Brockville Car Accident Lawyer
If you are dealing with the aftermath of a serious car accident, you likely have many questions. You may be faced with significant financial pressures from an inability to work. You may have suffered severe injuries that will affect you for the rest of your life. At this time, you may not know where to turn for help.
At SG Injury Law, we understand what you are going through. Our Brockville car accident lawyers can help you make sense of your situation, secure vital statutory accident benefits, and recover full compensation for your losses if another person was at fault for the accident. Call us today at (613) 518-2416 to schedule your free consultation.
Why Choose SG Injury Law for Your Car Accident Case in Brockville?
At SG Injury Law, we have dedicated our practice to helping victims of serious car accidents. We have extensive experience handling all manner of vehicle accident cases and ready to help you and your family.
- We have recovered millions of dollars in arbitration awards, settlements, and damages for our clients
- We take the time to focus on each client’s case— which means we often can only accept a limited number of cases at a time
- We are available to meet via video message, telephone, or in-person to discuss the specific details of your case
- We work with an exclusive network of healthcare providers to ensure our clients get the best medical attention and treatment throughout their recovery
Common Types of Car Accidents in Brockville
Car accidents in Brockville can often produce devastating injuries. These accidents can occur in a number of ways. However, there are some types of car accidents that occur with alarming frequency, such as:
- Rollover accidents
- Sideswipe accidents
- Multi-vehicle accidents
- Single-car accidents
- T-bone accidents
- Highway accidents
- Accidents at intersections
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end collisions
Types of Brockville Car Accident Injuries
Regardless of how the accident took place, collisions involving motor vehicles can result in devastating and wide ranging injuries.
These include:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Multiple types of paralysis
- Amputation
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck, back, and head injuries
- Third-degree burns
- Compound fractures and bone breaks
Car accident injuries often require substantial recovery time before victims are living their lives as “normal“ again. Even relatively minor injuries can turn your life upside down. During this time, you may require ongoing medical treatment and other healthcare expenses. Your car accident lawyer in Brockville can help you recover the compensation you will need to cover these costs. Your car accident lawyer will instead consider the ways your life has been affected by your injuries to determine your grounds for a case. If your life has been significantly impacted by your injuries, build a legal strategy to help you move forward.
Legal Responsibility for Car Accidents
The vast majority of car accidents are, in effect, not accidents at all. They are the direct result of negligence. This can occur on the part of a driver being careless or inattentive on the road, a vehicle or automotive parts manufacturer producing unsafe or defective products, or even municipal liability in the event that the road itself is unsafe.
Careless and Negligent Drivers
As previously mentioned, one of the most common causes of car accidents is unsafe driving. The problem is, careless driving can take many forms. Some of the more common types of careless driving include:
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Failure to stop
- Failure to use a turn signal
- Failure to yield
- Following too closely
- Impaired driving
- Making illegal turns
- Road rage
- Speeding
Under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act, careless driving is a criminal offense.
Careless driving
130 (1) Every person is guilty of the offence of driving carelessly who drives a vehicle or street car on a highway without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the highway. 2017, c. 26, Sched. 4, s. 17.
Penalty
(2) On conviction under subsection (1), a person is liable to a fine of not less than $400 and not more than $2,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than six months, or to both, and in addition his or her driver’s licence or permit may be suspended for a period of not more than two years. 2017, c. 26, Sched. 4, s. 17.
The penalties are increased in collisions that result in bodily injury or death. This means careless drivers may face criminal charges for their reckless driving depending on the severity of your injuries or those of your loved ones. This is in addition to the tort action you may have the right to file against them to recover your damages in their entirety.
Ontario Dram Shop Liability Laws
When you are hit by a drunk driver in Ottawa, you may be surprised to find out that dram shops could share liability for your injuries. Under the Ontario dram shop liability laws, specifically, the Liquor Licence and Control Act, restaurants, liquor stores, bars, nightclubs, and other establishments that sell or serve alcohol are prohibited from doing so to patrons who are already intoxicated or under the influence.
Sadly, many of these dram shops will violate the law to turn a profit. If your injury was caused by a reckless dram shop, they could be named as a liable party in your Brockville car accident claim.
Third-Party Liability
Careless drives and dram shops aside, there are many other parties who could share fault for your injuries depending on how your car accident occurred. For example, if a large pothole caused your car accident, then the government agency responsible for road maintenance could be at fault.
Or perhaps your car accident was caused when the other vehicle’s airbag suddenly exploded or the brakes failed unexpectedly. In cases of vehicle defects or malfunctions, you might have a claim against several parties such as the vehicle dealership, maintenance technicians, auto parts manufacturers, and more.
You can expect your car accident lawyer to carefully examine the evidence in your case to ensure that all parties who share liability for your injuries are named as such in your civil claim.
What to Expect From the Insurance Company
Dealing with the insurance company is one of the most tedious aspects of the claims process. Since Ontario is a no-fault province, under the Ontario Insurance Act, you can file an insurance claim with your own auto insurance company, as you are entitled to no-fault statutory accident benefits no matter who is responsible for causing your car accident.
You might believe that dealing with your own insurance company means you could access your benefits as soon as possible. However, this may not be the case. Insurance companies will almost always prioritize their own financial interests over those of their claimants.
Expect the insurance company to fight back and attempt to deny or reduce your benefits at every turn. Your car accident lawyer in Brockville will be by your side advocating for your right to the full and fair no-fault accident benefits you are entitled to.
How SG Injury Law Helps You Navigate the Legal Process
The car accident claims process can be overwhelming. However, with an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side, you can focus on recuperating while we handle the legal details of your case.
Contact our Brockville car accident lawyers today for a free and confidential case evaluation at (613) 518-2416.
FAQs
What compensation can I receive for my car accident claim?
Compensation may cover rehabilitation expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical care. A Brockville car accident lawyer can help determine the specific damages relevant to your case and pursue maximum compensation.
How long does it typically take to resolve a car accident claim in Brockville?
Resolution time varies by case complexity and cooperation of involved parties. Many cases settle within several months, but complex cases may take longer; sometimes several years to get to trial for a negligence claim.
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Brockville?
Seek medical attention, document the accident scene with photos, gather witness contact details, and avoid admitting fault. Contact a Brockville auto accident lawyer for guidance on protecting your rights and starting the claims process.
What evidence do I need to support my car accident claim in Brockville?
Gather medical records, accident scene photos, witness statements, police reports, and any related expenses. Then see your doctor or attend the hospital and follow all recommendations for treatment and rehabilitation. Brockville personal injury lawyers use this evidence to build a strong case and support your claim for full compensation.
Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault in the accident?
Yes, Ontario’s contributory negligence rules allow partially at-fault drivers to file claims under the Negligent Act. Compensation may be adjusted based on your fault percentage. A car accident lawyer in Brockville will assess and guide your claim. You can even claim benefits if you were 100% at-fault, through Ontario’s no fault accident benefits.
Do I need a lawyer if the car accident was minor?
Even minor accidents can lead to unexpected expenses and injuries. A Brockville car accident lawyer helps ensure fair compensation, even for smaller claims and prevents insurers from undervaluing your case.
How does SG Injury Law handle negotiations with insurance companies?
SG Injury Law leverages negotiation expertise to achieve fair settlements, using detailed case evidence and countering insurer tactics. For Brockville car accidents, legal help protects clients from low offers and pursues full compensation. Our past experience working for insurance companies gives you first hand knowledge and expertise when dealing with these insurers.
What is the time limit for filing a car accident claim?
In Ontario, car accident claims typically must be filed within two years of the accident date. Contacting a car accident lawyer in Brockville promptly helps protect your right to compensation. There are also notice periods for putting the at-fault driver on notice and additional timelines for claims for no-fault accident benefits.
Can I make a claim if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured?
Yes, you may still recover compensation through your own insurance policy’s uninsured motorist coverage. A Brockville car accident lawyer can guide you through the claim process to ensure coverage.
How can SG Injury Law help with long-term injuries caused by a car accident?
SG Injury Law connects clients with medical experts, evaluates long-term care needs, and seeks compensation to cover ongoing treatment, plus your damages for income loss and pain and suffering, among other things. Our car accident lawyers in Brockville ensure clients are supported to the fullest extent of their recovery.
Can I claim compensation for pain and suffering in a car accident case?
Yes, Ontario law allows claims for pain and suffering in car accident cases. A Brockville car accident lawyer will calculate these damages, factoring in the impact on your quality of life.
What happens if my car accident case goes to trial in Brockville?
If a trial becomes necessary, SG Injury Law provides representation, presenting evidence and arguing for fair compensation. As Brockville car accident lawyers, we are fully prepared to pursue justice in court and at trial if negotiations fail.
How do I know if I have a valid car accident claim?
If you suffered serious injuries or financial losses from the accident, you likely have a valid claim. Brockville auto accident lawyers at SG Injury Law will review your case and advise on the best path forward.
How does SG Injury Law help clients who are dealing with insurance companies after a car accident?
SG Injury Law handles all communication and negotiations with insurance companies, protecting clients from unfair tactics. With the top car accident lawyers in Brockville, clients can focus on recovery while we pursue maximum compensation.