I Just Received Accident Benefits Forms Package from My Insurance Company - Do I need a Lawyer to Fill Out the Forms?

You were injured in a car accident in Ontario, reported it to your insurance company and now you received an envelope full of forms, what do you do now?  Should I speak to a car accident lawyer or fill out the accident benefits forms on my own? These are some of the questions you may be asking yourself, if you were injured in a car accident in Ontario.  The accident benefits forms themselves are standardized, so you will need to complete the same documents irrespective of which insurance company you are with.  So whether you are insured with Intact, Aviva, State Farm, Allstate, Certas or any other car insurance company licensed in Ontario, you will be asked to complete and submit the same forms. The initial form that you will need to complete and submit to your insurance company is the Application for Accident Benefits or OCF-1.  This form is completed by or for the injured person that is claiming accident benefits.  The other important forms that will need to be submitted quickly are the Disability Certificate (OCF-3) and, if you are unable to return to work, the Employer's Confirmation Form (OCF-2).  There are a number of different health care providers that can complete the Disability Certificate, but lawyers will often have preferences to the specialty or credentials of the health care provider depending on the nature and circumstances of the injury. If you require assistance with activities around your home due to your injuries, you should also have an assessment for attendant care needs performed by an occupational therapist, which will require the submission of additional forms. 

While there is no requirement to have a lawyer assist you with your injury claims following a car accident in Ontario, it is a good idea to get some advice.  Often, injury victims that complete the forms on their own and deal with the insurance company directly end up receiving far fewer benefits.  With that said, there is certainly no harm in meeting with a lawyer to learn more about the process, and the benefits that are available to you so that you can make an informed decision before deciding if you want to handle the insurance claim on your own.  Most people injured in car accidents in Ontario will ultimately benefit from the advice and guidance of an experienced Ontario car accident lawyer.  Car accident injury claims in Ontario are complex, with many rules and timelines that must be satisfied in order to receive compensation.  There are frequent changes to the law regarding car accident compensation.

Our Ontario car accident lawyers offer free consultations to car accident injury victims.  We can meet with you to review the circumstances of your case and will even assist you in completing your accident benefits forms for free.  There is no obligation beyond the initial consultation, and anything you share will remain confidential.   
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By: Andrew Iacobelli
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