On June 1, 2016, the automobile insurance coverage available to Ontarians fell dramatically, meaning car crash victims will now receive significantly less money to help them get back on their feet. The decreased coverage will take effect upon policy renewal. Unless consumers purchase optional additional coverage, the amount of coverage they have will be significantly less than it was prior to the June 1st changes. …
New Laws Likely Insufficient in Preventing Pedestrian Deaths
As the summer season approaches, increasing numbers of pedestrians and cyclists will make their way outside to enjoy the beautiful weather. Unfortunately, Toronto Police Service safety statistics are not on the side of pedestrians; fatality numbers continue to rise despite new provincial laws to enhance road safety. This data revealed that on average, a pedestrian in Toronto dies every 10 days. There has been a …
Optional Benefits Are Now Less “Optional” Than Ever
If you didn’t know that your automobile insurance benefits were reduced on June 1st, you are not alone. A recent survey conducted by the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (“IBAO”) revealed that only 42% of consumers had heard about the changes and less than 20% could actually identify what those changes were. All Ontario drivers need to be familiar with these reductions to auto insurance coverage …
I was hit by a car on my bike: what happens next?
Cyclists, like drivers, are expected to obey the rules of the road including signalling, obeying traffic lights, and not riding in pedestrian crosswalks. When sharing a road with cars, cyclists run a risk of being struck by a vehicle and injured even when wearing the appropriate safety gear. However, unlike drivers, cyclists are not required to have insurance. Despite this, you are not without legal …
Recommendations for Better Oversight of Ontario Health Clinics
On Thursday, May 5, Ontario Health Minister Eric Hoskins announced plans to implement 12 recommendations to bolster accountability, regulation, quality and safety in the increasing number of non-hospital medical clinics in Ontario. As Mr. Hoskins stated: “As the [health] system evolves and patients increasingly receive care outside of hospitals in more accessible community settings, it is important that its oversight and regulation evolve to ensure …
Give and Take: Auto Insurance Premiums Drop at Expense of Ontario’s Injured and Vulnerable
OTLA President-Elect Adam Wagman recently appeared with Jerry Agar on Newstalk 1010, Scott Thompson of AM900 CHML, and also with Tom Hayes on Global News to speak about concerns with Ontario’s new auto insurance rules. On June 1, 2016, in an effort to reduce insurance premiums in Ontario, the Provincial government has mandated changes to accident benefits. These changes include a $1 million dollar reduction …