An emergency room physician who assessed Artur Kotula three days before he was involved in a double fatal collision on Parkside Drive three years ago testified he assessed Kotula and told him he was forbidden from driving because of medical concerns.
The testimony came as part of the Crown’s evidence at the dangerous driving causing death trial for 27-year-old Kotula. Valdemar and Fatima Avila, who were rear-ended by Kotula’s BMW, died in the chain reaction collision on Oct. 12, 2021.
Kotula has pleaded not guilty.
On the opening day of the trial, an accident reconstructionist testified Kotula was travelling 124 km/h just two-and-a-half seconds prior to the crash and only put on the brakes momentarily prior to the collision. The posted speed limit on Parkside Drive at the time was 50 km/h.
Dr. John Sollazzo testified he started work around 6 a.m. on Oct. 9, 2021, at St. Joseph’s Hospital. He was taking over from another doctor who was …