Brampton Personal Injury Lawyer: Most Common Injuries Sustained In Winter 2018-2019 Auto Accidents

Posted on February 14, 2019 by singhadmin

What To Do Right Away?

Statistics show that nearly 30% of automobile accidents in Canada happen during the winter season. Snowy and icy conditions prevail in Ontario, from December through to March, with January being the coldest. Often, heavy snowfall, icy rains, sleet and winds add to the harsh conditions. Together with poor visibility and difficult driving conditions, all these elements together make the risks of winter driving that much higher.

Though Ontarians are experienced winter drivers, accidents can and do happen. Many of these are avoidable and preventable. They may be caused by someone’s fault or negligence. If you or a dear one has been injured in a winter automobile accident, ensure that you get immediate medical attention. Following this, get in touch with a lawyer near you as soon as possible. You may be entitled to compensation.

Why do Winter Accidents happen?

Weather conditions can challenge even the most experienced drivers. Multi-vehicle pile-ups are common during this season and they bring their own set of hazards. Inexperienced drivers and tourists may not prepare adequately for winter conditions or maintain the right precautions. Some of the typical reasons for these accidents include:

Speeding: Though it seems a no-brainer that you need to drive slower and more cautiously in winter conditions, speeding is one of the most common reasons for accidents. “Lead-foot driving” or failing to compensate for changing terrain or weather conditions causes a majority of winter collisions. Night driving, rural roads and unfamiliar routes contribute too.

Uncleared Windows/Windshield: Clearing the ice/snow from all the windows increases your visibility all around. Many drivers clear their windshield and rear windows but fail to clean up all the windows, reducing their peripheral vision.

Bad Planning: Whether it’s a daily commute to the office or a holiday trip, planning is a key element in safety. Drivers need to keep a margin of spare time to compensate for unexpected weather conditions, traffic blocks etc. As a result of stress and anxiety, you could be tempted to take risks and indulge in risky driving behaviors.

Poor Winter Driving Habits: Following too close, failing to take precautions on slippery roads, not understanding the problems of braking on icy roads, over-acceleration, stopping unexpectedly in a lane, etc are reasons for collisions. In winter driving, pumping the brake slowly is better than jamming them on suddenly. If you have an anti-lock braking system, you need to understand its features well before taking your car out in hazardous conditions.

Failure to check weather conditions: You’re the best judge of whether you really need to take your vehicle out or not. Often, it’s less stressful to take public transport. Otherwise, it’s essential to check weather conditions on your local news feed before you start.

These are some of the usual reasons for winter driving accidents. If you suffer injuries in such an accident, get help from an injury lawyer to claim your insurance.

Typical Injuries

Winter automobile accidents result in a variety of injuries, ranging from simple cuts, bruises, sprains and lacerations to serious, life-threatening or life-altering injuries. Injuries are based on the nature, severity, the amount of safety restraints used and type of crash.

Head-on collisions cause head, upper body and facial injuries. Neck injuries and whiplash are also seen. Chest and abdominal injuries and knee/leg/foot injuries due to impact are common.
Rear-ender injuries are usually in the head/neck region. Drivers may suffer chest/abdominal injuries due to impact from the steering-wheel, while passengers may suffer facial/foot/leg injuries too.
In T-bone collisions, the persons sitting on the side of the crash can suffer severe fractures of shoulder, pelvis, legs. They may also have internal bleeding and organ injuries, along with head injuries.
Other collisions like rollover are the most serious, where death or catastrophic injuries may occur.
Side-swipe collisions are the least likely to cause serious injuries.

What To Do?

Ensure that you stay calm and turn on your hazard lights if they’re working
Control your emotions and don’t confront the at-fault driver or jump out of your own vehicle to assist immediately
Call emergency traffic authorities and medical services
Never leave the site of the accident
Whatever the type of injury, it’s essential to get immediate medical attention. Never move injured people without expert medical supervision. If the vehicle is in an unstable condition it can increase the risks manifold. It is important to use the right safety equipment and move the injured person only by those with medical training and experience
Take photos of the location, landmarks, position of vehicles, damage, injuries etc
If possible, move your car to the side of the road
Otherwise, stay inside your car so that you avoid exposure to the cold
If your engine is not damaged, turn on the heater, keeping windows slightly open
Exchange details with the other driver regarding vehicle number, insurance and personal contact information
Avoid talking to insurance company representatives, even your own, without advice from your trusted lawyer in Toronto or your trusted lawyer in Brampton

When And Why You Need An Injury Lawyer?

Most people fail to realize that insurance-companies are focused on protecting their own business interests. They may not always act in good faith when you make an accident injury claim. Instead, they could deny/delay/dispute/dismiss your claim on a number of technical grounds.

One of the first questions you should ask if you’ve suffered injuries in a motor-vehicle accident is “How to find the best lawyer in Toronto?” or “How to find the best lawyer in Brampton?”

We are available 24×7 and can handle all the complex medical, legal and insurance issues, paperwork and procedures related to your claim, ensure you meet filing deadlines and present a robust claim backed by the right evidence and documentation.

The Most Rated Injury Lawyer in 2018 – We’re there for you!

Off-roading 2018 – 2019: Challenges and Risks

Posted on December 18, 2018 by singhadmin

Canadians across the country are passionate about sports and life in the great outdoors. Off roading is a popular sport in summer, but the onset of winter doesn’t mean putting your ATV into cold storage for those three or four months. Remember, these beasts are designed to power their way through any kind of terrain, no matter what the season. Canadian trails are delightful whatever the weather – and winter brings its own set of gorgeous landscapes like snowy forests, iced-over rivers and frozen lakes. There are lots of clubs who encourage winter ATV challenges and all that passionate off-roaders have to do is sign up and set out. However, as your trusted lawyers in Brampton and your trusted lawyers in Toronto, we recommend that it’s important to know and follow the rules before you take your vehicle out.

Ontarians find these vehicles exciting and they’re very popular among all age groups. However, a new trend is being seen where these off-road vehicles are being driven on city roads and public highways. This carries its own set of risks because the vehicle is essentially designed and built for off-road conditions.

Is it Legal to Drive Off-Road Vehicles on Highways in Ontario?

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation amended some of the rules regarding use of ATV and ORV (off-road vehicles) in 2015. Certain types of ATVs and ORVs were allowed to ply on the shoulder of public roads, subject to permission. The ministry also published a handbook entitled Smart Ride Safe Ride which describes these amendments in detail, including where to drive the vehicle, who is permitted to drive it, the road rules that must be followed and also how to drive these vehicles in a safe manner.

The new amendments also change the definition of ATV to include different types of SUVs and SxS vehicles. An ATV is described as a single-rider vehicle with four wheels in contact with the ground, with the seat and handlebars, and designed only for one rider. If the vehicle has one passenger seat designed for a pillion rider, with foot-rests separate from those of the rider. Other definitions describe vehicles like multi-purpose utility vehicles, recreational off-road vehicles, etc.

The municipal rules remain the same. This means that you can ride on Highways 500 – 899, certain designated 7000 series highways, or those with lesser traffic. The rules also specify which highways and roads ATVs are not permitted on. There is also a list of highways that you are not permitted to cross. Riders cannot enter private property without the consent of the property owner. It is also prohibited to enter a property when the gate is closed, unless the owner gives permission. Avoid disturbing natural habitat of marine life, flora and fauna.

Speed restrictions for ATVs and ORVs is 20 km/h on roads with speed limit of 50 km/h or less. When the speed limit is 50 or more, you need to stay at 50 km/h or below. Municipalities can set their own speed limits.

On-road driving must always be in the direction of the traffic, on the designated shoulder of the road, with head and tail lights on.

Are there any driver restrictions?

There are very strict rules regarding who can drive these vehicles. Today, many parents allow young children to operate them but this is a risk not only to their own safety but also to that of other road users.

On-road riders should be at least 16 years old, they must have a valid G2 or M2 license. Passengers cannot be under age 8. Both riders and passengers must wear approved motorcycle helmets, with chin straps. They should also use seat-belts if available. If the ATV is towing a trailer, there should be no passengers in the trailer. The vehicle should comply with environmental rules prevalent in the province and not cause any harm, injury or damage to property, flora or fauna. It should not cause any harm or disturbance due to pollution, noise, emissions, dust etc.

These rules also apply to the far northern regions of Ontario. In southern Ontario, many areas still don’t permit riding ATVs on public roads in spite of the new amendments.

However, as off-road riders know, it is important for them to have access to fueling stations, food and water and health care facilities on the roads. They usually undertake long trips, so they also need proper accommodation. One of the spin-offs of allowing the legal use of off-road vehicles is that the local tourism industry can get a huge boost in many areas.

When And Why You Need An Injury Lawyer?

If you or a dear one has been injured in an accident involving an off-roader vehicle, get medical attention, no matter how minor you consider your injuries to be. Common injuries include limb fractures, head, neck, spine and brain injury, facial and dental damage, internal bleeding, organ damage, fractured ribs, etc. Collect as much evidence as you can in the form of photos, touch base with witnesses and get their contact information. Next, contact us, the most rated injury lawyer in 2018 immediately. Get help of an injury lawyer to claim your insurance.

How To Find Information for Injury Claims?

Use the services of a lawyer near you. Inform your insurance company. Most expenses are covered under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan, (OHIP) but it may not cover expenses for medications, loss of income or certain types of long term costs. All ATVs have to carry insurance, and some of them may be covered under the driver’s auto insurance policies.

You need to get the help of an injury lawyer to claim your insurance and we can help you through the entire claims process. The settlement is based on the nature and extent of your injuries, the circumstances of the claim and the negligence/fault of the other driver.

Saulte Ste. Marie Personal Injury Lawyers: Stay Informed About Insurance Premium Rates

Posted on December 8, 2017 by singhadmin

Studies have shown that Ontario has the highest insurance premium rates in the country although its accident rates are the lowest in Canada.

The average automobile insurance premium in Ontario in 2015 was $1458 per vehicle, which is 55% higher than the Canadian average. However, what irks drivers more is the fact that most of the money in the system doesn’t go towards providing benefits to accident victims who end up not receiving the required treatment and care. Instead, insurance companies spend a large portion of their funds on paying experts in various fields to ensure that payment settlements are either kept to a minimum or avoided altogether.

“The system is filled with disputes and inefficiencies …” opined David Marshall, former head of the Workplace Safety Insurance Board. He advocates the adoption of a “care-not-cash” approach which focuses on victims and provides transparency in legal fees paid by insurance companies.

Ontario provides no-fault statutory accident benefits to all those who have been injured in automobile accidents regardless of fault. These benefits are to be paid by the victim’s own insurer. Additionally, victims are also entitled to sue the at-fault party for compensation if that party’s negligence was responsible for causing the accident.

Consult an experienced Sault Ste. Marie personal injury lawyer immediately if you or a dear one has been injured in an automobile accident. You may be entitled to compensation.

What Factors Affect Premium Rates?

Vehicle owners and drivers often find that they pay one particular rate, while spouses, friends and neighbors pay another. Hence, it’s good to understand how premium rates are calculated and what is the kind of coverage you get for that particular rate.

According to the Financial Services Commission of Ontario, premium rates are determined by looking at various factors that include:

Personal profile
Amount of coverage purchased
Deductibles
Company policies

Personal profile includes your age and address, type of vehicle you drive and your driving history. Where you live affects your premium rate because rates are higher in urban areas since there are more vehicles on the road and chances of accidents are higher. Urban locations also see more auto thefts.

The type of vehicle you drive – whether it’s a safer, family model or a flashy speed-machine – affects your premium rate.

Age, gender and marital status are factors because studies show that crash rates are higher for unmarried males under 25. Students are offered discounts especially if they get good grades.

If you take driver-safety courses, you can get a better rate.

Your driving history/record determines your risk assessment. This includes accidents where you were more than 25% at fault. Those with fewer crashes obviously pay less and the reason for the accident is also taken into account. How often and far you drive affects premium rates. People with long daily commutes may pay more.

You can choose the deductibles you want applied, which are mandatory in your province, and determine what additional coverage you want to pay for. This affects the overall calculation of premium.

Dealing with insurance claims-adjusters can be stressful in the aftermath of a serious accident. An experienced Saulte Ste Marie personal injury lawyer can provide assistance and advice.

North York Personal Injury Lawyers: Is There A Difference Between Trip and Fall And Slip and Fall Accidents?

Posted on December 3, 2017 by singhadmin

Slipping or tripping can be an extremely risky proposition and may result in a nasty fall. The immediate and overwhelming emotion is embarrassment and we hope that no one witnessed this unseemly upset. However, the truth is it’s great if someone did spot you taking a spill. They can serve as witnesses if you wish to make a claim for compensation against the owner of the property where your accident occurred.

Such accidents can cause serious physical, financial and emotional losses for the injured person and/or their families. You are entitled to seek financial compensation from those whose carelessness, fault or negligence created/maintained the conditions that resulted in your accident.

We assume that our insurance company or that of the at-fault party will cover our expenses. However, they don’t always act in good faith and could dispute your claims.

Contact an experienced North York personal injury lawyer who deals exclusively with such cases. This gives you the necessary assessment of your claim, advice, guidance, information and advocacy. It also protects your interests.

Slip or Trip?

When we fall down and sustain injuries it could have been because we either slipped or we tripped ! Such accidents are a leading cause of injuries across Canada. Most people use the two terms “slip and fall” and “trip and fall” interchangeably. Both situations come under the umbrella of premises liability. However, in determining the exact cause of the accident and establishing liability, it’s important to know and specify the way your fall occurred.

The main differences:

Slipping occurs when there is reduced or no traction between the surface and the feet/footwear. For instance, wet or slippery surfaces, loose carpeting/mats, liquid spills, sloping floors, metal or marble flooring, waxed, polished or freshly-cleaned floors, over-smooth soles on footwear, etc can cause a slip and fall accident.

Tripping occurs when the person loses balance because of an external object that alters their stability. Exposed cables and wires, unmarked elevation changes, clutter and debris, wrinkled/loose floor covering, objects left in unaccustomed places etc are some of the reasons that cause trip and fall accidents.

In general, proving liability in these cases is challenging. Experienced North York personal injury lawyers have to prove negligence, liability, cause of accident, nature and extent of injury, direct/indirect connection between the accident and injury and the losses caused by the injury.

Keeping this aspect in mind, it becomes important to make the distinction between a slip and a trip so that it becomes clear what the cause of the accident was.

Safeguard Your Rights

There are strict time-frames within which such claims can be brought
Report the accident and consult a doctor immediately
Preserve clothing/footwear worn at the time, all bills connected with the accident
Avoid quick settlements with property-owners
Don’t sign waivers, give permissions or recorded statements
Talk to insurers/claims-adjusters after legal consultation
Follow medical advice
Avoid posting on social media

In Ontario, the Occupier’s Liability Act holds property owners responsible for the safety of premises under their control. If you or a dear one suffers injuries in a slip/trip and fall, you’re entitled to seek compensation for your injuries.

Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyers: Select The Right One

Posted on November 27, 2017 by singhadmin

If you or a dear one has been injured in a motor-vehicle accident, you would know how traumatic it can be. Though the event happens in a split second, the effects can last for a very long time, sometimes even permanently.

As experienced Ottawa personal injury lawyers, we know from dealing with numerous such cases, that accidents are rarely “accidental.” They are usually caused by someone else’s fault or negligence and it’s only a thorough investigation that can uncover the real reasons for the collision.

Innocent victims and their families are left to face the enormous physical, financial and emotional burden imposed by serious injuries caused by an accident. The losses sustained by accident victims include:

Loss of income/wages
Loss of earning-capacity
High medical and rehabilitation expenses
Emotional and physical pain and suffering

and many more, depending on the nature and extent of injury.

Ontario laws entitle injured victims in motor-vehicle accidents to apply for statutory benefits, regardless of fault. Additionally, victims can file a personal injury suit against the at-fault party whose negligence/fault caused the accident. Settlements are payable by insurance-companies.

Though many of us believe that an insurance company, especially our own, would act in good faith and make a settlement promptly, this can be far from the truth.

Insurance companies are for-profit organizations whose focus is purely on protecting their own business interests. To this end, they may dispute your claim, deny or dismiss it on technical grounds, attempt to make a meager settlement that wouldn’t cover your costs or delay matters till it becomes impossible for you to stay financially afloat.

Keeping these factors in mind, it’s important to present a settlement claim that’s water-tight in every way. Dispute settlement is achieved through negotiations and an experienced Ottawa personal injury lawyer can assist you with these procedures.

Select The Right Lawyer

Perhaps the best time to select a lawyer is when you don’t really need one! This gives you the time to thoroughly research their credentials, success-rate, types of cases handled etc.

However, if you don’t have a personal injury lawyer already, keep in mind that the wrong one can be highly inimical to your case, while the right one can provide you with the compensation you deserve.

Go about the task systematically. If you’re personally unable to do so, entrust the task to a family-member, co-worker or friend whose judgment you can rely on.

It’s also important to analyze what you want from the personal injury claim. People may need to:

Cover their present and future expenses
Create a long-term, life-plan fund
Punish the guilty party
Have their day in court
Get a swift settlement without too much delay

Keep a list of questions you want answered by potential candidates when you’re selecting an Ottawa personal injury lawyer

Select a lawyer/law-firm with the financial resources to handle your claim and help you fund expenses. They should also be prepared for both negotiations and trial based on the response of the at-fault party.

It’s wiser to select a local professional rather than one from out of town, as the local person is more familiar with court procedures, current rulings, trends etc in this jurisdiction.

Slip and Fall Accidents in Condominiums: Ajax Personal Injury Lawyers Can Assist

Posted on November 5, 2017 by singhadmin

Slip and Fall Accidents are No Joke!

They are more common than we think and can leave a trail of destruction in their wake. They accounted for more than half of all hospitalizations in Canada between 2002-4 and more than 10,000 people have died in hospitals as a result of injuries sustained in a fall.

Statistics Canada provide alarming figures, with falls being the leading cause of injury in 63% of senior citizens, 50% of adolescents and 35% of working-age adults. Senior citizens are a particularly high-risk group. Many of them reside in retirement homes, nursing-care facilities, condominiums etc where premises owners have to ensure that they remain safe.

Slip/Trip and fall accidents can result in a range of injuries, from sprains or cuts to life-threatening traumatic brain injuries, head/neck/spinal damage, facial and dental damage, internal organ damage and bleeding, disfigurement, etc. Senior citizens are particularly vulnerable, with slip and fall accidents being the most common reason for hip fracture.

Accidents Aren’t Always Accidental

As Ajax personal injury lawyers know from experience, accidents are not the bolt-from-the-blue events that we assume them to be. They’re most often caused by someone’s fault or negligence. In the case of slip and fall accidents, under Ontario laws, the owner/occupier of the property has a duty to ensure that the premises are kept in a state of reasonable safety for all legitimate visitors.

Injured victims suffer various types of losses, including:

Loss of income/wages/earning-capacity
Medical and rehabilitation expenses
Pain and suffering

Although it may not be possible to replace everything that was lost or damaged due to the accident, monetary compensation helps restore the person and family to the financial condition they were in prior to the accident.

It’s important to consult an Ajax personal injury lawyer if you or a dear one has suffered injuries in a slip and fall accident. You may be entitled to compensation.

Condominium Slip And Fall Accidents

Condominiums are multi-unit dwelling structures with each owner holding a title for his/her own unit and a proportionate undivided interest as a tenant along with other similar tenants in all the common areas and facilities.

There are generally owners’ associations or condominium corporations which manage the facilities and maintenance of the premises. They are legally obliged to keep the public areas safe and are liable to pay compensation if an injury occurs in such areas due to their fault or negligence.

Generally such accidents happen due to wet floors, lack of warning signs, badly-maintained pavements/stairs, unanchored carpets/rugs, missing tiles or hand-rails, poor lighting, clutter, etc.

Slip and fall or trip and fall accidents can be extremely dangerous for this age group, due to:

Poor vision
Slower reaction times
Brittle bones
Reduced general health in seniors

As a result, the injured person can suffer hip or pelvic fracture, broken ribs, injure the knees, sustain facial or dental damage etc. leading to loss of mobility, poor nutrition and loss of social activity. They may need the services of a dedicated care-giver and extensive medical treatment/therapies.

An experienced Ajax personal injury lawyer can provide advice and assistance in achieving the deserved compensation.

Ontario’s 400 Series Highways: Stay Safe From Collisions

Posted on October 12, 2017 by singhadmin

Brampton personal injury lawyers know from experience that Ontario’s 400 series highways have a reputation for being risky and accident prone. For people who live and work in the southern locations of Ontario, these highways form an essential part of their daily commute. But they’re also the location for high volume traffic, regular shut-downs and closures due to accidents and delays caused by winter weather conditions.

Accidents are not just “accidental” – they’re usually the result of someone’s fault or negligence, or the flouting of safety norms for various reasons.

Catastrophic injuries can result from accidents on such high speed expressways and they leave a trail of destruction and irreversible problems in their wake. If you or a dear one has suffered injuries in a motor-vehicle accident, whether as a driver, passenger, pedestrian, bicyclist etc, contact the nearest personal injury lawyer in Brampton. You may be entitled to compensation.

The 400 Series Highways

The system of controlled-access highways known as the 400-series highways in Southern Ontario are under the provincial jurisdiction of Ontario and regulated by the province’s Ministry of Transportation. They’re built to high design standards, have a regulated speed limit and are monitored by various sophisticated traffic-management and collision-avoidance systems.

Although they initially recorded very low accident rates, some of them are currently under the scanner in television programs like Discovery Channel reality shows like Heavy Rescue :401 which focus on rescue operations, police officers and towing vehicles which help to clear the area when accidents happen.

Highway 401 crossing Toronto is the busiest stretch of expressway in the world! Statistics show that nearly 400,000 vehicles use the 400 series highways every day. Considering these figures, the accident figures are surprisingly low.

The Ontario traffic authorities have done exemplary work to minimize risks as far as the road conditions are concerned. The lower speed limits and the plentiful room provided for turning or merging, coupled with the installation of the Tall Wall that prevents trailer trucks from crossing over the barriers into oncoming lanes are features that certainly reduce the risks.

Safety Issues

Yet, accidents can and do happen on these routes. Road conditions, visibility, driver distraction, cellphone-usage, fatigue, unforeseen events are the most common causes.

Certain “hot spots” were identified and the police have encouraged drivers to exercise extra caution while passing through these areas.

Additionally, road safety features mandated from time to time have ensured the reduction in collisions caused by large transportation trucks and trailer trucks. The trucking industry is concerned about the risks and has taken important steps to ensure safety. Stephen Laskowski, President of the Ontario Trucking Association opines, “…we need to look at can we get better and the answer is yes.” He also felt that human error accounts for most at-fault accidents.

Features like speed governors, electronic trucking logs, tracking driver hours of service, electronic stability control management, mandatory entry-level training programs for drivers etc certainly go a long way in keeping the 400 series safer.

Experienced Brampton car accident lawyers can provide the right information, advice and assistance and ensure that your rights are protected.

Slip and Fall Accidents: Why Your Claim Could Be Denied

Posted on October 11, 2017 by singhadmin

Brampton personal injury lawyers often have to deal with insurance companies who initially deny or dismiss compensation claims made by people injured in slip and fall accidents.

Most of us believe that our insurance policy will cover our expenses and lost income and also compensate us for our pain and suffering following a serious injury sustained in an accident caused by someone else’s fault or negligence. However, what we forget is that insurance companies can and sometimes do act in bad faith, or they may adopt delaying tactics, minimize the nature and extent of your injury, deny/reduce their client’s liability etc in order to protect their own business interests.

Common Tactics That You May Have To Face

Contacting you immediately or soon after the accident: This move catches people at a vulnerable point, when their judgment is clouded by anxiety, pain, confusion etc. Injured victims/their families haven’t had the time/opportunity to gauge the full extent of their injuries or contact a personal injury lawyer. Insurance adjusters may offer a “quick and hassle-free” settlement which could turn out to be woefully inadequate later.

Requesting recorded statement/signed documents: Injured victims could make inadvertent admissions or say things without the full understanding of their import. Signing documents may give permissions to access confidential records, or provide waivers and releases of your claim.

Partial responsibility: At-fault party insurers may try to intimidate the injured person citing “partial responsibility” for the accident and offer the “best deal under the circumstances.”

Devalue/Criticize your medical treatment: Insurers may advise you that your medical treatment is unnecessary/over-done etc and that it may not get coverage.

Misinformation: Claims-adjusters may inform you that you’re entitled to only certain benefits, or misrepresent the amount of coverage available to you.

Why Claims May Be Denied

Apart from the tactics used to stall or delay your claim, insurance companies may also outright deny your claim. A Brampton personal injury lawyer with specific experience and expertise in handling the complex legal, medical and insurance issues involved can certainly provide the right guidance.

Apart from these problems, clients also have a responsibility to understand their coverage and ensure that their policies are kept valid and updated.

Some common reasons why claims are denied:

Factual or typographical errors: If you’ve moved, changed your bank, purchased a new vehicle, added a new family-member etc, and not added this information in your policy, it could work against you. It’s important to update your current address and status changes.

Padding: Ensure that your claim is factual, genuine and not exaggerated in any way. Compensation is meant to restore you to your original state prior to the accident, but not put you in a position where you profit from it.

Stay Safe: Follow the rules, if you know a property is unsafe to walk in, avoid it. Wear appropriate footwear and clothes, avoid walking outside if you’re unwell or on medication. Use your spectacles if needed.

As a result of such tactics and/or inadvertent errors, many injured persons could end up not getting the settlement they rightly deserve. Our experienced Brampton slip and fall injury lawyers can provide the right advice, assistance and advocacy.

Car Accident Claims: How Long Do They Take?

Posted on October 9, 2017 by singhadmin

Brampton personal injury lawyers know from experience that one of the first questions injured victims or their families ask is, “How long will my case take to reach settlement?”

This is something that we try our best to answer realistically, while explaining all aspects of the claim and providing a 360-degree view of the case.

Accidents happen out of the blue and can result in devastating consequences if the injuries are serious. Most of them are caused by someone else’s fault or negligence. Unfortunately, it’s the victims and their families who have to bear physical, financial and emotional burdens.

If you or a dear one has been injured in an accident, contact the nearest personal injury lawyer in Brampton. You may be entitled to compensation.

How Long Does Settlement Take?

It’s not possible to give a one-size-fits-all solution to the issue of settlement. There are multiple factors and several complex medical, legal and insurance issues involved.

They include:

Type of accident

Nature and extent of injuries
Impact of the injuries on the claimant’s life
Long-term and short-term effects
Liability of the at-fault party
Client expectations
Coverage limits
Negotiated settlement or trial

and many more variables. However, as our Brampton car accident lawyers and Brampton slip and fall injury lawyers regularly handle such cases, they can give a genuine, comprehensive and swift assessment. This means that the client can make an informed choice and take the matter forward.

In general the time-line for a personal injury claim goes like this:

Injured person receives medical treatment
A personal injury lawyer is selected
The lawyer has to analyze the merits of the claim and go through medical records
If claim is not worth filing a personal injury suit, lawyer informs client and the matter can be settled with the insurance company
Otherwise, a claim is put together by the lawyer and conveyed to the at-fault party
Negotiations take place involving all parties. Almost 95% of claims are settled at this stage without a trial
If the claim is disputed, or the offer made is too small and deemed non-negotiable, a suit may be filed at this stage
In general a suit is filed only when the full extent of injury is known so that the person has reached the point of Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
Lawsuit is filed within the statute of limitations time-frame
Settlement is possible at any stage in the process. It may take around two years for the case to be called to trial
Discovery process takes place in which documents are provided, depositions are taken, questions are asked/answered on either side, etc. This process could last for about six months to a year
Mediation and arbitration process is undertaken. Settlement is possible at this stage too.
When mediation fails, the case is finally called to trial. The date given may not always be the date on which the trial actually takes place, there may be several delays.
The case may take anything from one day to a week.

Hence, keeping these factors in mind, our experienced Brampton personal injury lawyers can advise our clients accordingly.

Defensive Driving: It Can Help You Avoid Accidents

Posted on October 8, 2017 by singhadmin

Brampton personal injury lawyers know from experience that accidents aren’t always “accidental.” With a little care and vigilance, they’re usually avoidable and preventable.

Unfortunately, they can result in life-changing consequences for those who have been injured and their families. All road users have a duty to share the road in a responsible manner so that they don’t endanger the safety of others. The injured are entitled to seek compensation from those whose fault or negligence caused the accident, and the resulting kinds of damage and injury they have suffered.

Contact the nearest personal injury lawyer in Brampton if you or a dear one has suffered injuries in a motor-vehicle accident. We can provide the right kind of advice and assistance.

Driving Habits

The Ontario Ministry of Transport Driver’s Handbook describes what it takes to be a safe and responsible driver. Most of us learn the mechanics and techniques of driving from a professional driving-school, but we are left to pick up etiquette, courtesy, duties and responsibilities and road-sharing more or “less on the job.”

Co-operation and discipline play a huge role in responsible road-use and our own individual personalities come into play when we get behind the wheel. We seldom evaluate our driving habits, the role of the driver, our behavior etc and assess whether they may be contributory factors in case of an accident.

Defensive Driving

Today’s roads and high-speed expressways with powerful, fast-moving vehicles of all shapes and sizes can be a challenge for most drivers, whether experienced or inexperienced.

Defensive driving essentially involves driving to “save lives, time and money, in spite of conditions around you and the actions of others.” It helps drivers to anticipate and avoid collisions, despite adverse conditions and other people’s mistakes.

The main principles of defensive driving include:

Visibility
Space
Communication

Visibility involves seeing and being seen. Staying aware of traffic ahead and behind and on your sides is crucial. This can be done by frequent checks of your mirrors so that you’re not caught by surprise. Using your indicators and signal lights as required, hazard lights in poor visibility etc can help you remain visible.

Space management is very important. Maintaining the right distance helps to build a cushion around you so that you have enough space and time to maneuver and react.

Communication with all who share the road with you helps to maintain a co-operative environment. Signal your intentions clearly and well ahead, maintain eye contact with pedestrians or cyclists. Though honking is generally considered rude, if necessary, don’t hesitate to use the horn.

The Canada Safety Council lists the following essential principles:

Knowledge of traffic laws and responsible safety practices
Alertness in attending to changing traffic conditions
Foresight in anticipating and predicting unsafe actions of other drivers
Judgment in making decisions of least risk
Skills in adjusting to the fast-changing environment

The standard collision avoidance formula consists of:

Recognizing the hazard
Knowing the defense
Acting in time

Accidents can happen in spite of your best efforts, but our experienced Brampton car accident lawyers can assist you with the compensation process and ensure that your interests are protected.

Personal Injury Lawyer’s Fees: How Much Will I Have To Pay?

Posted on October 1, 2017 by singhadmin

Brampton personal injury lawyers often meet potential clients who are concerned about the kind of fees that they will have to pay us if they hire us to pursue their case. This is a very natural apprehension and we make every effort to ensure that our clients receive detailed, clear, transparent information about every aspect of the case, including fees.

Clients are also confused about the different rates charged by different lawyers and law-firms. As with all professionals, there is a governing body to regulate lawyers, viz., in this case, the Law Society of Upper Canada, but there is no regulation on the fees that lawyers are allowed to charge. Hence, the rates can vary according to area of practice, experience, reputation, knowledge etc. with certain exceptions like minors or people with disabilities. In general, the more serious the injuries, the more important it is to hire an experienced, knowledgeable personal injury lawyer.

How Fees Can Be Calculated

In a landmark case in 2000, the Ontario Court of Appeal listed the considerations taken into account while fees are calculated:

Time spent
Legal complexity of case
Degree of involvement in case
Monetary value of the case
Importance to the client
Skills and competence of lawyer
Results
Ability of client to pay
Client’s expectation of a reasonable fee

Almost 95% of personal injury lawyers charge their clients what is known as a contingency fee. This means that no fees have to be paid upfront. Instead, the lawyer or law-firm assumes full financial responsibility in the case, including in many cases, funding medical and household expenses. Many lawyers also provide the No-Win No-Fee contingency. This means that only expenses have to be paid in case of an unsuccessful outcome.

This system is designed to benefit those litigants who are genuinely unable to afford legal services. It allows them to pursue a case which they may otherwise have been unable to do. The lawyer gets paid a percentage of the settlement amount. In general, this would be about 33% of the final settlement amount, but some lawyers may charge between 20-25% plus costs though this is a moot point under the Ontario Solicitors Act. “Costs” refers to expenses like accessing police, traffic, medical records, hiring witnesses, conducting independent investigations, filing fees, serving summonses/subpoenas, expert witness fees, court fees etc.

The contingency fee agreement has to be put in writing and clearly understood by the client. Verbal agreements are not recognized by the law. The contract has to also clearly specify that the client was given the choice of hiring the lawyer on an hourly basis or a contingency basis. The client must be fully involved in making critical decisions.

Settlements are typically divided into the claim portion, costs portion and third-party disbursements. The entire settlement amount paid by the at-fault party is to be paid to the client who then gives the agreed percentage of it to the lawyer.

Our experienced Brampton car accident lawyers and Brampton slip and fall injury lawyers can explain the fee structure in complete detail and answer all your concerns and queries.

Accident Injury Claim: What To Expect At The Initial Meeting With A Personal Injury Lawyer

Posted on September 30, 2017 by singhadmin

As Brampton personal injury lawyers know from their experience in dealing with numerous clients, the initial, first interaction with the client can often set the tone for the relationship. It’s when people have suffered injuries of various kinds – physical, financial and emotional – that they approach a personal injury lawyer. For many, it’s the first time they’re meeting a lawyer professionally.

Purpose of Initial Interviews

Personal injury lawyers provide an initial, free, no-obligations first interview, to evaluate/assess the case from a professional standpoint. They can gather enough information to understand:

the nature of the claim
circumstances under which the injury happened
impact on the client’s life and family
merits and demerits
chances of a successful outcome

The other important purpose from the lawyer’s or law-firm’s point of view is to “sell” their services to the client so that they are retained in the case.

From the client’s side, this interview is equally crucial, since they have approached the lawyer in a state of emotional distress or difficulty and want to seek compensation. Clients are also intimidated by the legal process or what they’ve gathered about it from film, television and the print media.

Clients may have concerns about their chances of success, legal costs, possible outcomes, how long the process would take and what exactly they have to go through. They also want to tell their side of the story.

Prepare For The Interview

It’s important that both lawyers and clients are prepared for these interviews, so that it proves fruitful and successful. Since experienced personal injury lawyers meet with clients regularly, they have a standard process of information gathering and interviewing the client.

Clients need preparation before they arrive for the first meeting.

Clearly write down/type out your personal details: Name, Age, Address, E-mail, telephone numbers including whom to contact in case you cannot be reached.
Family details: spouse, children, parents etc along with a clear photograph of yourself
Nature of accident
Date, time and location of accident
Copies of photographs, videos, etc of the accident if available
Contact details of witnesses if any, if available
Complete details of all insurance policies held by yourself and family members who reside at the same address as you, including home-owner’s policies. A photocopy of each of these can be provided.
Copies of any documents in connection with the case: medical bills, doctor’s prescriptions, police records, bills detailing other expenses in connection with this accident
List of injuries and damages to property
List of all doctors and therapists, medical facilities, pharmacies, clinics, hospitals, ERs, labs, etc that you have attended in connection with this case.
List of all prior injuries and illnesses that you have had, including any prior claims made. Dates and where and when you availed treatment should be provided. All this information will be brought up in the case, so ensure that it’s accurate and honest.
If you’re seeking representation on behalf of an organization or corporation, the complete details should be provided. It’s important that you clarify for the lawyer who exactly the client is in this case.

This information can help you and our 24×7 injury lawyers to move forward in the case more smoothly and swiftly.

Brampton Personal Injury Lawyers: Big Or Small – Accidents Hurt!

Posted on June 30, 2017 by singhadmin

Brampton personal injury lawyers Singh Barristers are regularly consulted by people who have been injured in various types of accidents through no fault of their own.

Slip and fall accidents and motor-vehicle accidents are among the most common ones in urban areas. Such accidents are on the rise in recent years, partly due to the fact that Canada has a large and increasing component of elderly citizens. This demographic may suffer a variety of accidents on city streets. As pedestrians they may be involved in motor-vehicle collisions, or they may suffer slip and fall injuries. This can seriously affect their future health, mobility, quality of life and financial and emotional well-being.

The most unfortunate aspect of such accidents is that most of them are preventable and avoidable. They’re usually caused by someone’s breach of safety regulations, fault or negligence.

Contact the nearest personal injury lawyer in Brampton if you or a dear one suffers injuries in an accident. You may be entitled to compensation.

Common Injuries That Senior Citizens Suffer In Accidents

As our Brampton car accident lawyers and Brampton slip and fall injury lawyers know from experience, the elderly comprise one of the most vulnerable populations in our cities.

They can suffer a variety of injuries in accidents, based on their general health status, weight, age, etc. The injuries may include:

Ankle, Wrist, Knee Sprains or Fractures
Shoulder Dislocation
Facial or Dental injuries
Hip Fractures (These are most common among older adults)
Back and spine injuries
Concussion/Contusion
Traumatic Brain Injury
Cuts, Wounds, Lacerations
Impact Injuries
Bruises

Hip fractures in older adults are a matter of concern. They may require surgery and this is always risky in older people. They cause a range of problems including urinary tract infection, lowered immunity, the need for extended hospital stay, physiotherapy, care-giving, etc.

Elderly people may also suffer severe emotional distress following a fall. Reduced mobility, depression, anxiety, loss of sleep/appetite can result, along with phobias/fears. Nearly 20% of such victims die within a year of the accident.

Our experienced 24×7 injury lawyers can help you claim the compensation you deserve so that you can improve the quality of medical care/treatment and get your life back on track.

If you, your family or a friend has been injured in an accident, please feel free to speak to one of our injury lawyers for a free consultation about how we are able to assist in making a personal injury claim. We consult in all cities across Ontario with a no win no fee guarantee. Our personal injury lawyers have helped victims secure millions of dollars in personal injury cases. Call us Toll Free On our 24/7 Injury Hotline: 1 – 844 495 7333 or Text a Personal Injury ‎Lawyer 24/7 and get instant help. (416 931 5015)

Accidents Aren’t Always Accidental: Ontario Provincial Police Reports

Posted on June 27, 2017 by singhadmin

Brampton personal injury lawyers are aware that most motor-vehicle mishaps that are termed “accidents” are rarely accidental. Instead, they can be traced down to someone’s fault or negligence, deliberate flouting of safety norms, behavior, habits, etc.

Unfortunately, these events result in tragic physical, financial and emotional consequences for the injured victims and their families. The impact of the accident can change the entire course of someone’s life. Death and disability impose a permanent and irrevocable burden on all those close to the victim.

Studies are regularly conducted on the causes of such accidents and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) release data that pinpoint some of the causes of accidents.

The Top 4 or Big 4 causes of motor-vehicle accidents are:

Distractions
Speeding
Not Wearing Seat-belt
Impaired driving

These factors play an important part in causing crashes and they also affect the kind of injuries suffered by drivers and passengers when a collision happens.

The behavior of drivers and passengers is another equally important criterion. Common mistakes that cause serious collisions have been analyzed by traffic and accident experts. These include:

Negligence while turning
Wrong use of seat-belt
Unrestrained pets
Not maintaining lane discipline
Improper maintenance of vehicle
Driving when drowsy, fatigued or under the influence of alcohol/prescription drugs etc

and many more simple acts of carelessness or deliberate flouting of safety rules.

There are many organizations across Ontario that help to create awareness about driving and road safety.

Often, the causes of car crashes is put down to speeding. However, speeding is not the only factor. Many pedestrians are killed even in low speed limit zones. This could be because of other aspects like poor visibility, non-functioning crosswalk signals, careless and reckless driving in school-zones, taking sudden U-turns where they’re not permitted etc.

Another reason could be the huge rise in the population of cities like Toronto. The population has doubled in the GTA over the last thirty years, causing an enormous burden on the city’s infrastructure and transportation systems. Mixed traffic on city streets includes pedestrians, cyclists, public and private transportation. Lower speed limits may not solve the problem unless all those who share the road behave with due responsibility and diligence.

Senior citizens and children are among the most vulnerable of pedestrians and they’re also the ones who suffer serious injuries in motor-vehicle collisions. Pedestrians, walkers, runners and joggers are also at risk if they don’t wear reflective clothing and stay alert when they’re out on the street.

A ten year long study conducted by OPP shows that most of the fatalities that took place over the last decade on Ontario roads could have been prevented. However, as many observers and traffic experts have pointed out, studies like this fail to show that there are an equal or higher number of accidents that cause serious and life-altering injuries which put an even larger burden on the state and on the families of the victims.

If you or a dear one has suffered injuries in a motor-vehicle collision, contact an experienced car accident lawyer. We can evaluate the circumstances of your case and apprise you on its merits. You could be entitled to compensation.

Dangerous Rollover Accidents: Why They Happen

Posted on June 23, 2017 by singhadmin

Brampton personal injury lawyers know from experience that although “rollover” accidents account for only 3% of crashes, they’re responsible for the worst kind of injuries and fatalities. Studies show that 30% of fatalities in motor-vehicle collisions are those that are caused due to rollover accidents. Apart from death, these accidents can cause catastrophic injuries, permanent disability and disfigurement, amputation and many other life-altering conditions.

Tragically, most of these accidents are preventable. They’re caused by someone’s fault or negligence.

If you or a dear one has been injured in a rollover accident, contact a car accident lawyer with specific experience in dealing with such accidents. You may be entitled to compensation.

What Is A Rollover Accident?

These accidents are caused when a vehicle falls over on its side or roof. They are complex collisions and there may be several factors responsible for their occurrence.

Taller and heavier vehicles like SUVs and trucks are more likely to roll over or turn turtle in a collision because of their higher center of gravity. This makes the vehicle less stable. When the vehicle rolls over, passengers and driver are at high risk for head injuries, because the roof collapses inwards. Additionally, since people are belted into their seats, they are unable to move. The doors and windows may jam or get blocked making it impossible for people to exit. Though there are new roof rules for passenger vehicles and SUVs, they still may not be enough to contain the potential damage caused by rollover accidents.

Driving an SUV calls for superior driving skills but not all car drivers understand this. It also requires the driver to be more alert and sensitive to the vehicle’s turning and handling capacity at high speed. There are complex rules of Newtonian physics involved in such crashes. Most rollover accidents are lateral rollovers. Modern features like anti-lock brakes can aggravate the problem.

Typical causes for rollover accidents include speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, unfamiliar rural roads, distraction, taking turns recklessly, talking on the cellphone or texting etc. Studies show that nearly 85% of rollover accidents are single vehicle crashes and hence it’s possible to conclude that driver error plays a significant part. A typical example is the collision that occurred on May 17, 2017 on the Springfield Lexington highway.

If you or a dear one has been injured in a rollover accident, our experienced 24×7 injury lawyers can help collate a robust body of evidence with the help of car crash specialists. Accident reconstruction experts can conduct independent investigations into the true causes of the accident and fix the liability.

All injured victims in Ontario are entitled to statutory benefits regardless of fault, but they’re also entitled to file a personal injury suit against the at-fault driver. These accidents can cause huge physical, financial and emotional trauma to not just the victim but also to the entire family. Our Brampton car accident lawyers can ensure that your rights are safeguarded while we help you with getting the compensation you deserve.

Child Passenger Safety: Some Useful Tips

Posted on June 25, 2017 by singhadmin

Brampton personal injury lawyers often deal with cases where young children have been seriously injured in car accidents. There’s no kidding around child passenger safety – children and senior citizens are among the most vulnerable of passengers in vehicular collisions. They often suffer serious/fatal injuries that can permanently alter their lives and those of their family-members.

Although motor-vehicles are thoroughly tested before they are sold, a majority of accidents occur because of driver-error. Distraction, speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs, reckless driving, road rage, weather conditions, inexperienced drivers, unfamiliar roads and the use of cellphones/texting are some of the leading causes of motor-vehicle collisions. They result in horrible tragedies like the one that occurred in Innisfil, Ontario.

Studies show that motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of fatalities among children in Canada. Although all the ten Canadian provinces have stringent rules regarding child-safety seats, a large number of serious injuries/fatalities occur because of non-compliance with these rules. Misuse or non-use of child-safety seats, seatbelts etc are among the common causes of injuries. Ontario laws hold the driver of the vehicle responsible for making sure that a child-passenger below age 16 is properly secured according to their age, weight and size.

The Canadian Public Health Association clearly outlines the proper use of safety devices. The use of appropriate passenger restraints can reduce the risk of injuries in case of a collision. There are different types of restraints and safety devices for children based on their age, size and weight.

Rear-facing seats: for children below age 1 and 22 lbs
Forward-facing seats: for children ages 4-5, weighing up to 40 lbs
Booster seats: for children up to age 9, weighing up to 80lbs and height up to 145 cm.
Seat belts for all others.
Children should ride in the back seat till they’re 14.
Hard, loose toys should not be kept inside the vehicle.
Child-seats have expiry-dates. Never use, buy or donate a seat past its expiry date, marked at the back of the seat.
Ensure that you change the child-seat if your car has been in a collision, even if the child was not in the car at the time or the seat seems undamaged.

Moving children too early or too late to their age-appropriate category makes child-passenger-seats unsafe. If the child is too small for a seat-belt, but the parents strap him/her in without considering that a booster-seat may be more appropriate, this can result in serious injuries. Severe injuries to spinal cord and internal organs can result, causing what crash specialists call “seat belt syndrome .”

Never leave a child unattended in or around a car. Leaving a sleeping toddler inside a locked car even for a few minutes can be fatal. Drivers should never leave the keys in the ignition even for a second when there is an unattended child inside the car.

Organizations like the Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada

conduct regular courses for all those interested in reducing and finally eliminating the causes of fatal collisions and risks to child-passenger safety.

Contact an experienced car accident lawyer if you have been involved in an accident that has caused injuries to your children. You may be entitled to compensation.

Walk Safe: Pedestrian Safety Tips

Posted on June 21, 2017 by singhadmin

Brampton personal injury lawyers regularly handle cases where pedestrians have been seriously injured in motor-vehicle accidents through no fault of theirs.

Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable of road users. They are completely exposed to the forces of impact in a collision. Additionally, their age, gender and general health status can play a large part in the kind of injuries they sustain and significantly affect their chances of recovery.

Summertime is a great season for outdoor play, walks, running, picnics, cycling and this is also the season to be extra careful. Senior citizens who have been cooped up indoors during winter tend to step out to enjoy the sunshine and warmth, while kids take advantage of the longer daylight hours to play or engage in outdoor sports a lot more.

Figures released by the Ontario Road Safety Annual Report (ORSAR) reveal that the situation with the highest number of road fatalities in 2016 were pedestrian fatalities. Such accidents represent 20% of the total fatalities for the year. The months May through to October show a higher number of injuries and fatalities caused by collisions.

These figures emphasize the need for safe walking spaces for Ontarians. The Toronto Walking Survey quoted in a 2008 study recommends that more Torontans need to walk and maintain an active physical lifestyle. However, road safety for pedestrians is a huge concern in our increasingly crowded urban centers.

Who Is A Pedestrian?

Pedestrians are those who are not in or on a vehicle, whether motorized or otherwise propelled. They could be people in non-motorized wheelchairs or in a wheelchair that can’t travel at a speed higher than 10 kmph. They may also be pushing a bicycle or a wheelchair.

More male than female pedestrians tend to be killed in motor-vehicle collisions. Senior citizens above the age of 65 account for more than 35% of fatalities. Children represent about 3% of pedestrian fatalities. Peak hours for such accidents appears to be between 2 pm and 10 pm but the twilight hours accounted for 57% of the accidents.

Staying Safe

Toronto has adopted a pedestrian charter that addresses these issues. Several new rules have also been legislated by the Ontario Ministry for Transportation.

Meanwhile, as a pedestrian, follow these tips to stay safe:

Use crosswalks to get to the other side. Stay on the pavement.

Remember childhood instructions. Stop, Look both ways before you step off the curb.

Wear bright, light-colored or reflective clothing.

Seniors and children should preferably walk in groups.

Avoid headphones/cellphones/music.

Keep children off playing on streets.

Don’t try to beat crosswalk lights – they’re there to keep you safe.

If you or a dear one has been injured in such an accident, get immediate medical attention, no matter how minor you consider your injuries to be. Certain injuries tend to appear minor initially but later turn out to be life-threatening. It’s also important to report the accident from a legal and insurance perspective. As soon as possible, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer with expertise and knowledge in handling such cases. You may be entitled to compensation.

New Auto Insurance Rules: Difficult for Victims, Risky for Insurers

Posted on June 16, 2017 by singhadmin

Brampton personal injury lawyers are aware that the new regulations that will become effective June1, 2017 across Ontario have caused concern across the board. These changes were intended to reduce the high premium rate that was prevalent in the province. According to industry experts, auto insurance premiums in Ontario ranked among the highest in Canada. Though insurance is a regulated product, the rates are set by individual insurers before being reviewed and approved by agencies like the Financial Services Commission of Ontario and the Superintendent of Financial Services.

Rampant fraud was cited as one of the reasons for such high premiums and it’s one of the factors that had to be urgently addressed in this sector. In many cases, insurance companies failed to act in good faith, denying victims the compensation they rightfully deserved.

By law, all Ontario drivers must carry insurance for their vehicles. There is a no-fault insurance system in Ontario that deems that all injured victims are entitled to compensation regardless of fault. These statutory benefits are available from the victim’s own insurers.

If you or a dear one has been injured in a motor-vehicle accident that was caused by someone else’s fault or negligence, contact an experienced Brampton car accident lawyer. You may be entitled to compensation.

What Are The New Regulations?

The main changes include alterations to the Medical, Rehabilitation and Attendant Care benefits and benefits periods. Changes have also been made to standard deductibles, maximum interest rates, waiting period, underwriting/rating criteria and duration of payment for non-catastrophic injuries.

The premium payable depends on the type of coverage and limits chosen. The definitions of catastrophic/non-catastrophic injuries have to be well-understood while making a claim for compensation.

These and other highly-technical aspects of insurance contracts and regulations are matters that few injured victims and their families are familiar with. When accidents occur, most people are completely focused on the medical aspects and coping with the huge physical, financial and emotional consequences of the mishap.

Impact

The new guidelines can have a serious negative impact on the type and amount of compensation that victims and their families are eligible to receive.

The impact on the insurance brokers sector is also slated to be serious, as lawyers warn of more cases against brokers. A new Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT) for arbitration of disputes over the Statutory Accident Benefits Scheme (SABS) prevailing in Ontario has been created. This is expected to create some degree of confusion initially, as it can cause a mixed no-fault regime, with no clear division between the court system for tort claims and the arbitration system for SABS.

The new regulations emphasize the urgent need for insurance companies to inform and educate their clients about the requirement for higher benefits coverage and third-party limits. Failure to do so can result in more suits being filed against insurance brokers.

Filing for compensation in automobile accidents is a complex enterprise, with several complicated medical, legal and insurance issues being involved. Your rights and interests have to be safeguarded and protected. Our experienced 24×7 injury lawyers can help you deal with these aspects so that you and your family can concentrate on getting your life back on track.

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