensation when injured by a driver’s negligence. These claims are handled through insurance, protecting both the injured passenger and the driver’s personal finances.
What compensation is available for catastrophic injuries?
Victims of serious injuries may seek compensation for past and future medical expenses, rehabilitation and long-term care costs, lost income, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other damages. In cases involving elderly victims, compensation may include the cost of home modifications or assisted living care.
How long do injured passengers have to pursue a claim?
Ontario gives injured victims two years from the date of the collision to file a claim. While that may sound like a long time, your attorney needs time to investigate the crash, gather evidence, and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. The longer you wait to call a lawyer, the harder it is to gather compelling evidence to protect your legal rights.
Contact Our Dedicated Personal Injury Lawyers in Windsor Today
If you or an elderly loved one has been seriously injured as a passenger in a collision caused by negligent driving, you deserve experienced legal representation that understands both the medical complexities of catastrophic injuries and the sensitive family dynamics often involved in these cases.
At Greg Monforton & Partners, our compassionate car accident lawyers in Windsor have extensive experience helping injured passengers recover the compensation they need for medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term support.
We handle all aspects of your claim with professionalism and sensitivity, working with medical experts to document the full extent of injuries and pursuing maximum compensation through the responsible party’s insurance coverage.
We offer free consultations, and there are no upfront costs — you only pay if we successfully recover compensation for you.
Call Greg Monforton & Partners today to request a FREE case review. (866) 320-4770
