Car Accident Claim Lawyers
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle
accident, call a law firm of car accident claim lawyers. Making a claim for
insurance benefits can be a complicated and frustrating process. During a time when your energy should be
directed toward healing, it’s best to have someone knowledgeable on your side,
making sure the paperwork is in place and the deadlines have been met. In
addition, depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be able to
sue for compensation against the driver who was responsible.
Many provinces
in Canada, (including Ontario), have what is known as "no-fault insurance”. Some people misconstrue this to mean that no
one will be held responsible. However, "no-fault” simply means that no matter
who is at fault, you only deal with your own insurance company when making a
claim. This system is designed to make it easier and faster to settle a claim. Fault
in a car accident in Ontario is decided
according to the Fault Determination Rules set out in the Insurance Act, which
cover more than forty different accident scenarios and assign a fault
percentage from 0 to 100% to each driver in an accident. Your car accident
claims lawyer will be able to advise you as to whether you have a good case for
compensation.
Bringing a Lawsuit
There are five
circumstances in which you may be able to sue for over and above basic
insurance coverage. These are:
· Pain and suffering. If your injuries are considered to be, "permanent and serious”,
you can sue on the grounds of pain and suffering. Your injuries can be either
physical or psychological and a judge will decide whether your injuries
qualify, based on medical evidence.
· Health costs. If
your injuries are deemed to be, "catastrophic”, you may be able to sue to be
reimbursed for health costs. Catastrophic injuries include those types of
injuries that have a significant impact on daily life, such as loss of vision,
or quadriplegia.
· Loss of income. You
may be able to sue for loss of income, both past and future, if you can prove
that your inability to work was caused by the injuries sustained in the
accident.
· Claims of family. If
you are a family member of an accident victim, you may be able to sue for loss
of "guidance, care, and companionship”. This claim can be made if the victim
died, or if his/her injury is considered permanent and serious in a way that
impacts family life significantly.
· Housekeeping and home
maintenance. Suing on these grounds is less common, since
usually insurance benefits cover these expenses for tasks that keep your home
in good condition which you are now unable to do perform. However, if the
expenses were significantly higher than what the insurance company is willing
to pay, you can sue for the difference.
Consultation
Ask for a consultation with car accident claim lawyers.
They will be able to advise you on whether a lawsuit is warranted. Since you
are usually required by law to notify the person being sued within 120 days of
the accident, it’s important to act in a timely fashion. Call a knowledgeable
personal injury lawyer today, and learn more about your options.