Resources
Diamond and Diamond Personal injury lawyers is a leading Toronto personal injury law firm. Our team strives to provide the highest quality of service and feels that everyone deserves the proper resources to assist in the road to recovery. Below, we provide important tips relating to car accident injuries in Canada. If you are an accident, do not hesitate to reach us for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Important Things to Keep in Mind in the Event of a Car Accident
Insurance Claims
One of the most common problems people injured in car accidents encounter is dealing with insurance claims. Some insurance companies can be more difficult than others to deal with, but it is only when the time comes to make a claim that a specific insurer’s cooperativeness can be assessed. People who try to deal with the claims process themselves can often feel overwhelmed, especially if they are already coping with injuries sustained from the accident. For that reason, it makes sense to have qualified legal representation that can guide the victim through the claims process.
Liability
Aside from insurance claims, issues of liability may also be at stake. If the other driver was negligent or reckless, the injured party may be able to hold the at fault driver responsible for those injuries. Liability issues can also extend to other parties as well, such as the car manufacturer if it is found that the car was defective in some way. A personal injury lawyer at Diamond & Diamond can help determine what liability issues may be present in a specific situation so that the victim of a motor vehicle accident receives the full compensation to which they are entitled.
What To Do?
While the immediate aftermath of a car accident is likely to feel confusing and chaotic, victims should take a number of steps following the accident to make sure any future claims and legal issues can be dealt with properly. First and foremost, you must call for emergency assistance. Even for accidents that do not seem serious initially, it can be beneficial to have emergency personnel on the scene right away. Medical professionals are able to treat less noticeable injuries and diagnose long-term injuries that may develop in the future. It is also important to only give a description of the accident to the police officer and not the other drivers or witnesses involved. Similarly, be sure the report that the police file is accurate. Secondly, victims should try to collect as much information as possible from all parties involved, including names, contact information, and vehicle license plate numbers. Also, if possible, collect information from any witnesses at the scene even if they were not directly involved in the accident itself. Likewise, take pictures of the accident. Most phones nowadays have camera capabilities and this sort of documentation can prove extremely useful later on. Finally, call a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. These lawyers are trained to assess the situation and determine if there are any legal ramifications related to claims or liability.