Injured in a Car Accident in Ontario - How Do You Start an Insurance Claim

After a car accident in Ontario, the first concern is for the well being of everyone involved in the crash.   The primary focus will be on medical attention and treatment for anyone that has been injured in the car accident.  The nature and severity of the injuries will dictate the type of medical treatment rendered.  Among other things, treatment may include admissions at hospital, surgeries, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, etc.  Often times, the health recovery and medical attention can take many months or even years following an accident.  The injured person may be disabled (temporarily or permanently) from returning to ordinary activities such as work, household chores, and recreation.  The situation often leads to stress and, sometimes, financial hardship for the injured person and their family.  Faced with health issues, financial losses, and stresses following an accident, families often have little choice other than to commence an injury claim for insurance benefits. 

The insurance regime for motor vehicles accidents in Ontario is extremely complex and ever changing. Nonetheless, it is important to take appropriate steps early after a car accident to commence your claim and preserve your rights.  The initial insurance claim following a car accident is typically with your own auto insurance provider.  Ontario auto insurance policies include some coverage for health care expenses and income losses following a car accident. This coverage is available without regard to fault.  One of the first steps an injured person will need to take after an accident is to provide notice to the insurance company; advise the insurance company of the accident and let them know about injuries.  This can be accomplished by making a phone call to the insurance company and reporting a claim for injuries.  The insurance company will then provide a claim number and assign an adjuster.  The insurance company will also send out several forms that need to be completed and returned to the insurance company.  Although these early steps sound simple, they can have a major impact upon the amount of benefits available through the auto insurance policy and, as such, it is important to have the advice of an experienced car accident lawyer before submitting forms or other information to the insurance company.   The insurance benefits available will depend on the adjuster's assessment of injuries and whether the claimant meets the policy definitions for benefits.  

In addition to the claims for their own insurance benefits, an injured person may also be able to advance some claims against the at fault party, which are covered by the other vehicle's insurance.  In light of changes that have been made to Ontario's auto insurance policies, most accident victims will be required to advance claims against the at-fault party and their insurance policy.  This is because of major cuts to the benefits available under first-party insurance. The result has been that much of the benefits needed by accident victims has been pushed over to the other driver's policy.  This creates even more complexity and challenges for the injured person.  

If you have been injured in an accident, and have questions about your rights, call us for a FREE consultation.  We can answer you questions and help you make informed decision for your future. To learn more contact Iacobelli Law Firm toll free at 1-866-234-6093 or complete our contact form here to request your consultation. 

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