In Barrie, Ontario, drivers must carry a standard auto insurance policy, which includes among other coverages, Statutory Accident Benefits. Statutory Accident Benefits provide compensation for any medical expenses you incur after suffering serious injuries in a car accident. However, these benefits do not always cover the full extent of your damages.
If you are unsure about the accident benefits you are entitled to or feel the insurance company is offering you a small settlement for your damages, an experienced car accident lawyer in Barrie can help.
Depending on the specifics of your accident, you might be eligible to file a third-party claim for additional benefits. Consult with an injury lawyer to discuss your case and learn more.
Our car accident lawyers can meet with you in Barrie for a free initial consultation. Call 1-877-573-3563
Following the Accident
The steps you take after leaving the scene of your car accident will have a significant impact on your ability to collect a settlement. The following steps will help you protect the value of your claim.
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Inform Your Doctor
If you were not taken to the hospital by paramedics immediately after the accident, it is wise for you to schedule a medical evaluation as soon as possible. Serious injuries are not always immediately apparent. When you see the doctor, be sure to inform him/her that you were in an accident. Once you receive a diagnosis and treatment plan, it is critical to your health and case that you comply with the doctor’s orders.
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Meet With a Lawyer
It is only a matter of time before the insurance company contacts you to request a recorded statement about the accident and your injuries. The insurance company may also ask you to sign a medical records release form, which grants them access to your complete medical history (something they do not need to make a decision on your claim). Be aware that this is a slippery slope.
Though the insurance company has the right to record your statement and ask for permission to access your medical records, it does not mean you have to agree to either request before you have had the chance to speak to a Barrie car accident lawyer. It is in your best interest to review your case with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer at our firm. We can prepare you for the insurance company’s questioning and ensure they only receive the medical records necessary to grant you benefits.
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Don’t Settle Quickly
A serious car accident can leave you with hefty medical bills and force you to miss work for days, weeks, even months. During times of financial hardship, it may be tempting to settle your claim as quickly as possible, but we recommend you to resist the urge. If your injuries are severe, it is likely you will require long-term medical care and specialized rehabilitation and therapy. Our firm will fight to ensure any offers to settle your claim include your current and future expenses and losses.
Eligibility for Third Party Benefits
If we can prove another person caused your car accident, you have the right to file a third-party liability claim.
When a car accident lawyer in Barrie takes a new client into their care, the generally examine all of the factors leading to the accident. This requires they collect evidence such as:
- Police reports
- Photographs or video of the accident scene
- Witness testimony
- Damage to the vehicle
Once we determine another person is at fault for the accident, we develop the scope of their liability. For a third-party liability claim to be valid, we must use the evidence listed above to prove:
- The other person owed you a duty of care to act in a reasonable manner.
- The other person failed to do so, and their negligent behavior caused the accident.
- You suffered direct, tangible injuries as a result of the accident.
When necessary, we will also call upon accident reconstruction professionals who reenact the event to determine the cause of the accident.
Value of a Claim
Once your doctor informs the car accident lawyer in Barrie of how your injuries will impact the quality of your life in the foreseeable future and what your medical needs will be, they can develop an accurate estimate of the value of your claim. When it makes sense to, the car accident lawyer will demand the insurance company include in their settlement offer the following types of compensation:
- Out of pocket medical costs
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- In-home health care or assistance
- Rehabilitation or vocational services
- Funeral expenses
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