Brampton car accident lawyers can understand the chaos and confusion that usually follow in the wake of an automobile accident, whether major or minor. If people have been injured, the issues get even more complicated. In such a scenario, it’s entirely possible that those involved focus on the immediate situation – getting emergency medical treatment, notifying the police and traffic authorities, ensuring that people are safe etc.

Unfortunately, this is also a crucial period in terms of the legal and insurance issues connected with making a claim for compensation for losses sustained due to injuries or property damage. Under Ontario laws, anyone who is hurt in automobile accidents is entitled to claim statutory benefits from their own insurance carriers, regardless of fault. In addition, they are also entitled to file a personal injury suit against the party who is responsible for causing the accident.

It’s wise to get help from an experienced Brampton personal injury lawyer to advise and assist you through this process. We protect your rights, deal with insurance companies, ensure that your claims are filed accurately, in time and at the right venue and support you and your family till you receive a satisfactory settlement.

Step By Step Claim Filing Process

It’s important to understand the complex nature of the process, the legal and insurance aspects, rules and regulations and the procedures involved in filing a compensation claim. Claims are often rejected or delayed for a variety of procedural and technical reasons. We make sure that you get it right the very first time.

Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer from Singh Barristers who has dealt with similar claims. This can steer you in the right direction right from the start.

Let’s look at the process in a step by step manner:

The Financial Services Commission of Ontario’s website provides detailed information on what should be done following a car accident.

You can also contact your personal injury lawyer who can advise you on the way forward. The police or traffic authorities have to be informed immediately and you should call an ambulance or emergency services if someone has been injured.

1. Inform your insurance company, agent or broker immediately. This should be done within seven days of the accident, otherwise your claim will not be honored, no matter how badly you’re injured, or what losses you’ve suffered. When you call to inform them, make sure you provide as many details as you can, regarding the at-fault party’s vehicle, ownership, insurance company etc. Provide details about the accident regarding time, place, date, the extent of injuries, damage to the vehicle, name/badge number of the police officer/s who responded. Provide a brief, factual description of the accident without giving opinions, assigning blame or indulging in speculation. Inform the insurer that you intend to make a claim.

2. Read your own insurance policy and ensure that you are familiar with all the terms and conditions. This is important because you will be filing a claim for statutory accident benefits, available in Ontario regardless of fault.

3. Request an Application form for Accident Benefits. Don’t assume that your insurance company will send it to you automatically.

4. Fill up the form: It may include portions to be completed by your employer for information about your work and income and another form to be completed by the medical professionals involved in your treatment. Self-employed persons have to provide tax returns, etc. as proof of income. There may be other forms to fill up which describe the category of benefits that you want to get. You can seek the help of our legal team of experienced personal injury lawyers while filling up the forms, since any mistake can be detrimental to the success of your claim. The set of forms also includes a Permission to Disclose Health Information Form and a Treatment Confirmation Form. All these must be duly completed and returned within the specified time.

5. You may be contacted by the claims adjuster assigned to your file. They may ask you questions over the telephone or request a personal meeting. Speak to your personal injury lawyer before such a conversation or meeting and ensure that you don’t make any inadvertent statements that could jeopardize your claim.

6. Insurers may require you to undergo medical assessments. These are conducted by doctors and medical professionals of their choice. Make sure that you cooperate fully in these evaluations.

7. Compensation is sought for income replacement or non-earner benefits, caregiver benefits if applicable, attendant care, medical and rehabilitation expenses, other out of pocket expenses like travel, visitors, housekeeping, household maintenance, educational expenses, etc based on the terms and conditions as applicable in your insurance policy and/or that of the at-fault party. If death occurs, the family is entitled to claim compensation for funeral expenses and death.

Once the application is completed and submitted, you need to wait for the response. Meanwhile, avoid social media posting or talking about the claim to anyone other than your lawyers.