Car Accident Personal Injury – Client Q&A
Do I have a case after a car accident?
If you believe you have serious and permanent impairments as a result of a car accident that wasn’t your fault you may have a claim. Every case is unique! — we offer a free consultation to assess your specific personal injury case.
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
We work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay anything upfront — we only get paid if we win your case. We normally cover the cost of disbursements as well.
What is a contingency fee?
A contingency fee is a percentage of the compensation we recover for you. If we don’t recover anything you don’t pay us legal fees.
How long do I have to start a claim in Ontario?
Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to start a lawsuit. However, insurance claims (like accident benefits) often have shorter deadlines — some as short as 30 days, so it’s important to act quickly.
We do not recommend waiting to the last minute to hire a lawyer to handle your personal injury case. There is a lot of work that goes into preparing for a lawsuit.
Will my case go to court?
Most car accident personal injury claims are settled out of court. We only proceed to trial if you wish to do so, if it’s in your best interest and other options have been exhausted.
What types of compensation can I claim after a car accident?
You may be entitled to compensation for:
– Pain and suffering
– Lost wages or income
– Medical and rehabilitation expenses
– Future care needs
– Housekeeping and home maintenance
What if I was partially at fault?
You may still have a case. Ontario follows a system called “contributory negligence”, where your compensation may be reduced based on your share of the fault — but you are not necessarily disqualified.
Can I claim if the at-fault driver was uninsured or fled the scene?
Yes. Ontario has a Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund and other insurance protections that may apply in hit-and-run or uninsured driver situations.
What if I was a passenger in the vehicle?
Passengers have the same right to make a claim as drivers do — whether the accident was caused by the driver of the vehicle you were in, or someone else.
Do I need to deal with insurance companies myself?
No. In fact, it’s often better if you don’t. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Let us handle communications so your rights are protected. Generally the accident benefits insurance company will copy us on all correspondences that are sent to you.
What are “accident benefits”?
These are no-fault insurance benefits available to anyone injured in a motor vehicle accident in Ontario — even if you’re at fault. They cover medical treatment, income replacement, and more. There are deadlines to submit the application for accident benefits. Please call us for a consultation on the details.
Should I wait until I’m fully healed before contacting a lawyer?
No. It’s better to get legal advice early, even if you’re still recovering. Delays can hurt your claim or cause you to miss important deadlines.
How long will my case take to resolve?
It depends on your injuries, recovery time, and whether the case settles or goes to court. Many cases resolve in 2-3 years, but we’ll work to move things forward as efficiently as possible.
Will I have to pay for medical assessments or expert reports?
We cover these costs and disbursements upfront and recover them at the end of the case. This relieves financial pressure on you! We’ll explain all costs transparently before you sign anything.
Can I talk to someone today?
Yes. We offer free, no-obligation consultations. You can call us, email us, or fill out our online form to speak with a lawyer directly.
How soon after the accident should I call a lawyer?
As soon as possible. Quick legal advice helps preserve evidence, protect your rights, and avoid costly mistakes. A lawyer will also lay out the process for you so you can make an informed decision as to whether it makes sense to pursue a personal injury claim.
Do I need to collect evidence myself?
If you’re able to safely gather photos, witness info, or police reports, that helps. But if not, don’t worry — we can help investigate and collect the evidence needed for your case. We will cover all the expenses associated with collecting the evidence.
What makes your firm different from others?
We combine compassionate client service, deep legal experience, and a results-driven mindset. You’re not just another file — we treat your case like it matters, because it does.
Do I have to come to your office?
No. We can handle everything remotely — by phone, video call, or email. If needed, we can also visit you at home or in the hospital.
What happens during the free consultation?
You’ll speak with a lawyer (not just staff) who will listen to your story, explain your options, and answer all your questions. There’s no pressure to sign — just honest advice.
What do I do after a car accident?
The moments after any motor vehicle accident can be stressful and confusing. Try to keep these steps in mind:
- Stay at the scene of the car accident.
- If you’re injured call the police and ambulance.
- Gather the names, addresses, telephone number and insurance information of the individuals involved in the accident. If there are witnesses get their information as well.
- If possible, take photos of the damage to the vehicles.
- Notify your insurance agent, broker, or insurance company within seven days of the accident.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer to learn about your rights.
My insurance company called after a car accident, what should I do?
If your insurance company or the insurance company of the at-fault party tries to call you it’s best to consult with a personal injury lawyer first to make sure you don’t say anything that may damage your claim.
What do I do after a car accident if the at-fault party does not have insurance?
If you get into an accident and the at-fault party does not have insurance then you may still be able to receive accident benefits and compensation through your own insurance company. Consult with an injury lawyer for more details on how to do this.
How much time do I have to make a long term disability insurance claim?
If you wait too long to make a claim against your long term disability insurance company then you may lose this right. The amount of time you have varies and it is important that you look to your insurance policy to find out those details.
When does my long term disability payment begin?
Usually, you must be completely disabled for the entire extent of the “waiting period” (period of time which you must wait before you can receive your first long term disability payment) which can last 3-6 months. Often times you can receive EI sick benefits or short-term disability while you wait for your first long term disability payment.
My family doctor wants me on long term disability but the insurance company is still making me see their doctors. Are they allowed to do this?
Most long term disability policies contain a provision that requires claimants to see a doctor chosen by the insurance company in order to determine if they are entitled to long term disability benefits. Of course, the doctor they choose must be reasonably qualified to do the assessment. If you are unsure of this you are allowed to ask for the resume of the assessing doctor.
What happens to my long term disability payments if my employment is terminated?
The only thing that matters is when you became disabled. As long as you are actively employed at the time you become disabled your employment termination will not effect your benefits. Keep in mind if you receive termination or severance payments then your long term disability payments may receive a credit (a reduction in your payments).
Can I travel while on long term disability?
It depends. Most long term disability policy manuals will have a section that discusses the rules for travel. Please review your policy manual to see what it says about travel.
What happens to my long term disability payments if my employment is terminated?
The only thing that matters is when you became disabled. As long as you are actively employed at the time you become disabled your employment termination will not effect your benefits. Keep in mind if you receive termination or severance payments then your long term disability payments may receive a credit (a reduction in your payments).
Are long term disability payments taxable?
Again, it depends. If you are self-employed and have a private disability policy, then it is not taxable as income. If you have a group plan through your employment, then your plan will be taxable if your employer pays more than 50% of the monthly premiums for your benefits. If you settle your long term disability claim then the lump sum that is past income is taxable and the portion of the lump sum that is for future benefits is not taxable.
What is the process for suing my long term disability insurance company?
Generally, your lawyer will start the lawsuit by filing a statement of claim in court and serving it on the defendant (insurance company). Then the insurance company will hire a lawyer to deliver a statement of defence. You will then be required to answer questions under oath (examinations for discovery) and attend some medical assessments to determine your eligibility for long term disability benefits. Ultimately your case will go to a mediation in hopes of settling. If you do not settle then your lawyer will file a trial record and set the case down for trial.
What should I do immediately after a trip or slip and fall on private property?
Find out what you tripped or slipped on. Take pictures. Take note of any witnesses and their contact information. Keep your footwear and also take pictures of them, including the sole. If the fall happened on ice or snow make note of whether there was salt, sand or grit. Check to see if there are any warning signs around the area where you fell. Try to get medical attention as soon as possible because it’s important to document your injuries.
What should I do immediately after a slip and fall on a city sidewalk?
Give notice within 10 days of your fall to the city’s claims department. In your notice letter give specifics like the date, time and location of the fall as well as where the fall occurred and why the fall occurred. This is the main difference between falling on private property and city property. The rest, like above, is keepingyour footwear and also take pictures of them, including the sole. If the fall happened on ice or snow make note of whether there was salt, sand or grit. Check to see if there are any warning signs around the area where you fell.Try to get medical attention as soon as possible because it’s important to document your injuries.
Where are some of the most common places for slip and falls?
- Parking lots
- Shopping malls
- Grocery stores
- City sidewalks
- Driveways
What are some common causes for slip and falls?
- Snow and ice accumulation
- Carpeting that isn’t flat to the ground
- Defective or missing handrails
- Spilled substances on the ground
- Surface sidewalk discrepancies
Do I have a good case?
It all depends on the severity of your injuries and the extent of the losses you have suffered from the accident. How much in lost wages? How much in medical expenses?. It also depends on the strength of your case on liability. If the property owner or city did not maintain the area where you fell then you will likely have a strong case. There are many factors to consider and it would be beneficial to consult with a personal injury lawyer to discuss your options.
I don’t want to sue my friend or loved one. What should I do?
Many people have this hesitation when they fall on their friend or loved one’s property (e.g. home). If you fall on someone’s property and need to bring a claim then please note that it is that person’s insurance who will compensate you. Your friend or loved one will not pay out of their pocket for your compensation.
What injuries warrant compensation in a slip and fall accident?
Anything from cuts, bumps and bruises to serious brain injuries and other orthopaedic injuries. The benefit of slip and fall claims, as opposed to car accident cases, is that there is no threshold or deductible. This means that most injuries will warrant compensation as long as there is a case on liability.
Is there a time limit on receiving compensation after a slip and fall case?
You are allowed to make a claim for your injuries, lost wages, etc within two years of your fall. There are a few exceptions to this but the general rule is you want to have your claim issued in court before the two year mark. This rule is pursuant to the Limitations Act.
What are some defences to a slip and fall claim?
The insurance company will try to argue that they are not responsible for the area where you fell. If they are responsible for that area they may try to prove that they were not negligent or that you took unreasonable risks or put yourself in danger.
Will I have to go to court?
Likely not. It all depends on what you want. There are usually offers sent back and forth. If you choose not to accept then you can take your case to trial. Only about four out of every 100 slip and fall cases get to trial.
