- Social Insurance Card
- Health Card
- Pink insurance declaration certificate
- Driver's licence
- Contact information for your insurance company
- If you have any of these documents, please bring a copy
- Workplace insurance documents
- Police motor vehicle accident report
- Doctors' reports
- X-Ray results
- List of prescribed medication
- Detailed description of how accident happened
- List of treating physicians and specialists
- Pay stubs
- A list of any and all out-of-pocket expenses
- Estimate of property damage
- Any photographs of the scene
I thought I was OK after my accident, but now I am in pain. What should I do?
While it is best to contact a lawyer soon after suffering an injury, the law generally stipulates a limitation of two years to sue, following the date of the loss. However, the best-case scenario would be to promptly engage the services of a personal injury law firm in order to examine and assess all the facts of the case and advise you of your rights to compensation.
I cannot return to work as a result of my accident. What should I do?
By consulting a lawyer in the area of personal injury, you will be informed of the different options available to you such as income replacement benefits and short-term disability. Your legal representative will negotiate with your insurance company to provide you with the best possible coverage for your particular needs.
The insurance company has called. What should I do?
Consider contacting a lawyer with expertise in personal injury who can advise you of the benefits you are entitled to receive through your insurance company. You could be at a great disadvantage by dealing solely with an insurance adjuster. Insurance adjusters are limited in their ability to assist you. As employees of insurance companies, they may not necessarily point out or protect your rights to privacy, compensation, treatment and other important issues affecting you in the short term and in the future. It is therefore in your best interest to enlist the services of a personal injury lawyer to ensure that you receive your full entitlement to compensation. Your lawyer will also provide significant guidance and preparation in establishing your claim.
My insurance company terminated my benefits. What should I do?
Contact a lawyer at once. He or she will fully investigate your entitlement to compensation with your insurance company. You will also be requested to attend appointments with certain health care professionals to ascertain your entitlement to benefits.
Does "no fault" mean I can't sue?
No. The concept of "no fault" insurance can be very confusing to someone who has sustained injury as a result of a motor vehicle accident. "No fault" benefits apply to anyone who has been injured in an accident. These benefits are, by law, included in every automobile insurance policy available in Ontario. An injured party can obtain this compensation according to strict guidelines known as the "Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule". In order to claim these benefits, it is important to enlist the services of a legal professional to guide you through the process and protect your rights. In addition, if you have sustained a serious permanent impairment of an important physical, mental or psychological function as a result of the accident, you may be able to sue the other driver. You should speak to a Pace Law Firm personal injury lawyer about your right to sue.
Will my insurance premium increase if I make an accident benefit claim?
Effective October 1, 2003, the law is clear that your insurer should not increase your premiums if YOU make an accident benefit claim. If in doubt, please contact a lawyer who can act on your behalf regarding this issue.
My injury involves friend/neighbour/relative. I do not like the idea of suing them. Is it going to make it worse for them if I do?
Unless you have sustained serious injuries or disfigurement of a permanent nature, you do not need to claim beyond the "no fault" scheme. You do not personally sue your friendlneighbourlrelative. In Ontario, when a person has a valid policy of automobile insurance at the time of the motor vehicle accident, his or her insurance company will appoint defence counsel on his or her behalf. The insurance company pays when a settlement is reached between the parties. Again, it is important to contact a lawyer familiar with the insurance industry soon after the accident to receive compensation. Responsibility for the settlement of your case will rest with your lawyer in order that your relationship with the other party may continue undisturbed.
How long will my case take?
This will vary depending on the nature of the injuries sustained at the time of the motor vehicle accident. Injuries
which are routine and uncomplicated will usually be settled more expeditiously than those of a more complex nature requiring long periods of recovery and treatment. In cases such as these, more time will be required to provide the best legal representation in order to grant you compensation befitting the severity of your injuries. Motor vehicle accidents occurring on October 1, 2003 and after, are subject to new Insurance Act Regulations which prohibit settlements of accident benefit claims within one year. The extensive knowledge and experience of our lawyers, combined with your fiee consultation, will allow us to form an opinion as to the duration of the case and possible outcome.
This information is for general reference only and is not intended to replace legal counsel.
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