When accidents happen, however minor or major they are, they throw people into a state of confusion and anxiety. If injuries have been sustained, the main focus is to ensure that the injured are given the right medical attention and treatment immediately.

However, this is also the time when it’s important to take steps to safeguard your rights and interests.

Accidents are not always “accidental.” As Ajax personal injury lawyers know from experience, most of them are caused by someone’s fault or negligence. Violation or breach of safety norms, ignoring hazardous conditions to cut costs or because it’s inconvenient to make the repairs immediately are some of the common reasons why motor-vehicle accidents and slip and fall accidents occur.

The impact of injuries sustained in accidents is felt by the injured person and often his/her family-members. Prolonged recovery time, loss of mobility and inability to resume work lead to physical, financial and emotional consequences.

Whom Should You Contact?

Obviously, getting immediate medical support is paramount. But there are certain important professionals and agencies who need to be informed and consulted to ensure that you receive the compensation you rightly deserve.

Police and Traffic Authorities: Unless you’re seriously injured, unconscious or immobilized by your injuries, call the local police or traffic authorities immediately. This should be done so that they can also ensure that the relevant medical authorities also get the information. In Ontario, there are new rules governing reporting for motor-vehicle accidents. If the damage seems to be totally below a specified amount and no one is injured, you can report the accident to the nearest Collision Reporting Center. Otherwise, the police must be informed. This is also crucial when you have to deal with insurance agencies in future, because the first call you make is used to begin generating an accident report.

Insurance Agencies: Ontario’s Statutory Accidents Benefits Scheme entitles all injured victims to seek compensation regardless of fault. This is payable by your own insurers. It’s also important to inform your insurance company immediately so that they can open the no-fault benefits file. The at-fault party’s insurers may also try to communicate with you, but it’s wiser to avoid talking to them unless your lawyer is present.

Personal Injury Lawyers: A qualified, experienced legal professional who has handled cases like yours is a vital part of your team. They provide the right information, help you with the complicated paperwork, ensure that deadlines are met for filing claims or notifications and protect your rights from the world Go. Ajax personal injury lawyers and law-firms can conduct independent investigations, collate evidence from experts and witnesses, assemble important photographic evidence, CCTV footage etc to build a robust claim. They represent you in all communications with insurers (even your own) and at-fault parties, undertake negotiations on your behalf and can also take the case to trial if talks prove unfruitful.

Injured victims and their family-members need support to get their lives back on track and monetary compensation is one of the cornerstones of recovery. These are the qualified professionals who can help you through the complex medical, legal and insurance issues involved in seeking compensation.