Every
Day, an Accident Occurs
Accidents in Toronto are on the rise. If
you have sustained a personal injury, seeking the advice of a lawyer in Toronto
may become inevitable.
According to statistics collected by Transport Canada, in 2010, over 130,000
Canadians were injured during motor vehicle accidents, over 2,200 of which
ended in fatality. Toronto is the most populated city, so, you can imagine what
percentage of those accidents took place on our roads and highways. Vehicles
operated by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) are involved in, on average,
3,500 collisions a year. Toronto has the highest rate of cycling accidents in
Canada. Out of every 100,000 people who ride their bikes, 42 will be injured.
An estimated 2,000 pedestrians are injured annually, simply while walking
Toronto sidewalks or crossing streets.
Help
Those Who Help Us
It may be more apparent that benefits be
allotted to someone who has been injured in a motor vehicle accident who is
employed and insured, as per the Ontario Insurance Act and Statutory
Accident Benefits Schedule. But what if someone is retired or is a
stay-at-home parent and the accident doesn’t involve any vehicles? What
recourse is available for the non-earner?
Scenario:
It is winter and your mother slips and falls as she walks to the store. Even
though she says that she feels fine, you have noticed cognitive and personality
changes. What should you do?
Your mother may have sustained a brain
injury. First: seek medical assistance. Second: consult with a personal injury
lawyer to identify potential negligence and what compensations may be
available.
Scenario:
Your spouse has an accident and is no longer able to be the primary caregiver
of your children and caretaker of your home. Is there a claim that can assist
you?
Yes, homemakers are eligible for care
giving and home maintenance benefits. Consult a personal injury lawyer for
advice on making this type of claim.
Scenario:
Your father does not speak English and is unsure if his insurance policy covers
him for long-term disability. Your father’s physician confirms that your father
is unable to work. Reading the insurance policy is confusing. Should you
call the Insurer?
No, speak with a personal injury lawyer
first. Insurance policies can be complicated and it is best to be fully
prepared before speaking with a claims adjuster. Indeed, you may want a lawyer
to advocate on your behalf. With regard to your father not speaking English, in
a city as diverse as Toronto, there are law firms that offer services in other
languages. At one notable firm, 30 different languages are spoken by lawyers
and paralegals.
Act
First and Act Fast
Never wait after an accident or loss before
consulting a lawyer. Some claims are time sensitive and a delay in filing may
cause a delay in compensation and even denial. The excuse; "I can’t afford a
lawyer” is not a valid one, as (1) free consultations are often available and
(2) experienced personal injury lawyers are often compensated when a financial
settlement is made.
Yes, accidents are all-too-common in
Toronto. But their effects may be mitigated through the expert guidance and
help of a personal injury lawyer familiar with the realities, diversity and
resources of Toronto living, from medical expertise to facilities for attendant
care as well as provincial legislation and policy.