- Q: I have been in a car accident, what should I do?
- Q: Why do I have to contact my own insurance company when the car accident was not my fault?
- Q: I have been injured in a fall, what should I do?
- Q: I have been assaulted, what should I do?
- Q: My family member has been in a serious accident and is not able to make decisions for him or herself. What should I do?
- Q: My insurance adjuster says I don't need to hire a lawyer. What should I do?
- Q: When should I hire a lawyer?
- Q: How do I choose a lawyer?
- Q: Why SeriousInjuries.ca?
- Q: What are your fees?
- Q: What is the process of retaining a lawyer?
- Q: What should I bring with me to the initial meeting?
- Q: I am homebound as a result of my injuries. Do you make house calls?
- Q: What should I do if the insurance company calls?
- Q: How much compensation will I get?
- Q: How long will it take?
- Q: Will I have to go to trial?
Q: I have been in a car accident, what should I do?
A: Firstly, you should contact the police to inform them of the accident. Make sure that you get the contact and insurance information for the other driver(s) involved and the contact information for any witnesses as well.
If you are injured, you should seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment is imperative for your recovery and failure to seek treatment may affect the amount of damages to which you are entitled.
Notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible as you are required to do so within seven days. Generally speaking, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties.
Keep the receipts relating to any expenses incurred as a result of the accident. This could include your ambulance bill, rental car expenses, prescription expenses or hospital parking costs. Your relatives may also have a valid claim for the expenses they incur as a result of your accident or for the care they provide to you. If possible, have them keep a record of same.
You may also want to keep a journal or diary outlining what happened and to keep track of your symptoms and medical appointments. This way, you can refresh your memory later on down the road. If you have injuries that are visible, such as bruises, cuts or burns, have someone take photographs of them to document what you are going through.
Contact SeriousInjuries.ca. The earlier. The better. We handle the red tape, so you can focus on your recovery.
Q: Why do I have to contact my own insurance company when the car accident was not my fault?
A: In Ontario we have a "no-fault" system of accident benefits. This means that when you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, whether your fault or not, your accident benefits are paid by your own insurance company.
Depending upon your circumstances and the terms of your policy, your accident benefits coverage may include income replacement benefits, caregiver benefits, non-earner benefits, medical and rehabilitation expenses and housekeeping expenses. It is important to contact a lawyer early on in the process, to ensure that you get the benefits you are entitled to and the assistance you need to get better.
You can sue the "at fault" driver for the pain and suffering his or her negligence has caused you as well as various other economic losses not covered by your own accident benefits policy. Generally speaking, you have two years from the date of the accident to commence an action against the "at fault" driver.
For more information, contact SeriousInjuries.ca now for a free consultation.
Q: I have been injured in a fall, what should I do?
A: If possible, take note of what caused you to fall. Did you slip on a substance or trip over an uneven walkway? If you have a camera handy (many of us have a camera on our phone), take a picture of the area where you fell for future reference.
If you are able to identify the property owner, advise him or her of your fall and get his or her contact and insurance information if possible. Also write down the contact information for any witnesses.
If you are injured, you should seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment is imperative for your recovery and failure to seek treatment may affect the amount of damages to which you are entitled.
Note that if your fall occurred on municipal property, you must give notice to the City within seven days. Failing to do so can affect your right to sue. Generally, you have two years from the date of the fall to advance a claim.
Keep the receipts relating to any expenses incurred as a result of the accident. This could include your ambulance bill, prescription expenses or hospital parking costs. Your relatives may also have a valid claim for the expenses they incur as a result of your accident or for the care they provide to you. If possible, have them keep a record of same.
You may also want to keep a journal or diary outlining what happened and to keep track of your symptoms and medical appointments. This way, you can refresh your memory later on down the road. If you have injuries that are visible, such as bruises, cuts or burns, have someone take photographs of them to document what you are going through.
Contact SeriousInjuries.ca now. The earlier the better. We handle the red tape, so you can focus on recovery.
Q: I have been assaulted, what should I do?
A: Contact the police to report the assault immediately and seek medical attention.
If charges are laid against the perpetrator, a criminal trial will ensue. Although you may be called as a witness in the criminal proceedings, you are not the plaintiff and will not be compensated for any damages you incur as a result of the assault.
You have the right to commence an action against the perpetrator in civil court regardless of the outcome of the criminal trial as there is a lower standard of proof. It is in this forum that you can seek a monetary judgment for your pain and suffering as well as any expenses you have incurred.
Although an award of money will not right the wrong that was done to you, it can help ease the burden. Contact SeriousInjuries.ca for more information.
Q: My family member has been in a serious accident and is not able to make decisions for him or herself. What should I do?
If your loved one is incapacitated because of his or her injuries and is unable to make decisions, someone else can be appointed to make decisions on his or her behalf.
Contact SeriousInjuries.ca now for more information.
Q: My insurance adjuster says I don't need to hire a lawyer. What should I do?
A: The reality is that insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you.
Insurance claims often become cumbersome and confusing for those who are not familiar with the system, let alone for someone who is struggling with accident-related injuries and the effect of these injuries on that person and his or her family.
By hiring a lawyer, you will have someone who understands the system by your side, advocating for your best interests and allowing you to focus on what is really important — getting better.
Contact SeriousInjuries.ca now to schedule a free consultation to learn more about how we can help.
Q: When should I hire a lawyer?
A: As soon as possible. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, strict timelines may apply to putting the other parties on notice of the accident and your intention to pursue the damages arising therefrom. Make sure you are protected by contacting SeriousInjuries.ca today.
Q: How do I choose a lawyer?
A: You should choose a lawyer who understands your injuries and the impact they have on your life and the lives of those you love. You should look for representation that you are both confident in and comfortable with. We strive to provide quality service with a personal touch. We have both male and female lawyers available and can provide services in Italian, French and Spanish.
Contact SeriousInjuries.ca now for a free consultation. Let us help you.
Q: Why SeriousInjuries.ca?
A: Serious injuries require serious representation. The Hamilton head injuries lawyers at SeriousInjuries.ca are experienced at protecting and promoting the rights of people just like you. We understand your rights, and we will take your case personally. We have experience handling all types of claims, including brain and spinal cord injuries resulting from any type of accident.
We strive to achieve quality results while providing efficient and personal service. From dealing with your insurance company and their lawyers to making sure you receive the treatment you require, we will be by your side on the road to recovery and will make sure you receive the compensation that you deserve. Contact SeriousInjuries.ca now for a free consultation.
Q: What are your fees?
A: Fees are based on a percentage of the overall recovery. The fee charged is on a contingency basis. In other words, you will pay no fees unless we recover money for you. Contact SeriousInjuries.ca now for a free consultation.
Q: What is the process of retaining a lawyer?
A: We provide free consultations with no strings attached wherein the lawyer will explain the retainer process in details. Contact SeriousInjuries.ca now for a free consultation.
Q: What should I bring with me to the initial meeting?
A: Bring any information that you have relating to the accident and your injuries. This could include a motor vehicle accident report, hospital records or letters from your insurance company. In addition, we are required to take copies of two pieces of identification. Please be sure to bring your Health Card, driver's license, etc. Contact SeriousInjuries.ca now for a free consultation.
Q: I am homebound as a result of my injuries. Do you make house calls?
A: Yes. The team at SeriousInjuries.ca is more than happy to meet with you at your home, the hospital or wherever is most convenient for you. We are also able to meet with you on weekends or after hours if necessary. Contact SeriousInjuries.ca now for a free consultation.
Q: What should I do if the insurance company calls?
A: While we recommend that you advise your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible (and within seven days), keep in mind that anything you say to your insurance adjuster may be recorded and could affect your future entitlement to benefits.
Contact SeriousInjuries.ca, and we will deal with your insurance company on your behalf, so you can focus on your recovery instead.
Q: How much compensation will I get?
A: We may be able to give you a range after we become familiar with your case, but predicting a specific outcome is almost impossible. If you are involved in settlement negotiations, we will recommend a figure to you; however, it is ultimately your decision whether to accept an offer or not. Contact SeriousInjuries.ca now for a free consultation.
Q: How long will it take?
A: This answer depends on the complexity of your case and the severity of your injuries. Generally we wait until you have reached your maximum medical recovery. It is our obligation to you and your family to ensure that we fully appreciate the extent and severity of your injuries. We must also know the effect of your injuries on your future and your ability to work or function. Contact SeriousInjuries.ca now for a free consultation.
Q: Will I have to go to trial?
A: Probably not. Most personal injury claims settle in advance of trial. That being said, should your matter go to trial, the lawyers at SeriousInjuries.ca are experienced litigators who are ready and willing to fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Please note: The above information is for general reference only and is not intended to replace legal counsel. Please contact us here to schedule a free initial consultation.
