18-wheeler Truck Accident Lawyers in Bowmanville: Legal Help When You Need It Most

The roads connecting Bowmanville to the rest of Ontario are vital arteries for commercial transport. However, with the increasing presence of 18-wheelers—also known as semi-trucks or tractor-trailers—comes a heightened risk of catastrophic accidents. These collisions are not only more severe than typical car crashes but also legally complex. If you or a loved one has been involved in such an 18-wheeler truck accident, understanding the causes, consequences, and legal remedy is essential.

Common Causes of 18-wheeler Accidents

Transport truck accidents are often preventable. Here are some of the most common causes.

Driver Fatigue

Despite federal and provincial regulations limiting hours of service, many truck drivers push beyond safe limits to meet tight delivery schedules. Fatigue impairs reaction time and decision-making, making it a leading cause of collisions.

Distracted or Impaired Driving

Use of mobile devices, eating while driving, or even adjusting GPS systems can divert a driver’s attention. In some tragic cases, impairment due to alcohol or drugs is a factor.

Mechanical Failures

Poor maintenance—such as worn brakes or underinflated tires—can lead to catastrophic failures. According to Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation, commercial vehicles must undergo regular inspections, but enforcement gaps still exist.

Improper Loading

Overloaded or unevenly distributed cargo can cause rollovers or jackknife accidents. Liability may extend beyond the driver to the loading company.

Weather and Road Conditions

Ontario’s unpredictable weather—especially in winter—can make manoeuvring an 18-wheeler extremely hazardous. Adjusting speed and driving behaviour is essential in response to changing environments.

Legal Consequences and Liability in Ontario

In Ontario, victims of 18-wheeler accidents are entitled to Statutory Accident Benefits under the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS), regardless of fault. These include:

• income replacement benefits

• medical and rehabilitation benefits

• attendant care

• non-earner benefits
  

However, if the accident was caused by negligence—such as a fatigued driver or a poorly maintained truck—you may also pursue a tort claim against the driver, the trucking company, or other liable parties. This can include compensation for:

• pain and suffering

• future loss of income

• out-of-pocket expenses

• home modifications or assistive devices
  

In the case of R. v. Qureshi, 2024 ONCA 131, the Ontario Court of Appeal upheld Jamil Qureshi‘s conviction for two counts of dangerous driving causing death and three counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm following a fatal multi-vehicle collision. The trial judge, Justice Adriana Doyle, delivered a detailed decision outlining how Qureshi’s conduct behind the wheel represented a marked departure from the standard of care expected of a reasonable driver. The Court of Appeal affirmed that the trial judge correctly applied the legal test for dangerous driving and found no reversible error in the assessment of evidence or sentencing.

This case underscores the serious consequences of negligent or reckless driving involving large vehicles and highlights the courts’ commitment to holding experienced commercial drivers accountable and at a higher standard when their actions result in loss of life or serious injury.

How Trucking Collisions Cause Catastrophic Harm

An 18-wheeler can weigh up to 30 times more than a passenger vehicle. The force of the impact in a collision is immense, often resulting in:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

• spinal cord injuries

• multiple fractures

• internal organ damage

• fatalities
  

In 2022, Ontario saw over 9,100 transport truck-related crashes, the highest in a decade, with 71 fatalities—many of which were preventable. 

Prevention: What Can Be Done?

For Trucking Companies:

• Enforce strict adherence to Hours-of-Service regulations.

• Conduct regular vehicle inspections and maintenance.

• Provide comprehensive driver training.
  

For Drivers:

• Avoid distractions and never drive under the influence.

• Adjust driving for weather and road conditions.

• Perform daily pre-trip inspections.

• Avoid lingering in truck blind spots.

• Give trucks ample space when merging or braking.

• Report unsafe driving to authorities.
  

The Ontario Trucking Association has also advocated for safety technologies like electronic logging devices (ELDs) and roll stability systems, which are now mandatory in many fleets.

Legal Support after a Truck Accident in Bowmanville

Truck accident claims are not like typical car accident cases. They often involve:

• multiple liable parties (driver, employer, maintenance provider, etc.)

• complex insurance policies

• cross-border legal issues (if the truck is from the U.S.)

• aggressive defence from corporate insurers
  

At Kelly Greenway Bruce, our experienced 18-wheeler truck accident lawyers serving Bowmanville understand the nuances of Ontario’s legal system and will fight to secure the compensation you deserve.

Injured in a truck accident near Bowmanville? Don’t navigate this alone. Call us today for a free consultation and let us help you get back on the road to recovery.