How to Proceed With a Claim After You Are Injured in a Motor Vehicle Accident
After you have determined that you have sustained a personal injury, you must proceed quickly with your next steps.
Here are three important components of taking action with your claim following your accident.
1. Get a Lawyer
Seeking compensation for injuries can be a complicated process, so you should not make any decisions without being completely aware of your rights. A lawyer will handle the process of your claim, giving written notice of your intention to sue. He or she will also make sure that the accident benefit claim forms are properly submitted to the insurer. A lawyer will properly investigate your claim, and compile the necessary medical documentation needed to support your claim. If applicable, they will begin the lawsuit process within the allotted time limit. A lawyer is especially important to have when you are dealing with insurance companies.
2. Understand the Limits of Your Claim
Your lawyer will assist you in understanding the laws surrounding your claim. In Ontario, there are many time restrictions on your right to pursue a claim. Therefore, it is essential that you start your lawsuit and or accident benefits claim as soon as possible so you do not lose your right to pursue the claim.
3. Dealing with Insurance
When you are claiming accident benefits, you must notify the accident benefits insurer within 7 days of the accident and submit the forms within 30 days. In addition, you must provide information to support your claim like the motor vehicle accident report or medical documentation. Usually, your insurance company will send an insurance adjuster to speak with you about the accident and the injuries you sustained from it. Here are some important points to remember when you meet with the adjuster:
- Be aware that anything you say to the insurance adjuster will become part of your file, and may affect your future accident benefit claims.
- Only talk to the adjuster when you are medically able.
- Get legal advice before speaking with the adjuster. It is important to have a lawyer involved as early in the process as possible because anything you say to your insurance company can hurt you immediately or in the future. Your lawyer will keep you informed of your rights and help you stay on a level playing field with the insurer.
If you have any questions about insurance claims after car accidents, or would like to speak with a personal injury lawyer about the specifics of your case, call our team at Preszler Injury Lawyers today at 1-800-JUSTICE or fill out our contact form to book a free initial consultation.
