Smile...you are on TTC camera!

Did you know that the Toronto Transit Commission (“TTC”) buses, streetcars and subway trains have video recording on them?

 You may have known this, but I bet what you didn’t know is that these videos are only available for download for a very short period of time as they are set to loop and record over old video in just a matter of hours.

Bus and streetcar videos must be downloaded within 15 hours, and subway train videos must be downloaded within 72 hours.  If these videos are not downloaded within this amount of time, known as the ‘retention period’, it will no longer exist as the video system loops and records over the old video.

Under Section 28 (2) of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and subsequent recommendations provided by the Privacy Commissioner, there are 3 occasions when these videos can be downloaded:

• 1. In aid of law enforcement;
• 2. Criminal Activity; and
• 3. Public Safety Necessity.

There is also a Video Recording Policy listed on the TTC’s website: 

https://www.ttc.ca/Riding_the_TTC/Safety_and_Security/Video_Recording_Policy/index.jsp

Under this policy there are limited circumstances in which the TTC will or can download the video, these include:

• 1. If law enforcement requests the video;
• 2. If there is a public safety reason for doing so, or;
• 3. If a person recorded by the video requests it.

This could be important if you are injured and may have a claim as this video could show what happened.  For example, what the circumstances were, how a driver was driving, and in the case of a slip and fall on TTC property, what the condition of the ground or floor was.

Once the video has been downloaded, it is then retained for a time period of one year.

It is also important to know that the bus, streetcar or subway driver cannot download the video.  It must be a supervisor, who has keys and access to the video DVR.

Therefore, if you are in an accident on TTC property, i.e. within the TTC subway system or on a TTC vehicle (be it a bus, streetcar, or subway train) and you think there has been negligence on the part of the TTC, or on someone else for that matter, this video may aid you in your case.  It is critical to request it immediately as it will not exist for long – only a matter of hours!

YOUR FIRST CONSULTATION IS ALWAYS FREE!
Email us or call us today at 416-214-2400 • 877-899-2400
STRYPE Barristers LLP • Top Toronto Personal Injury Lawyers 

Ontario motorcycle deaths near seven-year-high!

Media have widely reported on this year's motorcycle accident statistics, debunking some of the more common myths. 

Read more about it. Drive carefully and watch your speed: stay safe!

 

"This year is on track to reach a seven-year high in motorcycle fatalities:  There were 29 deaths in collisions involving motorcycles last year and 26 the year before." Ottawa Citizen, 24.08.2014

Stephen Petrick / THE CANADIAN PRESS

"OPP figures dispel common motorcycling myths. For example, collisions occur between noon and 6 p.m. and road conditions in almost all of them have been dry and clear." The Toronto Star, 25.08.2014

YOUR FIRST CONSULTATION IS ALWAYS FREE!
Email us or call us today at 416-214-2400 • 877-899-2400
STRYPE Barristers LLP • Top Toronto Personal Injury Lawyers 

Sunny Days Require Careful Driving

It would seem summer is finally upon us, the weather is nice and the sun stays out much longer.  When enjoying extended daylight hours we often don’t stop to think about how the sun can affect us while driving. 

AAA has some helpful tips to ensure that drivers are prepared for the sun in order to minimize risks when driving, including:

• Invest in polarized sunglasses;

• Utilize your sun visor;

• Leave more following room; and

• Keep your windshield clean.

http://exchange.aaa.com/safety/roadway-safety/dangers-of-driving-into-sun/

Enjoy the sunshine and drive safely!

YOUR FIRST CONSULTATION IS ALWAYS FREE!
Email us or call us today at 416-214-2400 • 877-899-2400
STRYPE Barristers LLP • Top Toronto Personal Injury Lawyers

Gardiner Driving Woes

Gardiner construction started Monday and lane restrictions are in place. This is a long-term project and will last until 2016. Police say, drivers should adjust their driving habits.

Read a related article on 680 News: "Adjusting driving habits can ease Gardiner traffic woes: police"

The Winter is over and the Construction Season has begun! Unfortunately, more driving brings more accidents. Here are some tips on "What to do in Case of an Accident" from our website.

 If you have been injured in a car accident in the Toronto area, you are entitled to government-regulated accident benefits through your insurance company. However, in some cases, it can be difficult to obtain rehabilitation and compensation for injuries. You can rely on the experienced legal team at Strype Barristers LLP to develop strategies and pursue all available benefits for you.

After a car accident, the clock begins ticking right away: you will need to file a report and request accident benefits within 30 days of the accident.

If you are a family member of an accident victim who is still hospitalized, it is important to talk to one of our Toronto car accident lawyers as soon as possible in order to meet important deadlines.

Download our "What to do in case of a car accident" brochure.

YOUR FIRST CONSULTATION IS ALWAYS FREE!
Email us or call us today at 416-214-2400 • 877-899-2400
STRYPE Barristers LLP • Top Toronto Personal Injury Lawyers  

Your first salting and sanding case: What do you need to know?

Read a new article from the April issue of Litigator, written by Kyle T.H. Smith, Partner at Strype Barristers LLP, Toronto's Top Personal Injury, Serious Accident and Medical Malpractice Law Firm.

Texting and Driving

New Fines Introduced

 

On the heels of a Judicial Order of Justice Annemarie Bonkalo, Chief Justice of the Ontario Court of Justice, the Ontario Legislature has re-focused its attention on ensuring public safety on Ontario’s roads and highways. 

On March 17, 2014, the Province introduced legislation aimed at reducing motor vehicle accidents, injuries and fatalities by targeting and stiffening penalties for careless motorists and other distracted drivers on their cellphones or other devices.  More specifically, the proposed Keeping Ontario’s Roads Safe Act and supporting amendments to the Highway Traffic Act, seek to make roads and highways safer by:

•    Increasing fines for distracted driving;
•    Assigning 3 demerit points upon conviction of distracted driving;
•    Making a distracted driving conviction a contravention of the licence conditions placed on novice drivers within the Graduated Licencing System;
•    Increasing fines for drivers who “door” cyclists;
•    Increasing the demerit points assigned to drivers who “door” cyclists;
•    Requiring all motorists to maintain a distance of one metre when passing cyclists;
•    Requiring all motorists to yield the whole roadway to pedestrians at school crossings and pedestrian crossovers.

For more information on the proposed legislation, please visit the Province of Ontario website at http://news.ontario.ca/mto/en/2014/03/keeping-ontarios-road-safe-act.html

Strype Barristers LLP reminds everyone that it is illegal to text, type, dial or email using hand-held cellular phones or other entertainment devices while operating a motor vehicle. 

Please pay attention on the roads and avoid catastrophic accidents and injuries.  

Drive safe!

YOUR FIRST CONSULTATION IS ALWAYS FREE!
Email us or call us today at 416-214-2400 • 877-899-2400
STRYPE Barristers LLP • Top Toronto Personal Injury Lawyers 

Surgical Errors can Encompass the Use of Faulty Products in the Surgery, including:

Defective Hip Replacements

Our firm is experienced in helping determine who bears responsibility for product or manufacturing defects or inadequate warnings and information and then pursuing those responsible for the damages that their negligence has caused consumers. 

For example: If you have a question or concern regarding your surgery, and you feel that faulty products might have been used, it is in your best interest to contact a skilled lawyer immediately. 

If you have been advised that the components of your hip replacement have broken down such that you require a subsequent hip replacement – you may be entitled to substantial benefits for damages against the hip component manufacturer.




X-rays of hip replacement.(Globe and Mail Article)

YOUR FIRST CONSULTATION IS ALWAYS FREE!
Email us or call us today at 416-214-2400 • 877-899-2400
STRYPE Barristers LLP • Top Toronto Personal Injury Lawyers 

Strype Barristers LLP Celebrates a Milestone

We recently celebrated our 10th Anniversary!

 

For more photos, please click here.

Jeff Strype founded Strype Barristers LLP in 2001 after working for 20 years with large legal firms. He believed that a smaller specialized firm would give him the opportunity to bring his talents and skills to the most effective service of his clients. Jeff is a trial lawyer, dedicated to making sure that his clients have access to justice and fighting for their right to appropriate compensation. His firm specializes in working with victims who are facing traumatic and heart-wrenching situations as a result of the negligence of others.

Since 2001, Strype Barristers LLP has been helping the victims of catastrophic injuries and medical malpractice, including obstetrical and neonatal cases, to get the compensation they deserve. Jeff's team of experts works with each client, to evaluate his or her case as quickly as possible. To strengthen and support their clients’ cases, the firm has access to top medical professionals, as well as financial experts who can forecast the long-term financial needs of each client.

If you or a loved one has suffered catastrophic injuries in an accident, or has become disabled through illness, please contact our office for a free, no obligation consultation. Let us evaluate your claim and inform you of your rights to rehabilitation and compensation for your injuries.

YOUR FIRST CONSULTATION IS ALWAYS FREE!
Email us or call us today at 416-214-2400 • 877-899-2400
STRYPE Barristers LLP • Top Toronto Personal Injury Lawyers

Solid Footing

Jack Frost seems to have come again.  As the temperatures drop and the ground freezes over Strype Barristers LLP urges everyone to be careful when out and about.

 

The OPP say that since Friday evening they've responded to more than 1,600 crashes, including three fatal, and numerous personal injury wrecks.

The Ontario Provincial Police said the crashes include three fatal collisions, and eight police cars were struck by passing motorists during the incidents, injuring two officers.

It is easy to find ourselves rushing around in our daily routines, however making sure you leave yourself enough time to get to your destination safely is important. With the cold weather comes ice and it is easy to slip and fall, hurting yourself in the process.   

We encourage everyone to take the time to ensure your safety as temperatures dip and the roads and sidewalks become hazardous and slippery. 

Wishing everyone a safe and warm week from StrypeBarristers LLP.