Who is at risk to suffer cross-border personal injury?

Although the primary cause of deaths in Canada is automobile accidents, many of these happen south of the border. British Columbia drivers who travel to Seattle or other U.S. cities are as vulnerable there than here in their home country. However, dealing with the consequences of cross-border personal injury damages is significantly more complicated, not to mention the emotional trauma suffered by the victims or surviving loved ones of those who lost their lives.

Authorities say young drivers are involved in 25 percent of all auto collisions in Canada, even though they only represent 13 percent of all Canadian licensed drivers. This makes young drivers between ages 16 and 24 at the highest risk of all age groups of losing their lives in crashes. They also say that across all age groups, females are at a lower risk of crash involvement than males are, and other high-risk groups include seniors with compromised health and medical conditions, such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive disorders.

Many different factors contribute to auto collisions. The most prevalent ones include distracted driving, drug and alcohol impairment, aggression, and speeding. However, environmental conditions might be hazardous, such as adverse weather conditions and road infrastructure.

Victims of auto accidents that occur south of the border might have questions about British Columbia no-fault insurance coverage. However, if another person’s negligence caused the crash, there might be grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. The best person to provide guidance about damage recovery might be a lawyer who is registered in both jurisdictions and experienced in dealing with cases that involve cross-border personal injury claims.