How to Choose A Car Accident Lawyer in Ontario

Ontario’s roads see tens of thousands of crashes every year. The latest data from the Ministry of Transportation shows 49,106 vehicles were involved in fatal and personal injury collisions across the province. For those affected, the aftermath can be overwhelming, with medical appointments, lost income, vehicle repairs, and complex insurance claims all arriving at once.

In situations like this, you want to ensure you have access to the right car accident lawyer to help guide you through Ontario’s insurance system, negotiate fair compensation, and help you focus on recovery rather than paperwork.

This article breaks down what to look for when choosing a car accident lawyer in Ontario. Including everything from key qualifications and local experience to questions you should ask before hiring.

Before we get started, what does a car accident lawyer actually do?

What Does A Car Accident Lawyer Do?

Ontario operates under a no-fault insurance system, which means that anyone injured in a motor vehicle accident, whether they were at fault or not, can apply for Statutory Accident Benefits (SABS) through their insurer.

A car accident lawyer ensures that you:

• Receive all the benefits you’re entitled to, including medical and rehabilitation expenses, income replacement, and attendant care.
• Helps you understand your rights to pursue a tort claim under Ontario’s Insurance Act if your injuries meet the legal threshold for pain and suffering or if you’ve incurred significant financial losses.

Unlike general personal injury lawyers, car accident lawyers have in-depth knowledge of the province’s unique regulations and timelines. They’re familiar with how local insurers handle claims, what medical documentation is required under the SABS, and how to meet critical deadlines such as the two-year limitation period for filing a lawsuit.

A car accident lawyer’s experience allows them to guide you through every stage, from applying for benefits to negotiating a fair settlement or pursuing a court case when necessary.

Key Qualities to Look For In A Car Accident Lawyer

Once you understand what a car accident lawyer does, the next step is knowing how to choose the right one.

Not all lawyers have the same level of experience, and in Ontario, that experience can help your case proceed efficiently. The best lawyers combine legal skill, local knowledge, and a proven record of success when assisting clients.

Here are some of the qualities that matter most when deciding who to trust with your claim:

Quality	Why It Matters in Ontario
Experience with Ontario’s Insurance Act & SABS	Lawyers familiar with the no-fault system know how to secure benefits like income replacement and medical coverage while meeting strict filing requirements.
Strong Settlement Record	Proven results show a lawyer’s ability to negotiate with insurers and secure full compensation for current and long-term damages.
Trial Experience	While most cases settle, insurers take trial-ready firms more seriously, often leading to stronger settlement offers.
Clear Communication	Regular updates help clients make informed decisions and reduce stress throughout the claims process.
Transparent Contingency Fees	The best firms clearly explain what percentage they charge and when fees are due.
Access to Medical & Rehabilitation Experts	Partnering with doctors, therapists, and specialists strengthens claims and ensures all injuries, physical and psychological, are properly documented.

Why Preszler Injury Lawyers’ Proven Record Makes Us One Of The Best Car Accident Law Firms In Ontario

At Preszler Injury Lawyers, these qualities translate into real results for clients across Ontario.

Over decades of experience representing accident victims, our firm has achieved outcomes that reflect both the seriousness of our clients’ injuries and our deep understanding of Ontario’s legal framework.

Some recent examples of our car accident case wins include:

• $8.05 million settlement for a client severely injured in a car accident.
• $3.1 million compensation for a family who lost their father in a fatal collision.
• $2.57 million for a client who sustained a traumatic brain injury and soft tissue damage.
• $2.2 million for a pregnant woman struck by another vehicle; her child was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a result.
• Multiple additional settlements exceeding $1 million for clients with psychiatric injuries, chronic pain, and cognitive impairments.

These outcomes demonstrate what experienced, Ontario-based car accident lawyers can achieve when they combine legal knowledge with compassion and determination, helping clients rebuild their lives with the compensation they deserve. Please note that past results are not indicative of future results as each scenario is different.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring A Car Accident Lawyer

No matter which car accident lawyer you choose, asking the right questions ensures you know what to expect, how the lawyer works, how they’ll support you, and what kind of results they’ve achieved for past clients.

Make sure you ask practical questions such as:

• How many Ontario car accident cases have you handled in the past year?
• What is your success rate in settling vs. going to trial?
• What support will I receive during my recovery?
• How do your fees work?
• How will you determine the value of my case?

If you have suffered a serious injury, you will want to ask additional questions that are covered in our article on questions to ask a lawyer after a serious injury.

What to Expect After You Hire a Lawyer

Once you’ve chosen a car accident lawyer, you can expect them to take over the complex steps of your claim so you can focus on recovery.

In Ontario, this process involves strict deadlines, detailed paperwork, and coordination with multiple parties, all of which your lawyer manages on your behalf.

Of course, each case is unique, but here’s an example of what you may expect.

1. Case Review and Accident Benefits Application

Your lawyer will start by reviewing the details of your accident, medical records, and insurance coverage. In Ontario, you typically have 30 days to notify your insurer and apply for Statutory Accident Benefits (SABS).

These benefits can cover medical costs, income replacement, and rehabilitation expenses. Your lawyer ensures all forms are completed accurately and submitted on time, so nothing delays your claim.

2. Evidence Collection and Case Building

Your legal team will collect police reports, medical assessments, witness statements, and expert opinions to determine fault and quantify damages.

If your injuries meet Ontario’s threshold for pain and suffering, your lawyer may also pursue a tort claim against the at-fault driver for additional compensation.

3. Negotiation and Settlement Discussions

Most Ontario car accident cases settle before going to court.

Experienced firms understand how insurers approach negotiations and use evidence, expert reports, and prior case results to push for fair compensation.

4. Litigation (if necessary)

If a fair settlement isn’t reached, your lawyer will prepare your case for court.

In Ontario, most car accident lawsuits must be filed within two years of discovering your injury or loss. Your lawyer ensures this deadline is met, prepares the necessary court documents, and represents you in court if your case proceeds to trial.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer

While asking the right questions and understanding what to expect from your lawyer sets you up for success, it’s equally important to be aware of the mistakes that could jeopardize your claim.

Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of when hiring legal representation after a car accident:

1. Waiting Too Long to Get Legal Advice

Ontario has strict timelines. You typically have 7 days to notify your insurer of your accident, 30 days to apply for Statutory Accident Benefits, and two years to file a lawsuit. Many people wait to see if their injuries improve or try handling the claim alone, only to find out key deadlines have passed.

Getting legal advice early protects your rights and helps preserve evidence.

2. Choosing Based on Advertising Alone

A slick TV commercial or billboard doesn’t necessarily reflect courtroom skill or negotiation strength.

Look beyond marketing, review case results, client testimonials, and settlement history.

Firms with a proven Ontario track record, like Preszler Injury Lawyers, have the experience and resources to handle complex injury claims effectively.

3. Overlooking Communication and Accessibility

You should never be left wondering what’s happening with your case. A good lawyer keeps you updated, returns calls promptly, and explains each step clearly.

Consistent communication is a strong sign that your case will be handled with care.

4. Ignoring Fee Transparency

Most Ontario personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win.

However, not all firms explain disbursements or fee percentages clearly. Always ask for written details about how fees are structured before signing an agreement.

5. Assuming All Personal Injury Lawyers Handle Car Accident Cases Equally

Car accident claims involve unique rules under Ontario’s Insurance Act and SABS.

Hiring a lawyer who focuses on this area ensures they understand how to deal with insurers, medical experts, and the province’s accident benefit process.

Finding the Best Car Accident Lawyer in Ontario

Recovering from a car accident is challenging enough without having to deal with Ontario’s complex legal and insurance systems on your own.

Our car accident lawyers take that weight off your shoulders, handling negotiations, paperwork, and insurance communications while protecting your rights throughout the process.

In a province where strict timelines and detailed insurance regulations can affect your claim, having an experienced Ontario-based firm on your side makes a real difference.

Preszler Injury Lawyers has decades of experience representing accident victims across the province, helping clients recover meaningful compensation while offering clear guidance and ongoing support.

If you’ve been injured in a collision, don’t wait to get advice. Contact a lawyer who understands Ontario’s laws and can help you take the next step toward recovery and fair compensation with confidence.

Call 1-888-608-2111 today for a free initial consultation and learn how we can help you move forward with your claim.

We’re here to help.