Accident Law FAQ

The first thing you should do after an accident is to contact the police, so they can get you to safety, control the scene, assess the situation, and take reports, statements and photos of the scene, while determining who is at fault. You should also contact the paramedics if you are hurt.

Your next priority should be to ensure that your injuries are looked after by going to see a doctor or to the emergency room. Once you have been properly treated for your injuries, consult with a lawyer to understand your rights. Your lawyer should provide you with a free consultation, so that you completely understand if you have a case, as well as what you are entitled to in terms of a settlement and medical care.

It’s also important to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible to determine if outside experts need to get involved to further reinforce your case, as well as medical professionals to provide the best medical attention available.

Your lawyer will contact your insurance company and file the proper claims forms, while getting the necessary information from the police and witnesses that were involved in your accident, to ensure that your case is properly supported.

No. We will come to a location that is convenient for you, such as your home or another location. We can also meet with your virtually using Zoom and can arrange this quickly so that you can meet with your legal team without having to leave the comfort of your home. The legal system has embraced virtual representation which provides our client with the greatest of flexibility.

Please bring the following documents to your free consultation:

• Motor Vehicle Accident Report from the police
• Description of how the accident happened
• Photographs of the scene, if available
• Reports from doctors and hospital, including X-ray results
• List of physicians and specialists that are treating you
• List of prescribed medications
• Driver’s license
• Social Insurance card
• Health card
• Insurance certificate for your automobile
• A list of your out-of-pocket expenses
• Invoices for your expenses

If you are injured because of the actions of another driver, you can sue for damages, including pain and suffering, loss of income, household assistance, attendant care, and the future cost of care . Generally, you have up to two years from the date of the accident to sue the at fault party for your damages. This is known as a limitation period. There are in some instances shorter limitation periods that you will not be aware of but your lawyers will. Therefore, it is extremely important to consult with one of our lawyers right after your accident so that you can be advised of any limitations that may apply to your ability to sue for damages.

• Unfortunately, we encounter this often. Powers of attorney for property and personal care that were in place before the incapacity are valid for a period of time, however, someone must come forward to agree to act as the Guardian who will then be appointed by the court. This Order will permit usually the family member Guardian to make decisions for the incapable person and have access to their bank accounts and assets. This is a large responsibility and there is a duty to pass accounts, or show a judge every so often what was spent for the incapable person to make sure that there are no abuses and that the expenses paid for are in the best interest of the person. Our lawyers can assist in this process and explain the processes,and duties and responsibilities that will have to be undertaken.

Once you have contacted your insurance company to inform them of your accident, an insurance claims adjuster will contact you to get details on your accident, as well as information on any injuries you have suffered and your overall health. It is advised to speak to a lawyer before you start discussing your accident with insurance companies. We have your best interests in mind. Insurance companies do not and will use any information you give them against you. People may not appreciate that information they are giving insurance companies is actually quite harmful to their position. This is why you should be discussing what you will say to the insurance company with a lawyer before you do so. . Your health care provider and lawyer will fill out and send all the necessary insurance forms to claim your insurance benefits. If you are not at fault, your lawyer will prepare documents to sue the insurance company of the driver who did cause the accident to get you the maximum compensation.

We don’t recommend speaking to the adjuster from the insurance company because you could be at a great disadvantage. As employees of insurance companies, adjusters may not point out or protect your rights to fair compensation, treatment and other important issues affecting you in the short-term and in the future. For these reasons, it is advised that your lawyer speak to the adjuster. Your lawyer will advise you about your rights and will help you understand your insurance policy and its terms.

There are sometimes different options that are available, such as suing the other driver, income replacement benefits, and short-term disability. Your lawyer will negotiate with your insurance company to get you the best possible medical care and settlement.

Our lawyers and team of experts understand how to file and process claims with your insurer and sue other insurers. Your lawyer will also provide the right guidance and preparation in establishing your claim.

We don’t recommend completing the insurance forms on your own as they are complicated and should be completed by an experienced professional to make certain there are no errors or omissions of critical information. Speak to a lawyer who is experienced in accident benefits and will ensure that the forms are filled out correctly to make certain that your rights are protected.

No fault benefits are included in every automobile insurance policy in Ontario by law. This does not mean that you can’t sue the at-fault driver too. The amount of no-fault compensation is determined by regulations called the “Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule”. To claim these benefits, consult with an accident benefits lawyer to understand your rights.

• If the accident occurred in the province of Ontario, you are entitled to accident benefits regardless of who is at fault. This is because Ontario has a no-fault system of insurance. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you can receive anywhere from $3,500.00 to $2,000,000.00 in the form of accident benefits from your insurance company, exclusive of related expenses and legal costs. You should consult with our lawyers to determine the no fault benefits that you are entitled to. We will quickly advise you and help you secure all the benefits you are entitled to.You should consult with a lawyer in any case, even if you think you are at fault, as we are very experienced in analyzing your accident situation and determining if another driver may also be at fault. If that is the case, then you will be able to sue the other driver for financial compensation. In that case, you will also be entitled to damages for pain and suffering.General damages provide compensation for pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. In 1978, The Supreme Court of Canada imposed a cap or maximum limit on pain and suffering at $100,000, which value has been adjusted on an annual basis in accordance with the cost of living, such that the current maximum pain and suffering award amounts to approximately $400,000 as of 2023.

You are entitled to statutory accident benefit regardless of fault. These benefits include income replacement, non earner benefits, medical and rehabilitation benefits, and attendant care benefits. There are other benefits that you may be entitled to and you should consult with our lawyers to determine exactly what coverages you purchased and the type of benefits you are entitled to.When you are not at fault completely for the accident, you are legally entitled to claim against the at fault party for all of your damages, including pain and suffering, loss of income, loss of competitive advantage, past and future medical and rehabilitation costs, including attendant care, and loss of household services. Our team of experienced lawyers understand how to properly maximize these claims and are able to achieve substantial compensation for our clients.

Every automobile policy of insurance in Ontario provides coverage to drivers who are struck by a vehicle that is unidentified or a vehicle that stays at the scene but does not have insurance covering it. There is standard coverage for up to $200,000 in every policy. Most people purchase extra coverage, which is called a Family Protection Endorsement or OPCF 44R, which provides additional coverage up to the limit of your policy of insurance. It is extremely important for you to contact our lawyers to determine what coverages you have in this situation. This coverage is complex and will require a lawyer to be involved.

If you can’t work, you may be entitled to both income replacement benefits, as well as disability benefits. Speak to a personal injury lawyer to learn about the different options available to you, such as accident benefits, short-term disability, long-term disability, as well as other available benefits. We are experienced and understand how to secure income continuation for our clients.