An Experienced Hamilton Car Accident Lawyer
Your Trusted Car Accident Law Firm
Many Ontarians who are in car accidents, and hit-and-run accidents in particular, find that their insurance company does not protect them as much as they expected. In fact, many turn to my law firm because they have a hard time securing the compensation they need. If you have been in a hit-and-run, contact my law firm, Derek Wilson Injury and Disability Law, for a free consultation to find out how my team may be able to help.
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ToggleWhy Contact My Law Firm?
I’m Derek Wilson, and when you work with me, you work with me, not junior staff or rotating contacts. I’m also not distracted by dozens of unrelated services, since I specialise exclusively in injuries and disability claims and am selective about the cases I take on.
I’ve spent over 30 years navigating this territory, including time spent defending insurance companies. That experience gave me insight into how insurers think, and how to outthink them for you.
My work has been recognised nationally with titles like “Best Law Firm” and “Best Lawyer” in personal injury. But what truly matters is the feedback from people like you. Clients describe my law firm and our services as transparent, compassionate, and timely, reflected in a perfect 5.0 Google rating.
I’m proud of the results I have secured for my clients and the significant settlements and verdicts I have secured, but I’m most proud of the difference I have been able to make in the lives of my clients.
I grew up in this community and returned to serve my neighbours in Hamilton. I also work on a contingency fee basis, so you face no upfront fees.
What is a Hit-and-Run Accident under Canadian Law?
On a provincial level, the Highway Traffic Act section 200 says that if you’re involved in a collision, even if it seems minor, and you leave without stopping to exchange information or help, you’ve committed an offence. No one needs to be hurt for this to count as an offence.
At the federal level, the Criminal Code also makes leaving the scene of an accident a crime. If harm was caused and the driver knew or ought to have known, failing to stop becomes a criminal offence at this level.
Penalties vary, but under the HTA, drivers could face $400–$2,000 in fines, seven demerit points, and licence suspension of up to two years, even for a first offence. If criminal charges are laid, drivers can face between ten years to life in prison.
In addition, drivers who leave the scene of an accident face escalating insurance premiums and may have to pay the victim for their losses.
Types of Hit-And-Run Cases We Handle
In Hamilton, I have seen and heard about hit-and-runs in areas like Upper James and Mohawk, King and Dundurn, and Barton and Kenilworth, as well as other hotspots. However, hit-and-runs can happen anywhere, and they don’t always involve cars. My law firm works with clients who have been injured in:
- Pedestrian or cyclist collisions. One of the benefits of living in Hamilton are the many green spaces and trails, including the Hamilton to Brantford Bicycle Rail Trail. When drivers fail to stop in areas where these trails intersect car traffic, horrific accidents happen. In addition, drivers are not always careful at intersections where pedestrians are crossing. Some even try to drive in the city’s many bike lanes, which can lead to bicycle accidents.
- Motor vehicle collisions with an unidentified driver. This might happen on a busy stretch like Upper James, where traffic can be fast and visibility poor, or in parking lots that get chaotic. This still counts as a hit-and-run when the driver doesn’t stop or leave a note.
- Truck accident cases. One of the most devastating accidents that can happen to a pedestrian involves a truck accident. When a truck strikes a pedestrian, the size of the vehicle is likely to cause life-threatening injuries. If the truck driver fails to stop and render aid, the pedestrian could suffer fatalities or permanent injury.
- Multi-vehicle hit-and-runs. These traumatic events often unfold on high-speed stretches like Highway 8 or the 403. There may be multiple drivers who cause multiple crashes and then drive away. This means that there are multiple drivers to find.
Across all these scenarios, you deserve justice and compensation. My team investigates accidents and seeks hit-and-run drivers, and we help you seek full compensation for your injuries and losses. No matter what kind of car accident you have been involved in, if you have been injured or face losses, call my law firm at 905-769-0418 for a free consultation.
Steps to Take Right Away
If you have been in a hit-and-run accident, here is what you will want to do next:
- Ensure your safety and get medical care. Even if you feel okay, don’t assume you’re uninjured, because some injuries only show symptoms later. Seeing a physician sooner helps with treatment and could even save your life if you have suffered organ damage or a serious traumatic brain injury.
- Report the incident to the police. In Hamilton, damage over $2,000 or any injury must be reported. Police will generally attend any accident scene with serious injuries, but will not attend for an accident causing property damage only. You can report the accident online at https://accsupport.com/report-collision/, and it is important to report the accident within 24 hours. Once you start the process online, you will need to bring your reference number to a Collision Reporting Centre. In Hamilton, there are currently two: one at 2825 King Street and one at 400 Rymal Rd E.
- Collect evidence if it’s safe to do so. Write down or take photos of any details, get contact details of any witnesses, and write down anything you remember. It can also be helpful to note any security cameras in the area or any homes or buildings that could have security cameras. They may have captured what happened.
- Report the accident to your insurance company. You must notify your insurer of the accident within seven days, and sooner is always better.
- Reach out to a lawyer experienced in hit-and-run cases right away.
Having someone who handles the claim can make all the difference in ensuring deadlines are met. An experienced lawyer knows how to maximize compensation.
At Derek Wilson Injury and Disability Law, my team helps those who have been injured. My law firm only focuses on personal injury and on disability law, so we can help you with a car accident claim but can also help if your claim for short-term disability or long-term disability is denied.
How Compensation Works in Ontario for Hit-and-Runs
In Ontario, your own insurance will generally help you if you are injured. You may be able to apply for Statutory Accident Benefits (SABs). Your car insurance may have Uninsured Motorist coverage or Family Protection coverage which can help you cover your costs. If you were in a bicycle or pedestrian accident with a hit-and-run driver and don’t have car insurance, the Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund (MVACF) can help you, even if the driver is never found.
In addition to auto insurance, you may have benefits and insurance through your employer or group plan. For example, you may have long-term and short-term disability insurance coverage, which can help you replace lost income if you are unable to work because of your injuries.
To get compensation through your insurer, you will need to identify which policies are relevant and closely follow the application instructions and timelines, to make sure you are not denied due to a small mistake.
You may also want to consult with a hit-and-run lawyer in Hamilton, ON to find out whether you may have another option for seeking compensation. If the at-fault driver is found or if there is another at-fault party, you may have a personal injury claim that lets you seek compensation beyond what insurance may offer.
What To Expect From The Legal Process
After a hit-and-run or serious collision in Hamilton, you may be managing medical appointments at St. Joseph’s or Hamilton General, trying to arrange physiotherapy, or taking time off work to deal with your injuries. You will also need to report the accident to police and insurers.
Unfortunately, the legal process is not always easy. Insurance companies may try to pressure you into accepting compensation that doesn’t cover all your costs or may even deny your claim. You may face pressure to return to work before you are healed or may find your benefits cut off.
I established my law firm, Derek Wilson Injury and Disability Law, to help you navigate the process. When you contact me, the process begins with a personal conversation—a free, confidential consultation. You’ll speak directly with me, and we’ll go through the details of what happened and how your life has been affected.
From there, I start gathering the key evidence and investigating your accident. I then reach out to insurance companies on your behalf. Early in my career, I represented insurance companies, so I can anticipate their tactics.
As the case progresses, I’ll update you regularly. Not every case goes to court, but if yours does, I’ll be the one standing beside you in front of a judge. You’ll have the same person guiding you from day one through to resolution. That’s rare in this field, but it’s how I believe the process should work.
Understanding Legal Fees
At Derek Wilson Injury and Disability Law, I work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay anything upfront, and I only get paid if your insurance claim, tort claim, or accident benefits case is successful.
When we meet for a free consultation, I’ll explain the fee structure clearly. You’ll have the opportunity to ask every question before deciding whether to move forward, so there are no surprises.
Seeking Maximum Compensation
In a hit-and-run accident with an unidentified driver, your own insurance may step in. Many policies include uninsured motorist coverage, which provides protection if the at-fault driver cannot be found. If you have private or employee plans for private health coverage, disability insurance, and other policies in place, you may have additional places to turn for compensation.
I examine every possible avenue to secure compensation. I also fight back when insurers try to minimize claims. My focus is on making sure nothing is overlooked and that you receive the maximum compensation the law allows, because when you accept less than you deserve you may not get the compensation you need to pay for critical care and on-going support. This can affect your prognosis and your ability to rebuild, which is why I am passionate about seeking out every dollar possible.
Medical Expenses and Damage Recovery
If you’ve visited the emergency department at Hamilton General or St. Joseph’s, or started physiotherapy or rehab, those costs should not be squeezed out of your own pocket if you’re eligible for accident benefits.
Your own car insurance policy (or the Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund, if you don’t have insurance) can also cover some of the costs related to your accident, including car repairs and medical costs not covered by OHIP.
If you have a personal injury or tort claim, you may be able to seek additional compensation for pain and suffering, future medical costs, lost earnings capacity, and more. This type of claim can help you secure fuller compensation, which is why you may want to consult with a hit-and-run lawyer immediately following your accident to find out if you qualify.
How to Get Started – Free Consultation & Next Steps
Starting your path to recovery shouldn’t be another hurdle. That’s why I offer a free consultation. It lets you review what happened and get insights from me, all without any obligation or upfront cost. Just reach out now to schedule a time to talk.
Free Case Consultation
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A couple of years ago, my wife and I were involved in a serious vehicle collision when another driver ran a red light at excessive speeds and struck my car beyond repair. In an instant, everything changed.
The accident left both of us with lasting physical and emotional injuries, turning our lives upside down. At the time, I was a student, and I had no idea what steps to take. I felt lost, overwhelmed, and completely unprepared to navigate the legal process on my own.
Desperate for guidance, I reached out to several law offices. Derek Wilson was the only lawyer who truly took the time to listen to our full story. From the very beginning, he and his team treated us with compassion and respect. For that, we are eternally grateful.
Derek and his team not only represented us but also provided the support we needed to begin our recovery. They gathered every detail of our case to ensure we were fully and fairly represented. Over the years of working with Derek, Elsa, and Jeanette, we always felt like we had the right people by our side. Any questions we had were met with clear answers, and they regularly checked in just to see how we were doing.
Their help went beyond legal matters. Since I was a student at the time of the collision, my education and career prospects were deeply affected. Derek and his team helped us secure the right accommodations for my schooling and co-op position. From day one, they provided us with all the necessary information and made sure we understood every step of the process.
Throughout the years, Derek, Elsa, and Jeanette remained dedicated, compassionate, and professional. I couldn’t have asked for a better team.
If you’re looking for a lawyer who will truly have your best interests at heart, provide clear guidance, and support you every step of the way, I cannot recommend Derek Wilson and his team enough. Their dedication gave us the peace of mind we needed to focus on healing and rebuilding our lives.
We sincerely thank you once again!

I experienced the most terrifying car accident 3.5 years ago and it literally threw my life upside down.
After much consideration I decided to seek out a personal injury lawyer. As I approach everything in my life, I did a lot of research as I was unfamiliar with the process and nervous about meeting a lawyer after hearing many horror stories.
My research lead me to Derek Wilson law and after reading his bio on his website and some reviews I decided it was worth at least a consultation.
I got a phone call the next day from his office and right away I felt so at ease speaking with Derek’s staff (especially Angelique, Taryn and Kathy).
After meeting with Derek the first time, I just got a good vibe from him! He was professional, knowledgeable, straightforward and most importantly in that situation for me…kind and empathetic!!! I was a mess! I needed that sense of trust and compassion because I was still so uncertain going down this road.
Over the next 3 years my anxiety levels were so severe I could barely function when the phone rang, I had so many bad experiences throughout this journey and it was debilitating…except when it came to Derek and his team.
Every question, concern, panic attack, angry vent, what ever had happened, I reached out to Derek and my questions were answered, advice was given and I felt supported, acknowledged and always with compassion.
These qualities are so precious and rare. I don’t know anyone else who can say this was their experience with their lawyer.
In the end, Derek guided me through the most difficult time in my entire life and delivered on absolutely everything he promised and beyond.
I’m thrilled with the outcome but more importantly the experience.
The last year especially I would not have gotten through without Derek and Kathy!
I give you both my profound Thanks for everything you have done and turning a negative experience into a positive ending, allowing me the opportunity to put this behind me and rebuild my life.
I would highly recommend Derek to anyone who is looking for a lawyer who will handle your case with the utmost care and leave you feeling like you have a friend on your side for life 🙂
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Responsiveness, Quality, Professionalism, Value

I was in a rear end collision. I had to regain movement and life. It took me several years and currently still on the mend but with every sad story there is a glimmer of light... I met Derek Wilson after my accident and he took care of me. Either himself or his staff kept in touch with me to see how I was doing and went further, they found me the additional help I needed and at that time, guidance, that is EXACTLY what I needed ( and to anyone else not familiar with law and injury ) When you are at your lowest and close to saying goodbye, this is the man you want in your corner. Compassionate but at the same time he is a straight shooter. Derek Wilson doesn't put up smoke screens and/or mislead you in any way.... To me he is more then a lawyer and his actions demonstrate this. His legal team are one of the best that I have worked with and they as well go above and beyond what their " position " states... They were, are and will forever be my angels and I hope you all take a second and rethink who you go with because this is the fire, the loaded gun, the cannon of law that you need. The golden gloves want in your corner.... Thank you Derek Wilson and your legal team for help and being there when everyone else ditched or tried taking advantage of " my " situation...