Since it was founded, our firm Nanda & Associate Lawyers has helped thousands of car accident victims in Eastern Canada, Ontario, and Mississauga get the compensation they deserve for their injuries.
In Ontario, victims of car accidents have the right to receive statutory benefits, which can help them pay for medical expenses. These benefits are part of a no-fault compensation system and are available to everyone regardless of who caused the accident.
In addition, if you aren’t at fault for the car accident, you can also pursue a tort claim, which allows you to sue the driver for their actions. This claim can help you recover lost income, pain and suffering, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
Unfortunately, many of the claims that car accident victims make can be compromised by their actions following the incident. To protect their rights, we have listed five steps after a car accident in Ontario.
Secure Accident-Related Evidence
Keep your seatbelt fastened and stay in your vehicle until it is safe to get out. Doing so is crucial to avoid getting out of the car on a highway or a high-speed road. If your vehicle is not safe to drive, you can remove it from the road and have it towed.
If you can get out of your vehicle after an accident, you should exchange information with the other driver. This includes your name, address, and phone number. Some of the information you should exchange includes the make and model of the vehicle, as well as the insurance company’s policy information.
If you have any questions about the process of filing a claim or the accident itself, our car accident lawyers can help you. During our free consultation, we’ll discuss your case’s possible outcomes and provide you with a comprehensive overview of the legal options available.
You should also take photos and videos of the accident to gather evidence. This can include details about the other driver’s behavior and the conditions of the road.
In the days and weeks following the accident, you should also take the time to preserve additional evidence. If you have any injuries that prevent you from doing this, ask someone to help you.
Important pieces of evidence you should keep to file a personal injury claim include your vehicle’s damaged condition and the documents related to the incident. You should also keep medical records and contact information for health practitioners. A car accident lawyer can help you gather all this information and analyze it for your case.
Seek Medical Attention
First, your priority is your safety and health. However, seek immediate medical attention if you believe your injuries are minor. Some latent injuries, such as minor brain trauma or whiplash, can’t be immediately apparent.
If you’re planning on filing a personal injury claim, make sure you go to the hospital or your doctor as soon as possible. Doing so will allow you to keep track of any minor injuries that you may have.
Report The Accident
You have seven days from the day of the accident to notify your insurance provider. You have thirty days from the receipt of your Accident Benefits package, which will allow you to submit your application. You have two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit against the driver at fault.
If the damages caused by the accident are over $1,000, then you must immediately report it to the police. If the incident didn’t involve the police, you have 24 hours to notify a collision reporting center.
Even if the accident is minor, it’s always best to report it to the police and your insurance provider. However, if you feel it’s the right thing to do, ensure you have all the necessary information.
Contact Nanda & Associate Lawyers’ Personal Injury Lawyers
While insurance companies are experts when it comes to handling accident claims, they are not always out to protect your rights. The sooner you contact a car accident lawyer, the sooner they can streamline the entire process of your claim. This includes gathering evidence, filing an application for benefits, and interviewing witnesses.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, then book a free consultation and speak with Nanda & Associate Lawyers today.
