Car accidents happen every single day here in Toronto, and if you’ve been injured in a car accident due to no fault of your own, you should strongly consider reaching out to an experienced Toronto car accident lawyer here at Merricks Law Group Our firm has handled countless car accident cases over the years, and we have what it takes to do the same for you. Contact our firm today to learn more about how we can help you through every step of the claims process ahead.
Why Hire a Toronto Car Accident Lawyer?
We know how frightening and potentially life-altering a car accident can be, which is why those who are injured in car accidents in Toronto should hire a Toronto personal injury lawyer who is familiar with the roads, as well as the rules and regulations of the roads here in Toronto. You have just found that lawyer here at the Merricks Law Group. Mr. Merricks has effectively helped those injured in car accidents for over 30 years, and he is ready to put that experience and dedication to work for you. If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, you can depend on us to provide you with the quality legal representation you deserve and need to get back on your feet once again.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents can occur for a multitude of reasons, though they are most commonly a result of negligence. Some of the most common types of driver negligence are as follows:
- Distracted Driving: All too often, we see drivers with their heads and noses pointed downwards towards their phones. While distracted driving has always been an issue, it is worse now, more than ever, and if you were injured because of someone who was using their cellular device while driving, you will most likely have a valid personal injury claim.
- Driving While Under the Influence: Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is extremely dangerous, yet many people throughout Ontario take this gamble. If you were injured by a drunk or drugged driver, our firm will work to win you the compensation you deserve.
- Driving While Drowsy or Fatigued: While most of us do not think of ourselves as being negligent by driving home after a long day’s work, driving while fatigued slows peoples’ reflexes, and often, it leads to accidents.
- Speeding: An alarming percentage of motorists in Toronto drive over the speed limit, and, perhaps unsurprisingly, this frequently leads to serious accidents.
In the end, any violation of the rules and regulations of the road is considered a negligent act, and if you were injured due to negligence, Merricks Law Group is here to help.
What to do After a Car Accident in Toronto
After a car accident, the first thing you should do is call the police and ask the other driver for his or her insurance information. You should then take pictures of the accident and its aftermath and ask anyone who witnessed your accident for their contact information. Witness testimony can go a long way in a personal injury claim.
From here, after the police arrive and document the accident and an ambulance transports you to a hospital for treatment, you should ensure that you ask your physician for all medical documentation and bills associated with your injury. We can use this information to prove the extent of the injuries you’ve sustained as a result of your car accident.
Finally, you should retain the services of a seasoned Toronto car accident lawyer who can uncover all additional evidence needed to prove your personal injury claim, such as surveillance footage of your accident occurring in real-time.
Ontario’s Contributory Negligence Law
When someone is involved in an auto accident and can prove that they were not at fault for the accident, they should recover financial compensation to help cover the cost of any damages they’ve sustained. However, in Ontario, there is a contributory negligence law in place that essentially states that if you contributed to an accident, even slightly, you may still receive compensation, albeit a reduced amount by a certain percentage. For example, if it is determined that you were 10% responsible for an accident, while the other driver holds 90% responsibility for the accident, you will receive 90% of the compensation to which you were initially entitled. For this very reason, you need a skilled Toronto car accident lawyer on your side who can work to receive the maximum compensation on your behalf.
Recovering Compensation After a Car Accident
After fulfilling the burden of proof in your personal injury claim, you should recover compensation for two types of damages; they are known as economic damages and non-pecuniary damages. Economic damages deal with the financial burdens you’ve incurred as a result of your accident, including medical bills, lost wages, and more, while non-pecuniary damages deal with the non-monetary cost of your injuries, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement, the loss of enjoyment of life, and more. Keep in mind, however, that there is a cap on the amount of compensation you may receive through non-pecuniary damages in Ontario; this cap is currently around $400,000.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Ontario
Though you may wish to simply wait to see if your injuries heal on their own, our firm cannot advise you to do so, for there is a statute of limitations in place for personal injury claims in Ontario. The statute of limitations is, generally, two years, giving you two years from the date of your car accident to file your personal injury claim against the liable party. Waiting any longer than two years will most likely result in you losing your right to sue. We can help you today.
Contact Our Toronto Car Accident Lawyer
We understand the lasting impacts that a car accident can have on a person, which is why our Ontario personal injury lawyers are here to help fight for the compensation you need to recover from the physical, emotional, and financial burdens you’ve incurred as a result of your accident. Contact Merricks Law Group to schedule your free initial consultation with a Toronto car accident lawyer from our firm.
