Hit-and-Run Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents happen. They are, sadly, an inevitable reality of modern life. When motor vehicle accidents do happen, they can result in serious injury and trauma, including orthopaedic injuries, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and psychological harm. To make matters worse, there are occasions when the person who causes the injury leaves the scene rather than rendering aid to the injured accident victim. We often call these “hit-and-run” accidents.
Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident can cause anger, fear, and uncertainty in an already stressful situation. Without knowing the identity of the culprit, or their insurance company, you may not know what to do or your legal rights. The Toronto hit-and-run accident lawyer can guide you through this uncertainty and help you achieve fair compensation.
Hit and Run Claims: All You Need to Know
Hit-and-run accidents can make the insurance claim process in Ontario more difficult. Even if you cannot identify the vehicle that caused the accident due to the driver fleeing the scene, your own automobile insurance policy still affords you protection both for statutory accident benefits (auto insurance benefits) and in the event of a lawsuit. Even if the other driver is never identified, you can still bring a lawsuit against your own insurance company pursuant to the underinsured, uninsured, and unidentified motorist coverage in your policy. A Toronto hit-and-run lawyer, like the lawyers at Beyond Law, can help you through the process.
If you do not have automobile insurance yourself, you still have options. The province of Ontario has set up a fund called the Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund, or MVACF. The MVACF is available to individuals injured by an uninsured or unidentified motorist and provides accident benefits coverage. The MVACF will also compensate an accident victim who brings a lawsuit arising from a hit-and-run accident; however, the policy limit is only $200,000 (whereas most motorists carry insurance limits of at least $1,000,000).
In many instances, especially accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists, the MVACF limits of $200,000 will be insufficient to compensate the victims for their injuries. Therefore, it is important that you take immediate steps to investigate the collision and identify the culprit, if possible. The Toronto hit-and-run lawyers at Beyond Law have extensive experience handling these types of claims and would be pleased to assist you in your time of need,
Hit and Run Accidents: What to Do
Your best chance to catch the person responsible for the accident is to record their car’s make, model, and licence plate number. If you could not do so, seek out people around the scene of the accident if they witnessed the accident and were able to obtain the driver’s information t. It is also a good idea to take these witnesses’ names and phone numbers. If the accident occurred in a public area, such as a parking lot or near a store, you or someone on your behalf can contact nearby property owners to see if they have security footage of the accident.
You will also want to notify your own insurance company as soon as possible (if you have one) to ensure the accident is reported in a timely manner and they are given the opportunity to conduct their own investigations. If you fail to notify your insurance company in a timely manner, they may decline coverage.
You should also contact a Toronto hit-and-run lawyer at Beyond Law to ensure that the above-noted steps are taken and your rights are protected from the very beginning. We go above and beyond to communicate with you, build your case, and resolve it in the most successful way possible.
Beyond Law offers free, no-obligation consultation sessions to identify potential paths to recovery and help you understand your legal options.
Consulting a Hit-and-Run Lawyer in Toronto
The hit-and-run accident lawyers of Beyond Law have extensive experience in dealing with motor vehicle accidents, including hit-and-run accidents. We understand the emotional, physical, and financial toll that severe injuries can have on victims and their families. We will work with you to ease as much of your stress as possible so you can have the time and energy to focus on your recovery.
We also understand that every client and every case is different. We do not believe in a “one size fits all” approach. With our broad experience, knowledge of the law and legislation, and thoughtful approach, we will ensure the right strategy is employed for your specific case. We will be by your side throughout the legal process by making things understandable and accessible. You’ll be able to ask tough questions, be confident in your decisions, and feel a sense of control as we put you in the driver’s seat.
If you or someone you love has suffered from a severe hit-and-run accident injury, don’t hesitate to contact our Toronto hit-and-run accident lawyers to find out how we can help you. Located in downtown Toronto, our team of Toronto hit-and-run accident lawyers is accessible in person or via phone, email, or video conference, representing clients from across the province, in Toronto, Whitby, Oshawa, or anywhere else in Ontario.
We collect and develop the necessary evidence to build a strong case so that you can receive the settlement you and your family deserve.
Wherever you live in Ontario, Beyond Law is here to help in your time of need.
When Should I Hire a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer in Toronto?
If you or a loved one has suffered severe injuries in a hit-and-run accident, working with a Toronto hit-and-run accident lawyer will make it far more likely to receive a favourable financial settlement than you would otherwise. In many cases, insurance companies will downplay or dismiss the seriousness of a person’s injuries and try to exploit the lack of familiarity with the legal system. This is why speaking with a hit-and-run accident lawyer before talking to the insurance company is essential. You must contact our Toronto hit-and-run accident lawyers as soon as possible to gather evidence, witness statements, police reports, and medical opinions.
How Much Does a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer in Toronto Cost?
We believe that access to justice should not be determined by a person’s financial circumstances or ability to pay but by the merits of their case. This is why we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you only pay legal fees on a percentage of recovery basis when your case is settled or once a verdict is obtained at a trial. Our fee model is designed to alleviate the financial hardship and stress experienced by our clients, many of whom cannot work due to illness or injury.
FAQs About Hit and Run Accidents
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