Ryan Findlay | July 31, 2024 | Car Accidents
401 and QEW Accidents Today
Two of the busiest highways in Ontario are the 401 and QEW. The Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) links Toronto with Buffalo, NY, and the Niagara Peninsula. The QEW opened to traffic in 1937 and was named after Queen Elizabeth, wife and royal consort to King George VI. It is one of the most traveled highways in Ontario, with an average of 250,000 vehicles per day.
Likewise, the 401 highway, known as King’s Highway 401 and by its official name as the Macdonald-Cartier Freeway, is a critical artery in Ontario, Canada. It stretches 828 kilometers from Windsor at the Detroit border to the Quebec border near Montreal. A recent report by CityNews confirmed that the 401 highway is one of North America’s busiest and most congested highways.
What does this mean for drivers on the 401 and QEW? More traffic increases the risk of being involved in an auto accident, which can result in catastrophic injuries and damages. The 401 highway has over 10,000 collisions each year.
Common Causes of Traffic Accidents on the 401 and QEW
Some of the worst traffic accidents occur on the busiest sections of the 401 and QEW, but the entire stretch of both roads experiences collisions. Negligence and recklessness are common causes of car accidents in Hamilton, ON.
Examples of driver negligence that contribute to crashes on the QEW and 401 include:
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued and drowsy driving
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Failing to follow traffic laws
- Road rage and aggressive driving
- Tailgating and following too closely
In addition to driver negligence, other factors could cause a car accident on the 401 or QEW. Dangerous road conditions and weather could be contributing factors. Defective vehicles and malfunctioning vehicle systems may lead to an accident.
Parties who contribute to the cause of a collision can be responsible for the damages victims sustain. Determining fault and liability could be challenging, especially in multi-vehicle highway crashes.
What Damages Can I Receive After a Traffic Accident on the 401 or QEW in Ontario?
If you are injured in a crash, you may sustain a variety of physical injuries. However, you may also incur financial losses and experience emotional and mental trauma. The damages you receive after a car accident in Ontario include pecuniary and non-pecuniary damages.
Pecuniary damages represent the financial losses and expenses associated with the accident, including:
- Medical bills and expenses
- Lost wages and benefits
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Physical, occupational, or other rehabilitative therapy
- Reduced earning capacity
- Long-term personal and/or nursing care
If you sustain a permanent impairment or disability, you may receive future damages. Future damages represent the ongoing financial losses you will experience because of your accident injuries.
Non-pecuniary damages represent the intangible harm caused by the car accident or “pain and suffering” damages, including:
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Physical discomfort
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Psychological conditions
- Disability and impairment
- Loss of enjoyment of life and quality of life
The value of your damages after an auto accident depends on the facts of your case. Generally, the value of a claim increases as the severity of the victim’s injuries increases. However, other factors may impact the amount you receive, including contributory negligence.
Contributory negligence could reduce the value of your case by your percentage of fault (if any) for causing the accident. For example, if you are 20% to blame for a crash on the 401 in Hamilton, the judge will reduce your damages by that amount.
What Should I Do After an Accident on the 401 or QEW in Hamilton, Ontario?
Drivers are required to report traffic accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage of $2,000 or more. If someone is injured or the total damage appears to be over $2,000, call the police from the accident scene. For property damage only, you may be directed to report the crash within 24 hours at a Collision Reporting Centre.
Steps you can take to protect your rights after a Hamilton car accident on the 401 or QEW include:
- Stop at the accident scene to exchange information with the other driver
- Take photographs of the accident scene and make a video
- Ask witnesses for their names and contact details
- Seek medical attention to document your injuries
- Report the accident to your insurance company
You may also want to seek legal advice from an experienced Hamilton car accident lawyer. We offer a free consultation to evaluate your case and advise you of your legal rights and options.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Ontario, Canada
If you need legal help with a personal injury case, contact the team at Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today.
Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers – Hamilton, ON
20 Hughson St S #510, Hamilton, ON L8N 2A1
(905) 522-9799
Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers – Brantford, ON
325 West St #102a, Brantford, ON N3R 3V6
(226) 401-5433
Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers – Burlington, ON
2349 Fairview St, Burlington, ON L7R 2E3
(289) 512-0829
Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers – St Catharines, ON
55 King St Suite 207, St. Catharines, ON L2R 3H5
(289) 301-9496