Car Accident FAQs | Questions about Car Accidents

If you have recently been involved in a car accident, you may have some questions on what steps you should take to try to rectify the situation as quickly and thoroughly as possible. Here are some frequently asked questions received by car accident lawyers that you may find useful in your time of need.

1. What are my rights if I am injured in a car accident?

Your rights may be determined on a case-by-case basis so it is best to consult with a personal injury lawyer immediately. They can help you understand your rights pertaining to your specific case.

2. What information do I need to file an auto accident claim?

You will need the following information to file a car accident claim:

  • Location where the car accident occurred
  • Road conditions, condition of the vehicle prior to the accident, weather conditions
  • Exact date and time the accident occurred
  • Contact information of any witnesses
  • Contact information of the other driver and their insurance company
  • License plate number, make, model of the other vehicle

3. Should I notify my insurance company of the accident?

As a policyholder, it is your responsibility to notify your insurance company within the first seen days of the car accident. Failure to do so could negatively impact the outcome of your settlement. You should consult with a personal injury lawyer prior to speaking with your insurance company so that they can advise you on how to handle the situation. Avoid outright claiming responsibility for the car accident or pointing fingers at the other driver. Simply state the facts as you recall them.

4. What if I don’t have insurance?

If you do not have your own insurance but are injured as a passenger in a vehicle, you can still file a car accident insurance claim under:

  • The insurance company of the car in which you were travelling
  • The insurance company of the other vehicle involved in the accident
  • The insurance company of your spouse, relatives, or anyone else on which you are legally dependant
  • If all else fails, you can contact the Motor Vehicle Accidents Claims Fund in Ontario and apply for insurance coverage.

5. What if I was not in my own car at the time of the accident?

You can still claim accident benefits from your insurance company, regardless of whether you were in someone else’s vehicle at the time of the accident or hit by a vehicle as a pedestrian.

6. Can I sue if I was a passenger in a car accident?

Yes. If you were injured as a passenger in another person’s vehicle and they are at fault for the car accident, then you can file a car accident claim against that person. As a passenger who suffered a car accident injury, you can also file a claim against the driver of the other vehicle involved if they are at fault.

7. What if I am at fault for the car accident?

As per your contract with your insurance company, you are still entitled to receiving accident benefits according to the seriousness of your car accident injuries, damages to your vehicle, damages to the other driver’s vehicle, injuries of other parties involved (passengers, the other driver, etc.), medical expenses, loss of income, etc.

8. What if my injuries are a result of a different kind of accident?

If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence to maintain their property or because they behaved in a dangerous manner, you may still be entitled to some compensation. In this case, you should contact an experienced personal injury lawyer immediately to learn your rights.

9. How soon after the accident should I get a lawyer?

You should contact a lawyer as soon as possible following the car accident. The sooner you contact a qualified lawyer, the sooner they can begin working on your case and contact your insurance company or the insurance company of the other driver involved in order to work out a car accident compensation and settlement deal.