How do I know if I need a car accident lawyer?

Minor accidents often don’t require the help of a lawyer, but it can be beneficial to take the time and consider seeking legal representation, no matter how small the accident may seem. Following an accident, you should ask yourself the following questions:

• Did you or a loved one suffer an injury?
• Have you suffered losses, either from pain and suffering or economically from missing work or paying for medical expenses as a result of the accident?
• Are you making a claim but are confused about the claims process?
• Did your insurance company deny your claim or make a poor compensation offer?
• Is liability not clear or, worse, were you blamed?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you should contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

How can a car accident lawyer help?

1. Providing you with the care and support that you need

   A good lawyer at the right personal injury law firm will make sure that you get the care and support that you need. In addition to providing legal services, a law firm can help your family by giving you access to additional experts, including Accident Benefits Consultants who can help to simplify the claims process, and Health Professionals who can help you access medical services that you and your loved ones require.

2. Gathering important documentation to meet deadlines

   Claiming compensation from insurers can be a very complex process that requires large volumes of reports, medical exams, and other related evidence. This can be an unwelcome burden for victims and their families who may be required to assemble and submit documentation in a timely manner while dealing with hardships in the aftermath of an accident. You will need the help of a personal injury lawyer who is experienced at dealing with insurance companies, understands the regulations and expectations, and can put you in the best possible position to succeed.

   Depending on the situation, if you don’t start your insurance claim process within a certain time frame, your right to compensation may be at risk. Often deadlines can come up sooner than you’d think, so it is important to contact a personal injury lawyer immediately. A personal injury lawyer can help to make sure that you understand any deadlines that might affect your claim and guarantee that you meet the deadlines.

3. Calculating compensation for your losses

   In Ontario, we have a “no-fault” insurance system, meaning that accident benefits coverage is available to all injured parties regardless of who is at fault. However, there isn’t a simple formula to determine how much coverage victims are entitled to receive. Calculating insurance benefits is tricky and takes into account many factors including past income loss, future income loss, and future medical expenses.

   Since the no-fault insurance system is so complex and no two accidents are the same, it is important for you to speak with an experienced accident lawyer about your case as soon as possible.

4. Dealing with insurance companies

   Sadly, even after filing your claim correctly and on time, insurance companies often try to deny, delay, or underpay benefits to injury victims. This could leave you stuck, fighting for the compensation you deserve while struggling to recover and rebuild your life.

   Securing fair compensation requires a strong understanding of insurance policies and the legal framework that insurance companies operate in. For that, you need the assistance of a personal injury lawyer.

5. Going to court to secure a fair settlement

   When a settlement is not possible, it may be necessary for your case to go to trial. There, a good personal injury litigator will be your best friend as you fight to secure the compensation that you deserve.

   Even if you do not want your case to go to trial, it is still important to be represented by lawyers experienced in litigation. Their reputation in court proceedings can help encourage insurance companies to offer you a fair settlement (they usually don’t want to go to trial either).

   Regardless of whether a settlement or a trial is right for your case, you need a lawyer who will help to provide you and your family with the best possible outcome.

Contact The Morris Law Group

If you or a loved one has been injured in a serious accident, contact The Morris Law Group for a free no obligation consultation with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers. We have been practising personal injury law in Hamilton and the Golden Horseshoe for over 60 years. We ensure that your rights are preserved and that you receive the personal attention you deserve. At our law firm we work on a contingency basis, meaning that you don’t pay until your case settles.

All personal injury firms will work to get you the best settlement, but only at The Morris Law Group will you get the care and support you need at such a difficult time. Contact us today.