Know Your Rights

In the case of a serious personal injury, it is extremely important that you choose a lawyer without delay. Here’s why:

• You have seven days to notify your car insurer of your intention to apply for accident benefits.
• Your insurance company may not honour its obligations and provide you with the benefits to which you are entitled.
• There are complex choices concerning accident benefits that should be made only after specialized legal advice.
• Since the benefits provided by your insurer are not completely compensatory, you will want to know if you have the right to sue.
• You may have the right to sue, but if you delay, you could miss statutory time limits that will deprive you of your rights.
• You may be able to sue, but only if a complete investigation preserves the evidence in your favour.

It is also important that you have an understanding of your rights and the legal process. Here’s what you should know:

• How do I know if I have a claim?
  If you are injured in an accident, you may have the right to make a claim against the person who caused or contributed to your injury. Claims for compensation can be made for injuries suffered in many situations and are often covered by insurance.
• What if the accident is my fault?
  If you are injured in an automobile, snowmobile, ATV, motorcycle or dirt bike accident, you are entitled to certain accident benefits (usually paid by your own insurance company), even if you are at fault for the accident. Further, depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may also be entitled to benefits from other sources. We can help you identify those potential sources and obtain the benefits to which you are entitled.
• Where do I begin?
  The first step is to determine if you have a claim. The quickest and surest way to do this is to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after a serious personal injury, since there are strict time limits and deadlines that must be met in order to avoid delays or disqualification from obtaining compensation.
• What if I am injured in an automobile accident?
  There is a special system for obtaining compensation related to motor vehicle accidents. Unfortunately, it is complicated. Our experienced professionals can help you obtain full and just compensation. There are two sources of compensation, both described below:
  • A claim against your own car insurance company or the car insurance company of another vehicle involved in the accident is called the Accident Benefits Claim; and
  • A claim against the at-fault driver is called the Tort Claim.
• Can I claim for other types of accidents?
  Yes. If your injury was caused by the negligence of someone else, you may be able to seek compensation. For accidents that do not involve motorized vehicles, accident benefits are not available. Generally, compensation for your losses will not be paid by the insurance company until the end of your case. However, in certain circumstances, we may be able to persuade the responsible party’s insurance company to make an advance payment.