Anybody involved in a car accident can experience trauma that could last a long time.
Many people suffer life-changing injuries as a result of an auto accident caused by another person’s negligence or recklessness.
If you wait too long to take action, you could lose your right to recover compensation. Hiring the right lawyer can have a huge effect on your case and the amount of compensation you recover.
As an auto accident victim, you may have questions regarding your rights and chances of getting compensation. Our partners at Jurigo.ca are happy to answer any of your questions.
As experienced and trustworthy auto accident lawyers, they will work very hard to evaluate the details of your case and create a legal strategy to successfully win your case.
Learn more about getting the most compensation for an auto accident injury by connecting with the best lawyers in Toronto. Get free quotes with no obligation by filling out our short online form!
Types of Car Accidents in Toronto
Many types of injuries can result from an auto accident. Knowing the right lawyer to turn to and how to claim compensation can make the process less difficult for you.
Auto accident lawyers from JuriGo can help you by evaluating the nature of your case and recommending the best course of action.
Below are some of the most common types of auto accidents resulting in personal injuries.
- Defective car accidents
- Hit-and-run
- Roadway hazards
- Insurance disputes
- Bicycle accidents
- Automobile defects
- Drunk Driving accidents
- Catastrophic injuries
- Distracted driving accidents
- Rear end collisions
- Pedestrian accidents
Have you been injured in an automobile accident recently? Auto accident lawyers from the Jurigo network can help you file a timely claim to recover compensation.
Consult one of our partners throughout Toronto by filling out our short online form today.
Your rights as an auto accident victim
The pain and suffering from an auto accident can be tremendous. A victim will also need to stop working to recover from his injuries, thus losing income and incurring medical expenses.
In the case of wrongful death from a car accident, the grief and loss of income can be a lot to handle. Retaining an experienced auto accident lawyer promptly will ensure your rights are protected. You will also benefit from proper legal advice and guidance so you can do what is necessary to fight for your rights.
Are you or a family member a victim of a car accident in Toronto? Get help today simply by filling out the form on this page at no cost or obligation.
Insurance Expertise for Car Accident Victims
Perhaps one of the most common hurdles for car accident victims is dealing with an insurance claim. Toronto auto accident lawyers can assist you in navigating the complicated insurance claim process.
If you ask anyone who has had experience filing an insurance claim without a lawyer, you will most probably be told it is a complex, frustrating, and often lengthy process. For a victim with severe injuries, it can be overwhelming and almost impossible to do.
For this reason, it is crucial to have a qualified lawyer in Toronto with a solid track record in Toronto car accident claims.
Insurance companies have different processes when it comes to insurance claims. Some companies are more difficult to deal with than others. Having an auto accident lawyer to advocate on your behalf can be critical for a car accident claim.
Auto accident lawyers are well-versed in insurance laws and personal injury laws in Ontario. They know how to handle an insurance claim properly to increase your chances of success.
By hiring an insurance expert to handle your claim, you can avoid a lot of stress and focus on your recovery.
Negligence and Car Accident Liability
The issue of liability is a critical factor in a Toronto auto accident claim. If another driver’s negligence or reckless behavior is the cause of your injuries, you could potentially hold him responsible.
If car parts were defective, other parties may be held responsible as well. Personal injury lawyers in Toronto can assess your case to determine liability issues.
Liability for car accident victims in Ontario can be based on personal liability or the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS).
Any driver can be held liable if he failed to act with reasonable care and caused an auto accident. This liability can cover medical expenses, damages, and lost income.
An auto accident victim can get compensation from the SABS regardless of who is at fault. The maximum compensation for minor injuries is $3,500, $50,000 for non-catastrophic injuries, and $1 Million for catastrophic injuries.
Know that benefits are not automatically paid to a victim after a car accident. There are requirements and timelines that must be followed.
JuriGo.ca is an online platform that allows you to compare auto accident lawyers in Toronto.
Consult an experienced auto accident lawyer in Toronto to get help with your case right away!
Your right to sue in Toronto after a Car Accident
If you sustained serious injuries, you have the right to take legal action against the person who was negligent in an accident for pain and suffering.
Based on new legislation, compensation received for pain and suffering is subject to a deductible of $37,385.17 by the insurer. Court action must be initiated within 2 years from the date of the accident although this is subject to the rule of discoverability.
In order to sue for pain and suffering and medical expenses, the injury sustained must result in serious disfigurement, permanent and serious impairment of a primary mental, psychological, or physical function, or death.
Further, a family member can sue for the loss of companionship, care, and guidance as a result of injuries suffered as provided by the Family Law Act.
Such claims are subject to a deductible of $18,692.59 by the insurance company unless the injuries were fatal.
Compensation for Lost Income or Economic Losses
Compensation for lost income is limited to just 70% of the gross income starting 7 days after the accident until the trial.
After the trial, the compensation is based on 100% of the gross income lost.
Compensation received for other accident benefits from other sources such as disability plans will also be deducted from settlements or awards.
What are Non-catastrophic and Catastrophic Injuries?
The amount of compensation available for non-catastrophic and catastrophic injuries from an auto accident in Ontario are not the same.
Non-catastrophic injuries can have negative consequences to your life but not necessarily stop you from working after sufficient rehabilitation.
The maximum compensation for non-catastrophic injuries is $65,000 to cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and attendant care.
On the other hand, the maximum compensation for catastrophic injuries is $1 Million to cover medical costs, rehabilitation costs, and attendant care.
For injuries to be considered as catastrophic, the following criteria must be met:
- Paraplegia or quadriplegia;
- Loss of limb or amputation;
- Traumatic brain injuries;
- Spinal cord injury;
- Paralysis;
- Severe burns;
- Multiple broken bones;
- Serious damage to the nerve or ligament.
To file a claim accident benefits, you need to do the following:
- Fill out an OCF-1 Form (Application for Accident Benefits);
- Submit the form to the insurance company;
- Submit an OCF-3 form or Certificate of Disability accomplished by a health care professional;
- Submit an Employer’s Certificate of Income;
- Submit receipts for out-of-pocket expenses.
Car Accident Settlement in Ontario
Are you curious to know the average settlement for an auto accident in Toronto?
The most common tort claim in Ontario is pain and suffering from a motor vehicle accident. The average settlement is $120,000.
It is not easy to determine the extent of a victim’s pain and suffering after sustaining a personal injury. Highly-contested cases can be decided by the courts or settled but they may take longer. A personal injury claim, however, can be settled in a year to 1.5 years.
Generally, auto accident claims can take as little as 3 months to 3 years with the negligent driver’s insurance company. How long it takes to negotiate a settlement is highly impacted by the insurance company’s attitude and the skills of your auto accident lawyer.
Find the best lawyer in Toronto to handle your car accident claim to get the best settlement offer.
Could you fill out our short online form on this page today? Connect with the top auto accident lawyers near you to start your claim.
Benefits from your insurer and the negligent driver’s insurer
For car accidents on or after September 2010, a car accident victim can receive compensation from his insurer and the insurer of the at-fault driver.
You are entitled to compensation from your insurer. If you don’t have your own car insurance coverage but you live with a family member that has insurance, you can apply under that policy. If you cannot, your last remedy is to claim from the other driver’s insurance company.
You need to file an Application for Accident Benefits with your own insurance company within 7 days of the date of the accident or as soon as possible.
Income Replacement Benefits for Car Accident Victims
Income replacement is up to 70% of your income up to $400 a week. If you were unemployed at the time of the accident, you can still qualify for benefits if your injuries prevent you from performing day-to-day activities.
For car accidents that occurred after June 1, 2016, the above benefits still apply but certain changes were introduced for insurance policies renewed or issued after June 1, 2016.
Caregiving and housekeeping benefits are only possible if they were included in your pollcy.
For medical, rehabilitation, and attendant are benefits, the duration of the entitlement for non-catastrophic injuries changed from 10 years to 5 years except for cases involving minors. The combined limit for catastrophic injuries remain is set at $65,000 but for minor injuries, the benefits stay fixed at $3,500.
The combined limit for catastrophic injuries for medical, rehabilitation, and attendant care is set at $1 Million.
Benefits for Unemployed Victims
If you were unemployed at the time of the accident, you can still qualify for a Non-Earner Benefit. There used to be a 6-month waiting period before you could receive this benefit. Under the new laws, the waiting period was reduced to 4 weeks.
Non-earner benefits can be received for up to 2 years after the accident.
How to dispute Insurance Company Denials
In the past, victims with denied accident benefits claims could choose to file a lawsuit in the Superior Court of Justice or start mediation at the Financial Services Commission of Ontario.
For accidents on or after April 1, 2016, the only forum to appeal an insurer’s denial of an accident benefits claim is the Licence Appeal Tribunal.
How much does an Auto Accident Lawyer Charge?
In general, the cost of an auto accident lawyer in Toronto is a percentage of the total settlement amount which ranges from 30% to 40%. Many lawyers work on a contingency basis which means they get paid only if they win your case.
The cost of the lawyer’s services depend on factors such as the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s reputation or experience.
The best way to know is to compare auto accident lawyers’ fees and rates with free offers from our partners**. Receive free quotes using our short online form.**
Lawyer for Car Accident Victims in Toronto
A person who suffered serious injuries from a car accident will experience overwhelming consequences physically, emotionally, and financially.
The recovery period can be lengthy and the victim may need to face a tough and complex insurance claims process.
Personal injury lawyers and auto accident lawyers from the Jurigo network are ready to support and assist you. Their number one goal is to help you get the compensation you deserve so you can recover from your injuries.
Contact our partner lawyers today by filling out the short online form on this page, free of charge.