Jun 04, 2025 in News Legal News

Legal News: What to Do if You're Injured in a Commercial Vehicle Accident in Sudbury

If you live in Sudbury, you know how common it is to share the road with transport trucks and industrial vehicles. You see them everywhere, whether it’s on Highway 17 or the Kingsway. They're part of the rhythm of life here, moving goods, supporting the mining sector, or heading to and from job sites. But when one of those trucks collides with a smaller vehicle, the damage can be catastrophic.

Accidents like this aren’t minor. Injuries are often more severe than those in typical car crashes, and the road to recovery is longer and more complicated. The legal process is, too. If you’ve been involved in a collision with a commercial vehicle in Sudbury, it’s essential to understand what steps to take and how to protect yourself.

Why Truck Crashes Can Be So Devastating

Transport trucks are massive. When fully loaded, they can weigh more than thirty times what a regular car weighs. That kind of weight means any mistake, especially at highway speed, can result in devastating consequences.

People injured in these crashes often face serious outcomes like brain injuries, fractured bones, spinal cord trauma, or emotional and psychological effects that don’t just fade with time. And in a place like Sudbury, where we deal with harsh winters and heavy industrial traffic, the risk goes up.

According to Transport Canada, crashes involving commercial vehicles continue to be a serious concern across the country. That’s why having an injury lawyer Sudbury on your side is especially important when injuries are severe.

Why These Collisions Happen in the First Place

Despite what some might think, most of these accidents aren’t caused by wild or aggressive drivers. They usually happen because something in the system failed. Maybe the driver was working too many hours. Maybe the truck wasn’t properly maintained. Sometimes it’s rushed loading or poorly secured cargo. Add in freezing rain or fog, and even experienced drivers can find themselves in trouble.

The pressure on trucking companies to meet delivery timelines is real. And sometimes safety falls by the wayside. These are exactly the kinds of details a personal injury law firm in Sudbury will dig into during an investigation, especially when assessing systemic issues like driver fatigue or poor vehicle maintenance.

Local Case: Truck Collision on Highway 69

In early 2025, a CTV News Sudbury report detailed a serious crash on Highway 69 involving a commercial truck. The truck driver was charged with careless driving after colliding with a school bus. The bus driver was critically injured, and two students were also taken to hospital.

This wasn’t just a momentary lapse. It was a situation where a professional driver operating a commercial vehicle failed to take proper care, and others paid the price. Cases like this show how driver error, combined with potential employer negligence, can lead to devastating outcomes. A personal injury lawyer Sudbury can help determine if the company behind the wheel bears some of the legal responsibility.

What You Should Do After the Crash

The first few hours after a crash are overwhelming. But there are a few things that can help your case later on if you’re well enough to act.

Call 911 and get medical attention right away. Make sure to collect contact and insurance details from the truck driver and take photos of the damage, the road, and any injuries. Ask for a copy of the police report and keep all your hospital paperwork. And before you speak with anyone from the trucking company’s insurance provider, reach out to a Sudbury personal injury lawyer for advice.

What Kinds of Compensation Are Available

Being seriously injured in a truck accident can turn your life upside down. It’s not just the initial hospital bill. You might be out of work. You could need months or years of rehab. In some cases, everyday tasks at home become difficult, or impossible.

Compensation in these situations can include medical expenses, income loss, physical and emotional pain, and costs associated with long-term care. If your injuries are severe, you may even qualify under Ontario’s catastrophic injury framework. This provides access to greater financial support. You can learn more about that in our article Why Personal Injury Damages Are Increasing in Ontario.

Responsibility Doesn’t Always End with the Driver

In many trucking accidents, the driver isn’t the only one who should be held accountable. If the employer failed to maintain the truck, hired someone without proper qualifications, or pushed unsafe delivery schedules, they may be liable too.

An experienced car accident lawyer near me will know how to track down these details and make sure the claim includes all responsible parties. You can also read Truck Driver or Transport Company: Who's Liable? for more insight.

Let’s Talk About What Comes Next

Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers has helped injured Ontarians for over 55 years. We’ve worked with clients across the province, including right here in Sudbury. If you’re recovering from a serious crash, we’re here to help shoulder some of the load.

Our personal injury lawyers Sudbury team can launch a full investigation into your case, deal directly with the insurance companies, connect you with doctors or rehab professionals, and help build a case that reflects your future, not just your hospital visit.

And we don’t get paid until there is a successful outcome of your case.. If you’re not sure what to do next, talk to us. We’re ready to help.