Here in Ontario, our car insurance premiums are actually higher than anywhere else in the country, despite that fact that our rate of accidents is actually lower, per capita, than most other provinces. If you drive a vehicle, you already spend so much money on insurance that it is definitely in your interest to claim compensation if you are involved in an accident – especially if you were not at fault.
Goodman Elbassiouni LLP recognizes that the time following a car accident is always traumatic, and it can be difficult to bring yourself to carry out even the most basic of tasks depending on the severity of the accident. However, it is imperative to do everything you can to document the accident, in case you end up suing for compensation or vice versa. If you don’t take the time to establish a clear narrative, then it will be easy to poke holes in your story and you could be exposing yourself financially.
While it may seem petty to worry over financial matters when you feel like you’ve just had a near death experience, your future self will certainly thank you. Being able to cover rent or your mortgage payments, or pay for rehabilitation therapy is extremely important, so worrying about money is really not so petty. Make sure your doctor (hopefully a family doctor that you trust) takes thorough notes and records your injuries while they are still fresh. This information will be paramount in establishing a case.
While it is technically the responsibility of your insurance company or the provincial government (via the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule) to compensate you even if you might have been partially responsible, the truth of the matter is that you will not always receive the amount that you should. As with anything in life, it is up to you to look beyond what you are told and survey all of your options to determine the best course of action. Additionally, time is of the essence, so filing a claim within the appropriate window should be a top priority. Here’s some information regarding timelines and availability of benefits. If you have more questions, reach out to the workers compensation lawyers on our team and find out what they can do for you!
- To seek statutory accident benefits, you absolutely must contact your insurance company within seven days of the accident. This is your first option and your most direct, with any luck they will pay you out a fair amount depending on the accident.
- If you feel that someone else was at fault in the instance of your accident, you have 120 days to inform them that you are planning on filing a personal injury tort action against them.
- A standard Ontario insurance policy entitles you to varying amounts of compensation depending on the severity of your injury. Minor injuries are eligible for $3,500; non-minor injuries are eligible up to $50,000; catastrophic injuries are eligible all the way up to $1,000,000.
Contact our slip and fall lawyers – who also specialize in WSIB related workplace cases and, of course, automobile accidents – and book a consultation today. Goodman Elbassiouni LLP is a well-established, reputable personal injury business dedicated to serving victims in need of representation all across Toronto and the GTA.
