Picture of a car accident after it happened, with a blue car at the back, front crunched up. A red fan is in front, back a bit crunched and resting on the front of the blue car.It’s impossible for anyone involved in a car accident to make an objective informed judgment about an accident scene. Even when the police, medical professionals or other authorities are onsite, they cannot be certain of what has happened. At the moment a car accident occurs, damages or injuries may seem to be minimal. Vehicle damages may not be obvious and symptoms of serious physical injuries can be delayed.

Injuries from a car accident often have life-changing impacts such as paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, or even death. When you or a family member are involved in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you need the best legal professionals to help you get the best settlement as quickly as possible.

Common Types of Car Accidents in Ontario

Cars are still one of the most common forms of travel in Canada to this day, so it’s inevitable that sometimes auto accidents will happen. Innocent drivers, passengers, and pedestrians can be injured because of someone else’s negligence and experience serious consequences because of it. These people have a right to file a claim to seek compensation.

Some of the most common types of car accidents include:

  • DUIs or other kinds of impaired driving
  • Improper lane changes
  • Roll-over accidents
  • Rear impact collisions
  • Commercial vehicle accidents
  • Accidents involving bicyclists
  • Reckless driving accidents.

No matter how attentive of a driver you are, you can’t prevent other drivers from being negligent. Other people may make mistakes that put your safety in jeopardy. If you were involved in a car accident caused by another driver’s carelessness, speak with our experienced attorneys and get started filing your claim.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents are scary, and can happen to anyone. They can lead to a variety of injuries that range in permanence and severity. Some are inconvenient and heal quickly, and some are debilitating and life-alteringly severe. Some of the most common car accident injuries include:

  • Broken bones
  • Back and neck injuries
  • Whiplash
  • Cuts and lacerations
  • Spinal cord damage
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Burns and disfigurement
  • Amputation

Any type of car accident can cause serious and sometimes permanently alter your life. Treatment can be incredibly expensive and ongoing to save your life and help you adjust after a severe accident. It can also cause you to miss work and lose wages, which can be stressful when you’re facing medical costs and other expenses. Contact Auger Hollingsworth to set up your free consultation and learn how our experienced car accident lawyers can support you.

Work with a Toronto Car Accident Lawyer

In addition to claiming benefits through your insurance, you may also be able to file a claim against the person who caused the accident. This lawsuit will allow you to sue for losses not covered by SABs and other special damages including:

  • Pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life
  • Loss of income
  • Healthcare expenses
  • Family Law Act damages (claims by some family members)
  • Housekeeping and home maintenance expenses
  • Other qualified losses

For most accidents, you will only have two years from the date of the car accident to bring a lawsuit. Two years can fly by very quickly and if you do not file the lawsuit within the time limit, you may not be able to make a claim in court. If you are not represented by legal counsel your claim may be overlooked by the insurers and impact the outcome of your lawsuit. That’s why it’s so important to contact Auger Hollingsworth as soon as possible after a car accident. Our lawyers help people throughout Ontario file insurance claims and lawsuits.

Get a Free Consultation with Experienced Toronto Sar Accident Lawyers

Toronto Car Accident Lawyers2Toronto personal injury lawyers, Brenda Hollingsworth and Richard Auger represent victims throughout Ontario who suffer serious injuries (or even death) due to car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, cyclist accidents, and other vehicular accidents.  

Your insurance company will likely act in its own interest. The Auger Hollingsworth car accident lawyers look out for your interests. 

That’s why it’s important to call us for a free consultation right away when you are involved in an accident. With Auger Hollingsworth, help is always nearby. We’ll meet with you wherever it’s convenient: in your home, at the hospital, by phone or at our office. You won’t pay anything unless and until you get a settlement or judgment. 

What to do after a car accident in Toronto

Car Accident 2It is important to take the following steps after being involved in a car accident – in the interests of your health, safety, and legal position:

  • Remain at the scene – do not attempt to drive away
  • Seek medical attention for any injured parties
  • Call the police
  • Even if you do not feel injured, get checked by a medical professional
  • If possible, exchange names and contact information with the other drivers involved, including vehicle registration numbers and insurance information
  • If possible, obtain the names and contact information from any witnesses to the accident
  • Take photos or videos off the scene and of any injuries suffered by those involved (including you)

Additionally, you should notify your auto insurance provider and speak to one of our car accident lawyers to assess whether you have a valid personal injury claim against an at-fault party.

Ontario’s No-Fault and Statutory Accident Benefits (SABs)

Toronto Car Accident Lawyers3As part of Ontario’s no-fault car insurance, Toronto residents who are injured in a car accident are entitled to statutory accident benefits (SABs). So, whether you are determined to be “at fault” in an accident or not, you will receive payment of some medical expenses that are not covered by OHIP. Depending on your specific circumstances, SAB may include:

  • Income replacement benefits to compensate for lost wages
  • Caregiver benefits to compensate a family member who is a caregiver for the injured person
  • Non-earner benefit to compensate a victim who cannot carry on life normally when they do not qualify for income replacement or caregiver benefits
  • Medical benefits to help cover medical expenses)
  • Rehabilitation benefits to cover rehabilitation expenses
  • Attendant care benefits to cover non-family caregiver expenses
  • Other: You can also recover benefits for items damaged in the accident (e.g., glasses, clothing), housekeeping and home maintenance expenses, family visits, etc.

It’s important that you contact your insurance company within seven days of the accident or your benefits could be delayed. Not everyone is entitled to all these benefits; your insurance agent can let you know what options you purchased. These benefits are not automatic. You have to apply for them using a system of forms from the insurance company. If you do not have your own auto insurance, you may still be entitled to SABs. During your free consultation, Auger Hollingsworth can explain how you can get the SABs to which you are entitled. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Car Accidents

How long will my car accident claim take?

It is not possible to know exactly how long your claim will take, but there are some factors that can give you an idea. First, the more complex your case, the longer it takes. If your case goes to court, it could take a couple of years to resolve. On the other hand, simple claims are usually handled in less than a year.
How long do I have to file a claim for a car accident injury?

The statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in Ontario is two years. This means that unless there are exceptional circumstances, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim in the courts.

Exceptional circumstances might be new evidence coming to light that holds another party liable for the accident, for instance.

If you miss the two-year deadline, it usually means that the court will not hear your case.

There are other time limits to be aware of in connection with claims in Ontario: for instance, there is a 30-day limitation period to submit your application for accident benefits to your insurance company, 10 days to submit medical records to your insurance company before benefits are cut, and 30 days to send an updated Disability Certificate OCF-3 from your family doctor.

Generally speaking, the sooner you call one of our personal injury lawyers after your accident, the sooner we will be able to claim the compensation you are entitled to.

What benefits are available for auto accident injuries?

If you are injured on the roads in Ontario, there are two possible avenues for receiving financial assistance and benefits.

Firstly, regardless of whose fault the accident was, you may be able to claim accident benefits from your automobile insurance policy, including income replacement, medical costs, rehabilitation, attendant care, and housekeeping.

Secondly, if the accident was no fault of yours, you may be able to claim the insurance company of the at-fault party. This includes compensation for pain and suffering and bodily injury, which are not covered by your own insurance policy.

If you suffer an automobile accident on the roads in Toronto, speak to an experienced car accident injury lawyer to understand your legal options and the compensation you may be able to claim.

Can I claim as a passenger in a car accident?

Passengers in cars have rights in Ontario. If you are involved in an accident due to the negligence of the driver of the vehicle, you may be able to file a claim.

All vehicles in Ontario must be insured and this coverage may be available to pay for losses sustained from any injuries you suffer.    ​

However, in these situations, the passenger often knows the driver. This can create a potentially uncomfortable situation for both parties.

What types of damages will my car accident injuries qualify for?

Car accident injuries may result in damages from the at-fault party as well as accident benefits from your own automobile insurance policy.

Damages from the at-fault party may include property damage, medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

To determine the claim amount, the amount of your damages and the extent of your injuries will be considered.

 A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help you negotiate the best settlement or fight for a higher claim amount in court.

What Our Clients Say:

“I was in an accident in 2019, I was very hesitant about calling a lawyer and wasn’t sure if I should call one in my situation. Auger Hollingsworth assured me right away that I was in good hands, first they spoke to me over the phone to get more details and then set up a convenient time and location for my husband and I to meet them, They greeted me at the front door and explained everything in simple terms from then one they kept in contact with me through every process via email and phone. Never missed a beat through the whole process, never made me feel bad or pressured and even helped with providers when needed. I highly recommend them and so thankful their service at this place.”

Jeannie Burton

Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Toronto today

Contact Auger Hollingsworth for a free consultation about your accident. We handle many types of accidents: improper lane changes, roll-overs, impaired driving, side-impact, rear impact, parking lot, drive-thru, and multi-vehicle. We represent innocent drivers, passengers, and pedestrians from all over Ontario. 

Our lawyers know these accidents cause serious injuries from whiplash, shoulder injuries including rotator cuff injuries, sprain and strain injuries, fractures, internal injuries, eye injuries, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, post-concussive syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, wrongful death, and more.

Brenda Hollingsworth and Richard Auger are always nearby and will provide you with a free consultation without any obligation.  Our clients are always our highest priority. Call us at +1 (613) 233-4529.

More Information About Car Accidents

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