CALL 24/7Two people were taken to hospital following a two-vehicle collision on Highway 77, north of Leamington. Several nearby roads were closed for more than two hours while police investigated.
Multiple Road Closures Follow Thursday Evening Collision
OPP responded to a crash on Highway 77 between Mersea Road 6 and Mersea Road 8, at approximately 6 p.m. Thursday, according to CTV News.
Police closed the section of Highway 77 where the crash occurred, as well as Mersea Road 7 between County Road 31 and Mersea Road 12, so they could work the scene. All roads reopened by 8:30 p.m. that same evening. No other details about the crash have been released, including how it happened or whether charges against anyone involved will be laid.
The two injured victims in the crash reportedly sustained injuries that are non-life-threatening.
What to Do in the Moments After Any Crash
What you do first in the moments and days after a collision can make a difference to your health and to any claim you may pursue later.
Always Make Your Health and Safety the Priority
Getting into a car accident is traumatizing, so it is quite common to initially be in a state of shock and confusion. Here are a few steps to think about and do in the first moments:
- Turn on hazard lights: These lights help other drivers see the wreckage and alert them about the crash, which can help to prevent a second collision.
- Call 911: Check yourself and others in your vehicle for medical injuries, then call 911 to report the crash — be sure to tell them you need medical help.
- Stay at the scene: Remain calm and at the scene until police arrive and release you, even if the crash seems minor.
- Remain in your vehicle: Unless your vehicle is on fire or there is some other reason it becomes unsafe, you should stay in your car. You may be in shock and less aware of danger around you, such as moving traffic. In the short term, at least, your vehicle provides more protection than if got out of your car near moving traffic.
- Move to safety: If possible, take a photo from the window of your vehicle before moving. Try to capture the crash scene to show the position of your car. Then if drivable, cautiously move your vehicle away from traffic and to a safer place, such as the shoulder of the road.
Don’t Wait to Get a Proper Medical Evaluation
Adrenaline often masks pain in the first hours after a crash, making it possible for even a serious internal injury or head trauma to not obvious right away. Seeking medical attention without delay helps to protect your health. Even symptoms that seem minor may quickly worsen as the shock and adrenaline wear off.
Your hospital visit also helps your ability to file a claim, since it creates a medical record that is hard to dispute and connects any injury you sustained to the crash that caused it.
Documenting the Scene Before It Changes
Crash scene investigators typically collect most details after closing off the area to traffic, but if you feel able to do so, try capturing some images from inside your vehicle.
Information you should document using your phone, a voice recorder, or even a pen and paper, include:
- Vehicle positions and damage: Photos from multiple angles help show how the vehicles came to rest and the extent of the damage.
- Road and weather conditions: Details like lighting, visibility, and road surface can matter later in establishing how the crash happened.
- Contact information: Police will gather the names and contact details of the other driver, along with the details of any witnesses.
- The police officer’s information: The attending officer’s name, badge number, and the report number make it easier to request the official report later, or in case you find an error in the report that you need to address.
Be Careful What You Say About the Crash to Anyone Except Your Lawyer
It’s completely natural to want to explain what happened in detail, but cautious when giving your statement. Always be honest and give the facts as you remember them, but do not try to speculate about fault at the scene; not to the other driver, a witness, the police officer, or even an insurance adjuster. Making these types of assumptions can complicate your claim later.
Follow Up on Medical Care and Records
Recovering after a car crash is not always straightforward. Severe injuries take longer to heal, and some injuries, like soft tissue damage, take days or longer to fully develop.
Critical steps to follow to protect your health and claim include:
- Attend all medical appointments, including physical therapy and rehab.
- Continue with recommended treatments and plan of care.
- Adhere to any restrictions placed by your doctor during your recovery.
- Track related medical bills and other costs associated with your crash.
- Maintain a daily journal to record your injuries, treatments, and impact on your daily life
Frequently Asked Questions After a Car Accident
Here are answers to some of the questions people often have about protecting themselves after a car accident.
Do I need to call the police even if the crash seems minor?
Yes, calling the police creates an official record of the crash, which can become important later even if injuries or damage seem small at the time. That report is often one of the first things reviewed when a claim is being evaluated.
What if I don’t feel injured right after the crash?
Some injuries, particularly soft tissue and head injuries, don’t show symptoms right away. Getting checked by a doctor soon after a crash helps ensure any delayed symptoms are properly connected to the collision.
Should I speak with the other driver’s insurance company before speaking with a lawyer?
It’s best to be cautious, since an insurance adjuster’s job is to manage the company’s costs, not to advocate on your behalf. A lawyer can help you understand what to say and when.
What if the police haven’t released details about how the crash happened?
A claim can still move forward while an investigation is ongoing. A lawyer can begin independently gathering and preserving evidence without waiting for a final determination from police.
How long do I have to look into a legal claim after a crash in Ontario?
Ontario law gives victims two years from the date of the crash to file a car accident claim, but waiting that long puts your claim at risk. It’s best to speak with a lawyer as soon after a crash as possible to preserve any available evidence.
Protecting Yourself Starts With What You Do Next
A crash can leave you dealing with pain, vehicle damage, and a lot of uncertainty about what comes next.
At Greg Monforton & Partners, our car accident lawyers help victims injured by driver negligence throughout Essex County, including Leamington. When we represent you, we work tirelessly to secure the compensation you need and deserve.
Get answers to your questions and find out if you may have legal options in a free, no-risk case review. When we represent you, there are no upfront fees or costs to pay. We only get paid if you do.
Call Greg Monforton & Partners today (866) 320-4770 or complete our confidential online form.
