Steps to Take After a Car Accident
Car accidents can be intense and frightening experiences. After a car accident, you may be in a state of shock that leaves you uncertain about what to do next. Learn more about the steps you need to take to secure your insurance, legal, and medical needs for claiming after a car accident.
Your first course of action immediately after an accident is to call the police. This is a must. The police are trained to assess the scene, control traffic, and keep you safe. Just as importantly, the police are trained to take statements and photos of the accident scene and make a determination on which driver is at fault. If you are hurt, you should also call the paramedics right away.
Even if you feel well after an accident, and certainly if you have injuries, you should visit a doctor. Make an appointment with your current doctor or visit the emergency room to receive the treatment you need. This visit can be an important first step in getting what you deserve from insurance companies, so make sure to make it a priority.
After your injuries have been treated, contact a car accident lawyer for a free consultation. Your lawyer is an invaluable resource for helping you fully understand your rights under the law. A lawyer can also advise you as to whether you have a strong case and what kind of settlement or medical treatment the law entitles you to. Speaking to a lawyer soon after your accident will also give you a sense of whether outside medical or other experts will be needed to support your case.
Once you begin working with a lawyer in an official capacity, your lawyer can alleviate your stress by filing claim forms with your insurance company, gathering police and witness information, and making sure your case receives the support it needs.
If a third party has caused severe injury to you, suing can ensure that you are compensated for medical bills, loss of income, or costs associated with training for a new type of work. If you do decide to sue, be prepared to provide your lawyer with evidence for your case and to potentially testify in court. Out of court settlements are also common. These involve negotiating a settlement sum as well as the terms and conditions.
There are often many forms of compensation you can seek after an accident including compensation for loss of income, Family Law Act claims, and any other injuries or losses you have sustained.
You may also be entitled to compensation for general damages of up to $360,000, including pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. However, claiming after a car accident must typically meet a threshold in order to qualify for general damage compensation. A threshold means you have experienced serious and permanent physical, mental or psychological disfigurement or impairment. You should also be aware that your general damages compensation may be affected by specific legal deductibles under the Insurance Act.
Additionally, if you suffer a loss of income due to an accident, it can be legally recovered. The compensation may include any future income loss, or losses you incur because of reduced income or an inability to find work due to your injuries.
Another type of compensation available to you includes compensation for pecuniary losses that have resulted from your injury. These losses include current and future travel, housekeeping, care, and home maintenance costs. It is even possible that you can be compensated for medical expenses not covered by your own insurance policy or OHIP.
Finally, if your family members suffer because of your accident, they may claim compensation for any of the expenses they have paid due to your injuries, as well as compensation for a loss of companionship, care or guidance.
After an accident, don’t forget to follow these steps to ensure that you are properly compensated for your losses.
“Choosing the right lawyer is the most important thing to do after accident or insurance denial. It makes a difference in the quality and ability of the firm you hire. This translates to bigger and better settlements for our clients.”
~David Himelfarb
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Himelfarb Proszanski’s disability team has a strong reputation of successfully handling disability claims in Ontario. Some major local law firms refer us their client’s disability cases. Our track record of successfully handling 97.5% of denied disability claims proves that insurance companies take us seriously.
We provide a combined century of trial experience which has led to the successful settlement of over 10,000 cases with combined settlement value in excess of 3/4 billion dollars. And finally, we’re the only firm to offer you. And finally, we’re the only firm to offer you the HIMPRO Advantage™.
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