In our experience as Toronto personal injury lawyers, we have found that many people who are injured in accidents do not fully understand the legal process. There’s a reason for that: Personal injury law is very complex and difficult to understand. It can be intimidating for anyone to deal with the legal process particularly if they have just been in an accident and are preoccupied dealing with the aftermath. Unfortunately, when an accident occurs, waiting too long or not properly understanding your rights can cause you to lose the compensation or benefits you are entitled to. It is important to know your rights so that you can secure compensation and move on with the recovery of your injuries.
Here are some things you should know in case you do get into an accident.
Time is of the Essence
When you suffer an injury in an accident, you will typically be entitled to compensation. What few people realize, though, is that you can lose the compensation you are entitled to if you do not act quickly. For instance, you can lose your right to benefits if you do not file an insurance claim within seven days of an accident. Furthermore, there are often limitations on how long you can wait to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that you will lose your right to seek compensation. It’s important to call a personal injury lawyer right away, as they know how long you have to act.
Different Laws for Different Injuries
Personal injury law is complex. In fact, different injuries can have different laws associated with them. For instance, you may be entitled to a certain amount of compensation for a slip and fall but a different amount for another type of injury. Once again, having a legal professional assess your injury will help you determine what exactly your rights are.
Who is Responsible?
In many cases, there could be multiple parties responsible for your accident. In most instances, the individual who caused your accident may be responsible. However, it’s also possible for corporate or government entities to have some responsibility, and you may be entitled to seek compensation from their insurers.
Don’t Forget About Insurance
When people think of personal injury law, they often think of making a claim against the person responsible for the accident. However, in many cases, you are entitled to insurance benefits from your insurance company. Even if you caused an accident, you may still be entitled to benefits or compensation. Insurance companies are often difficult to deal with and may try to deny your claim. That’s why having a lawyer deal with your insurance company is crucial to ensure you receive what you are entitled to.
Different Entitlements
When you are injured in an accident, you are often entitled to compensation to cover your medical expenses and treatment, as well as any lost wages that may have resulted. However, depending on the injury, you may be entitled to other compensation as well. This could include compensation for pain and suffering and future loss of expenses. Family members can also be entitled to compensation in some situations, although that will depend on the circumstances of your case.
Taverniti | Vashishth LLP handles a variety of personal injury claims including road accidents, slips and falls, and catastrophic claims. We are equipped to handle the most complex legal and insurance issues arising from your accident. To arrange a free consultation with one of our lawyers, call 1-800-LAW-7032 or fill out the online contact form.