Ontario’s ever-changing laws which govern compensation for individuals involved in car accidents are among the most complex in the world. They involve a mixture of no-fault benefits and lawsuits against negligent drivers. Given the complexity of the laws in Ontario, no accident victim should navigate through these rules without help from a knowledgeable, experienced lawyer. At Will Trial Lawyers, our car accident lawyers can protect your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.
If you have been injured in an accident and you are not at-fault, you are entitled to two claims: no-fault accident benefits and a tort claim.
The no-fault benefits, often referred to as accident benefits, are available to everyone injured in an accident, regardless of who caused the accident. These benefits are paid by your insurance company. If you do not have auto insurance, the benefits may be payable by the insurance company of the vehicle owner or potentially the at-fault driver’s insurance company. These benefits cover lost wages, medical treatments, rehabilitation services and attendant care. In some cases, they may extend to additional incurred expenses like childcare, housekeeping and home maintenance.
While accident benefits cover many losses following a motor vehicle accident, they provide only minimum protections as prescribed by government Legislation and Regulations. Additionally, if you are injured in a motor vehicle accident and are not at-fault, you can also pursue a tort claim. A tort claim is a lawsuit for compensation for your losses incurred from the accident, such as loss of future income and future care claims that were not provided under the accident benefits claim as well as for the pain and suffering and the loss of enjoyment of life that you endured.
You should consult a trusted legal advisor as soon as possible after an accident. Between the detailed application forms, obligations of accident benefits, the struct timelines and the evidentiary requirements of tort claims, the earlier you seek legal advice the better. At Will Trial Lawyers, we have been assisting Ontario residents who have been injured in automobile accidents for many decades. Our lawyers have advocated for legislation to increase equitability for accident victims and were some of the first to work in the new ‘No-Fault’ system when it was introduced in Ontario, in the early 1990s.
If you have been injured in a car accident, we are here to help. We offer free, no-obligation consultations and will work with you one-on-one based on your individual situation to build a case and to advocate for its successful conclusion on your behalf.