Frequently Asked Questions
You are far more likely to receive a favourable financial settlement by working with an experienced Toronto personal injury lawyer than you would otherwise. Typically insurance companies will downplay or dismiss the seriousness of a person’s injuries and try to take advantage of their lack of familiarity with the legal system. This is why it is important to speak with a personal injury lawyer before talking to the insurance company.
We operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that we do not get paid until and unless we are successful in obtaining compensation for you. Our fee model is designed to alleviate the financial hardship and stress experienced by our clients, many of whom are unable to work due to illness or injury. The fee our Toronto personal injury law firm charges at the end of your case is based upon a percentage of the amount achieved.
While every case is different, in our experience the typical personal injury lawsuit settles within three to five years (and possibly longer if the case goes to trial). You will want to hire a lawyer that you are comfortable with – one that is open, approachable, easy to talk to, available for your questions, and clear in their answers. Effective communication with your lawyer is key to ensuring you have the information you need to understand the process and make informed decisions about your case. This is especially true during settlement discussions or negotiations.
Based on the Ontario Limitations Act, 2002, you have two years to sue someone after an accident. In the case of a car accident, you must also file a claim for statutory accident benefits within 30 days of the accident. Timelines and deadlines to sue may be different if the injured person is a minor or without mental capacity. It is critical for you to get in touch with our Toronto personal injury lawyers as soon as possible to discuss the timelines and deadlines that apply to your case, and to gather evidence, witness statements, police reports, and medical opinions.
After you have received medical attention for your injuries, it would be ideal (if possible) to take photos from the accident scene and obtain witness contact details. You should also try to remember as much detail as possible and take down some notes as early as possible. The police should also provide you with the name and insurance information for the driver(s) responsible for the collision (and any other drivers involved in the collision).
Each case has a unique set of facts. During the initial free, no-obligation consultation, the experienced lawyers at Beyond Law can review the facts of your case and provide you with some guidance on this issue.
As your case progresses, investigations are conducted, and evidence is exchanged between the parties. Any of these factors can change our assessment of a case, which is why it is of utmost importance to hire a lawyer that you can trust.
You are entitled to statutory accident benefits regardless of fault. You may also bring a lawsuit even if you were partially at fault for the car accident. Your recovery will be based on the other party’s proportionate share of fault (also known as liability). For example, if you are found to have been 35% liable for a car accident you will be able to recover 65% of your damages (compensation) from the other party or parties.
Even if you do not feel your injuries are severe, you should contact a Toronto pedestrian injury lawyer immediately. Some injuries, both physical and psychological, might only reveal themselves with time, so consulting a lawyer as soon as possible is critical to know your rights and understanding the types of compensation available in a lawsuit.
Some bicycle accident injuries can result in memory loss before and/or after the accident. Our bicycle accident lawyers at Beyond Law can assist you in building a strong court case for any situation that arises following your accident.
