January.29.2016
Another NFL Concussion Death
Tyler Sash was just 27 when he was found dead in his Iowa home from an accidental overdose of pain medication. After 16 years of playing football, Tyler won a Super Bowl in just two seasons with the New York Giants - it ended up costing him his life. After Tyler was fired from The…
November.25.2015
Winter Pedestrian Safety Tips
On average, one person is struck by a vehicle every day in Vancouver. Pedestrians are the most vulnerable users of the road. Shorter days and winter weather conditions increase pedestrian danger. Keep these safety tips in mind when walking 1. Pay attention to your surroundings and be ready for unexpected events. Don’t allow your vision…
September.1.2015
Your Vehicle is a Write off- Now What?
Have you ever been in a car accident and ICBC tells you that your vehicle is a write-off? This means that the repair costs are more than the fair market value of the vehicle. In these circumstances, ICBC will pay you what they determine is the fair market value of your vehicle. While write-offs are…
September.18.2014
Owners Liable if Dog Escapes
Rocky is an 89 pound Doberman. One day, he escapes his owners’ enclosed yard and bolts towards a 61 year-old cyclist, knocking him from his bike. The cyclist suffers injuries including broken ribs and a fractured clavicle. Due to his injuries, the cyclist is unable to work for several months. Prior to the incident, Rocky…
June.18.2014
Judge Says Drivers Must be ‘Particularly Aware and Accommodating’ of Police on the Road
RCMP Constable Mark Maddex is driving southbound on a four lane highway near Parksville, B.C. He is using radar to monitor the speed of oncoming traffic. There are no vehicles travelling close behind (at least 10 to 15 car lengths). He is travelling 80 km/h in the right passing lane of the highway. Maddex’s radar…
May.15.2014
What Does Your Liability Waiver Actually Cover?
Signing a waiver of liability before participating in a recreational activity means you give up your right to sue if you are injured. Simple, right? Not exactly. Last year, I commented on B.C. Supreme Court Case Niedermeyer v. Charlton. In the case, Ms. Niedermeyer signs up for a zip-lining adventure with ZipTrek Ecotours in Whistler,…
February.14.2014
Will the B.C. Government Respond to ‘Disturbing’ Court Ruling Against Injured Designated Driver?
A recent BC Supreme Court ruling will make you think twice before getting behind the wheel as designated driver. In the case, a woman is driving her intoxicated boyfriend home from a soccer tournament. The boyfriend grabs the steering wheel in an argument. The car changes course, crashes, and flips. The boyfriend is killed at…
January.8.2014
The MIPS Helmet Protects Against Concussions
Concussions occur when the brain rotates within the skull after an impact. The movement causes axons in the brain to tear or stretch, leading to symptoms associated with brain injury. Helmets that meet today’s standards do not protect against the “rotational acceleration” of the brain that can cause a concussion. It’s time for something better.…
August.29.2013
Remote Texter Can Be Liable
Have you ever texted someone who you knew was driving when you hit the send button? A New Jersey judge says that a "remote texter" may be responsible for third party injuries in an accident caused by the driver receiving the texts. "A person sending text messages has a duty not to text someone who…