Car Accident & Auto Injury Lawyer
Experienced Hamilton Auto Accident Law Firm
Car Accident & Auto Injury Lawyer
Car accidents are a frequent occurrence in Ontario, at times causing severe personal injuries to those who are involved. In fact, in 2021, there were over 23,000 car accidents in Ontario which involved personal injuries, with 499 of those involving a fatality, according to the Ministry of Transportation’s preliminary safety reports for the year. More than 42,000 people were involved in those accidents.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may be experiencing serious disruptions to your daily life. You may have suffered serious injuries, needing significant medical attention and perhaps even a hospital stay. You may need physical, occupational, or other types of therapy. You may be unable to work, losing wages or income as a result, and your future earning potential may even be affected. You may be rattled, experiencing mental anguish and psychological trauma after the accident. You may be unable to enjoy some of the activities in which you used to engage, and your overall quality of life may have decreased substantially.
What Are Some Common Reasons for Car Accidents?
Car accidents can happen to anyone, at any time. They can be caused by negligent behavior, such as speeding, failing to yield or stop in time, or otherwise failing to adhere to the laws of traffic and the rules of the road. They can also be caused by even more reckless behavior, such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol or distracted driving, including being distracted by the use of a phone or other device. In some cases, the accident may be due to poor weather or road conditions, though it may have been mitigated by more attentive driving.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. To prevail, you will need to prove both liability and damages: you will need to show that the other party’s negligence directly caused the injuries you have suffered.
What Should You Do After a Car Accident?
If you have been involved in an accident, there are some things you can do to ensure you receive the medical help you need, while also preserving important evidence to support your case:
- Move to a safe area and call the authorities to report the accident. Do not leave the accident scene without speaking with the authorities
- Obtain the other driver’s insurance and contact information, as well as contact info for any witnesses to the accident
- Take pictures of the accident scene, the damage to the vehicles, and any personal injuries
- Get necessary medical care immediately. Also, see your family doctor when feasible, and as soon after the accident as you can. If you can’t work, ask your doctor to fill out a form for your employer
- Contact your insurance company to report the accident as soon as possible
Obtain legal representation, so that you can discuss your legal rights, options, and potential next steps in your case.
What Are Some Common Mistakes People Make After a Car Accident?
There are some common mistakes that victims of a car accident make, which you should strive to avoid. First, it’s important not to say anything to the other party, their insurance company, or anyone else present that could implicate you in being responsible for the accident. It’s best not to engage in communications with the other side at all without the help of a lawyer, in fact—even a seemingly innocent statement can ultimately be construed to work against you.
It is also important to understand how to navigate Accident Benefits, which are benefits that are available to you through your own insurance company, even if there is a dispute as to who caused the accident. These benefits are meant to provide an immediate source of relief and recovery, covering income loss, medical treatment, attendant care, rehabilitation costs, and funeral and death benefits.
A major mistake that some people make after a car accident is going without the medical care they need in order to recover from their injuries. You should not ignore or underestimate personal injuries, as many of them may not manifest until weeks or even months after the accident. Continue to get the medical care and therapy you need in order to get better.
What Are Some Common Mistakes People Make After a Car Accident?
A car accident claim can quickly become complex, involving various laws and their application to the unique facts of your case. Negotiating with the other party and their insurance company can be difficult—after all, the goal of the insurer will be to pay out as little as possible, limiting your recovery. Moreover, filing a claim can be a daunting process without expert help, particularly as you are still trying to piece your life back together after the accident.
An experienced and knowledgeable car accident lawyer can be invaluable to your claim. They can negotiate with the insurance company and the parties responsible, handling all communications and striving for a fair and reasonable offer of settlement. They can file your claim in the appropriate court, preserve important evidence, and prepare a strong case to present on your behalf.
At my firm, we’re honest, we care about our clients, we fight for them, and we get results. Moreover, we offer a free initial consultation, and no payments are required until I have successfully recovered money on your behalf. We have decades of experience working on car accident claims and pride ourselves on doing our best for our clients. For a free consultation with Ontario car accident lawyer Derek Wilson, call us at 855-769-0418 or fill out an online request form.
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