In some places, like the Bahamas, winter is not an issue. People go there to get away from the winters of the United States or any other place where the temperature becomes too cold to bear. In a Canadian winter, it is very dangerous to drive without the necessary safety precautions. An estimated 30% of car accidents in Canada happen on snowy or icy roads. That’s a large statistic, and so we have decided to write this article to address this relevant issue. In this article, we will discuss how and why you should seek legal help in case of a car accident where you believe you were not at fault. In fact, even if you were at fault, in certain situations you can still claim compensation under Canada’s laws!
Legal Representation
First of all, we need to understand the process of the accident itself. In Canada, in order for you to be able to drive on the road you must have car insurance, regardless of whether you are driving a motorcycle, minivan, or sedan. If you are caught driving without insurance, the fine will vary in different provinces. If you get into an accident, you absolutely must remain at the scene of the crash – fleeing the scene is wildly illegal. If no one was injured in the accident, and the damages were less than $2,000, however, then you are not obligated to call the police.
Before you seek legal help, you must report the accident to a Collision Reporting Center. The services of this institution are free and they are devoted to helping drivers report any minor accidents. As soon as possible, you should contact a personal injury lawyer to guide you in the right path to make a claim. At the same time that you contact a lawyer, you should also report the accident to your insurance company to make sure you get good compensation for physiotherapy and to repair your vehicle. Seeking the best law firm will give you a better chance of being compensated. In Ontario, typically WSIB lawyers versed in slip and fall and work-related injuries also specialize in cases related to vehicle collision, get some WSIB experts on your side if you’re serious about obtaining the full compensation that you are eligible for.
It is important to know that no matter who was at fault, the people who were injured in the accident are eligible to some sort of compensation. In Ontario, in order for you to receive any compensation, the injuries need to be either permanent or very severe, and they’ll always fall into two categories:
- Pain and Suffering
- Loss of Income
If you were the victim of the accident, and you were not at fault, you can file a lawsuit to sue the person who caused the accident. Though it is a lengthy process, sometimes taking up to a year to settle, it is imperative that you do it. You’re entitled to receive compensation for an accident that was not your fault.
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