What to do After a Car Accident

Car accidents are unfortunately common. In the best case scenario, they are minor in nature and just ruin your day. On the other hand, they can result in serious injuries that may undermine your long term health, your ability to work, and even your capacity to care for yourself and your family.

If you are involved in a car accident, take the following steps:

Stay put: Do not leave the scene. Do not move your vehicle. Stay in your car unless doing so puts you at risk of further harm. If you do leave your car, move to a place of safety. Call the police and wait for help to arrive.

Motor Vehicle Accident Report: When the police arrive, the investigating officer will speak to the parties and fill out a brief form called a Motor Vehicle Accident Report. This form contains the identification and insurance information of the parties, as well as details of the accident. You are entitled to a copy of this form. You may also ask the officer for his or her card for future reference. Following the accident, consider taking down your own notes of how the accident happened. It is also important to take pictures your vehicle and injuries for your records.

Accept medical attention: If you are injured, proceed to the nearest hospital by ambulance or other means. Sometimes symptoms set in hours or days after an accident. It is equally important to seek medical help in these cases. Follow the recommendations of your treatment team, document your symptoms and seek ongoing care as needed.

Contact your auto insurer: In Ontario, if you are injured in a motor vehicle accident you are entitled to certain benefits from your own insurance company regardless of fault. These benefits include medical and rehabilitation benefits, attendant care benefits, income replacement benefits, and other forms of support. To access these benefits, you must disclose details of the accident and injuries. Your insurance company will require your personal health, employment and care records to determine your eligibility. Various important deadlines apply for accessing these benefits so it is important to contact your insurance company as soon as possible to ensure no deadlines are missed.

Get legal advice: Dealing with the fallout of the car accident is overwhelming. When you find yourself at your most vulnerable, you will be asked to understand legal regulations, provide personal information, and keep track of important deadlines. A reputable personal injury lawyer can protect your interests by advising of your rights and guiding you through the system.

By: Azin Samani

The Science of Sleep

It may seem obvious that sleep is beneficial. Even without fully grasping what sleep does for us, we know that going without sleep for too long makes us feel terrible, and that getting a good night's sleep can make us feel ready to take on each day. Unfortunately, most people don’t get enough sleep. Going without sufficient sleep carries with it both short- and long-term consequences.

 In the short-term, a deficiency of sleep can negatively affect your mood, as well as your ability to make good decisions, learn and retain information. By not getting enough sleep you can also increase the risk of a serious accident and injury.

In the long-term, sleep deprivation will lead to a wide range of health problems, including but not limited to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even early mortality. Sleep deprivation also has a major impact on cognitive functioning as well as on emotional and physical health.

Sleep plays such a vital role in a person’s rehabilitation after suffering a serious injury as a result of an accident. It will help control weight gain, if immobilized, heal the body and mind faster, and provide you with an increased ability to get back to the quality of life you had prior to the injury.

Scientists have gone to great lengths to fully understand the benefits of sleep. In studies, they have discovered that sleep plays a critical role in immune function, metabolism, memory, learning, and other vital functions.

Being chronically tired to the point of fatigue or exhaustion means that we are less likely to perform well. Neurons do not fire optimally, muscles are not rested, and the body’s organ systems are not synchronized.

By: Steven Smyth

Spring is Motorcycle season, are you ready to ride?

Motorcycles can be exciting and fun, but riding a motorcycle comes with risks. Unlike an enclosed vehicle like a car or truck, there is no buffer between you and the road should you fall or be involved in an accident while on your motorcycle. As such, it is very important to protect yourself which means ensuring that you are fitted with the proper protective gear.

Although riding gear can be costly, no one has ever regretted wearing proper protective gear. If proper gear is not worn, even a minor misadventure at a slow speed can cause injuries.

Below are the 3 essential protective pieces that you should ensure to have before going out on your motorcycle:

Helmet

A helmet is the most important part of your gear so you should not skimp on the quality of the helmet. Head trauma is usually the worst injury a rider can suffer and it is also the leading cause of death. Helmets will help to absorb the impact and protect your brain. Helmets should have one of the following noted certifications:

· U.S. DOT certification based on FMVSS 218

· SNELL M2010

· ECE Regulation 22.05 certification

A helmet is only good for five years from the date it was manufactured. After the five year mark, the shell may begin to degrade and will impede your safety. When choosing a helmet ensure it fits snugly. A full face helmet is recommended which also provides protection to your jaw and face. Consider choosing a brightly coloured helmet which will help with night visibility.

Jacket and Pants

These pieces need to be worn to prevent abrasion injuries. Your clothing should fit properly and the padding/armor should locate accurately on your joints and hold to you tightly. Loose fitting clothing will shift and will not provide proper protection.

Boots and Gloves

Boots and gloves are required to help protect your skin and the delicate bones in your feet and hands which can be easily crushed if not properly protected. Your boots should be made of heavy leather and have a flexible rubber sole. The sole should be oil resistant and have a good grip. The boot should fit over the ankle and also have armor protection around the ankle area. Gloves should extend past your wrist and wrap around your wrist tightly with a retention strap. They should also have impact protection on the knuckles, palms and wrists.

Ride safe and enjoy.

By: Carmela Lamacchia