The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention After an Accident
Car accidents happen quickly and with no notice. Shock and confusion are very common in the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident....
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In Ontario, you’re entitled to claim accident benefits if you’ve been injured in a car accident as a driver, passenger, pedestrian or cyclist. If you’ve recently been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Northern Ontario and want to explore your options, the expert lawyers at Feifel Gualazzi can help. Our team specializes in personal injury claims and has helped numerous clients build strong cases to receive fair compensation for their damages. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Many rumors exist surrounding involvement in a motor vehicle accident with a vehicle with questionable insurance coverage. Being involved in a collision is an extremely stressful experience and to be involved in one with possibly no insurance coverage simply adds to the anxiety and stress that an injured person is under. In Ontario, relief exists for those who have had the unfortunate experience to have been involved with another vehicle which is found to be uninsured. Sault Ste. Marie is intersected by our national highway and is also a busy international border crossing. This means many motorists routinely travel through our area and in turn this means you may be faced with an accident involving a vehicle which is insured in another province of Canada or in the United States. An accident may also involve a hit-and-run, whereby it is unknown whether the other party is even insured. We are well-experienced in these situations that are most often extremely complicated.
You can find more details about uninsured, underinsured and unidentified situations in item 16 on our FAQ page.
MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS IN SAULT STE. MARIE
WHAT COMPENSATION IS AVAILABLE?
Under Ontario’s no-fault auto insurance system, anyone injured in a car accident can apply for accident benefits from their own insurance company, even if another person was at fault. Additionally, if you aren’t insured at the time of the accident, you can apply to the insurance company of the other vehicle involved in the accident or to the insurance company of an immediate family member such as a parent or spouse.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation for damages such as:
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Psychological damage
Property loss for items damaged in the accident
Hospital, medical and rehabilitation expenses
Housekeeping and home maintenance expenses
Loss of enjoyment of life
Loss of the care, guidance and companionship of a family member
Since many insurance companies aren’t forthcoming about all the accident benefits available to you, it’s important to seek professional legal advice to determine your rights and obligations. A motor vehicle accident lawyer can help you explore your legal options and ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.
WHAT TO DO AFTER BEING INJURED IN A CAR ACCIDENT
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. However, it’s important to follow certain steps to ensure that future legal issues or claims are dealt with appropriately. Here are five steps you should take after being in a car accident:
1. Report the accident to the police
You’re legally required to report the accident to the police so they can complete a police report.
2. Document the accident and gather information
You should collect as much evidence as you can about the accident to help support your accident benefits claim. It’s important to record:
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The date, time and location of the accident
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The names and phone numbers of everyone involved, including eyewitnesses
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The circumstances surrounding the accident, including how and why it happened
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You can also use your phone to document the injuries and damages incurred by taking pictures and videos.
3. See a doctor
You should immediately see a medical professional to accurately assess your condition. It’s important to keep records of any medical testing, prescriptions, treatments and therapy you receive as this evidence will be extremely helpful in securing fair compensation for your damages.
4. Contact your insurance company and make a claim
You must inform your insurance company of your injuries within seven days of the accident. If you don’t, your claim may not be honoured. Once you do this, the insurance company will provide you with an Application for Accident Benefits form which must be completed and returned within 30 days.
5. Consult a lawyer who specializes in motor vehicle accidents
Speaking with a personal injury lawyer will help you determine what options are available to you and if you have a case. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the faster they can create a legal strategy to help you get you the compensation you deserve.
SIMPLY TAKING THESE STEPS CAN GREATLY IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF HAVING YOUR ACCIDENT BENEFITS CLAIM APPROVED.
WHY YOU SHOULD WORK WITH A PERSONAL INJURY LAW FIRM
Involvement in an automobile accident may be as a driver or passenger in a car, truck, taxicab, limousine or a bus. You may also be a pedestrian or traveling on a bicycle. In some cases, you may be in a company vehicle and be confused as to the proper route to proceed, be it with a lawyer or through the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB). Each situation has its own unique set of circumstances. We have the experience and the knowledge to properly advise you of how to proceed if you were injured in a company vehicle or were involved in a motor vehicle accident during the normal course of your employment.
Applying for accident benefits following a car collision is a complex process that involves adhering to tight deadlines and completing complex paperwork. At Feifel Gualazzi, our lawyers will help you through every step of the process. We can advocate and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf so you can focus on your treatment and recovery.
HIRE A CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER IN SAULT STE. MARIE
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motor vehicle accident and have suffered injuries, the team at Feifel Gualazzi can help. We specialize in personal injury claims and are committed to providing personalized support to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. If you want to find out if you have a case, contact us today at Sault Ste. Marie office.
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