Excessive speeds and other dangerous driving behavior is an alarming trend that the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has recently cracked down on. About 600 drivers have received stunt driving charges so far this year. More than 200,000 speeding charges and 10,000 crashes related to driving at excessive speeds occurred in 2018 on patrolled roads.
If you or a loved one has sustained an injury caused by stunt driving, it is important to contact a skilled Windsor car accident lawyer at Greg Monforton and Partners to assist with your claim. We can explain how you may be able to hold the at-fault party responsible for the damages you have suffered.
What is Stunt Driving Under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act?
According to Ontario Regulation 455/07 of the Highway Traffic Act, any person engaging in racing, contests of driving or certain behaviors is considered stunt driving. These individuals can face penalties for this activity. Prohibited activities under this law include the following:
- Driving with two or more vehicles at similar speeds over the lawful marked rate and engaging in a form of competition
- Driving in a manner that indicates a chase of one vehicle with another
- Driving without due care and caution and without reasonable consideration to other drivers on the road or in such a way that could endanger these drivers or passengers
- Any attempt to outdistance at least one other vehicle when driving over the marked lawful speed limit
- The repeated changing of lanes while close to other vehicles and speeding over the marked legal limit
No person in the highway or motorways is given permission to race, contest, engage in performing stunts or betting and wagering on these activities.
Penalties of Stunt Driving and Racing in Ontario
The possible penalties for someone engaging in stunt driving can occur even without a criminal conviction. A person who engages in his activity can face a seven-day administrative suspension of driving privileges and a seven day impound of the vehicle, along with impound fees.
A person who is convicted of this offence include the following:
- Fines between $2,000 to $10,000
- Driving suspension of up to 10 years
- Possible imprisonment of up to six months
- Reinstatement or reissuing licence fees
- Fine surcharges for the victim
Other penalties often include the immediate impoundment of the vehicle involved, a one hundred percent increase to insurance premiums and up to six demerit points.
Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer on Your Side
It is crucial to have a car accident lawyer on your side if a stunt driver injured you. He or she can help accomplish the following:
- Contact police for a report of the incident
- Investigate the scene to determine how the accident occurred
- Gather evidence and collect details about the crash
- Communicate with the insurance company and explain the accident to the adjuster
- Determine liability and gather evidence to show the stunt driver is at fault
A thorough investigation can help assess what truly occurred at the scene and how the accident played out. Evidence is key to all personal injury cases and it is vital to demonstrate that the other driver was engaging in stunts or racing for this type of claim.
Request a Free Consultation Now
If you or someone you love was involved in a car accident due to dangerous driving behaviors, it is in your best interest to consult with the personal injury lawyers at Greg Monforton and Partners for legal help. We can explain what damages are available and the maximum range of compensation you may be able to receive through your claim. We will explain the statute of limitations and when we need to initiate the claim or settle the case with an insurance company. We will also handle all communication with the insurer on your behalf.
Schedule your free, no obligation legal consultation with our firm. We are ready to support you throughout every step of the claims process. There are no upfront costs involved unless you win.
Call us now at (866) 320-4770 or fill out our Free Case Evaluation form.