Ottawa Car Accident Lawyers

Car accidents are among the leading causes of serious injury and death in Ottawa. If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident in Ottawa, you may be facing significant medical expenses and financial difficulties. However, you don’t have to face these challenges alone.

At SG Injury Law, our top-rated Ottawa car accident lawyers can help. Call our office at (613) 518-2416 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Why Choose SG Injury Law for Your Car Accident Case in Ottawa?

Choosing the right lawyer after an accident can have a significant outcome in your case. SG Injury Law is uniquely qualified to help you recover full and fair compensation.

• We have a collective 25+ years of legal experience across the firm
• We focus almost exclusively on personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, and long-term disability claims
• As former insurance defence lawyers, we understand how insurance companies approach claims and how to counter the tactics they use to devalue and deny valid claims.

Common Types of Car Accidents in Ottawa

Car accidents are commonplace in Ottawa and across Eastern Ontario. Whether they happen on a highway such as the Queensway or 416; in Pembroke, Brockville or another town; involve a single-vehicle collision or a crash with a tractor-trailer, each car accident is different.

While collisions are commonly referred to as accidents, they are usually entirely preventable and a direct result of inattention or negligence. This can include:

• Sideswipe accidents
• T-bone accidents
• Rear-end collisions
• Head-on collisions
• Single-vehicle accidents
• Multi-vehicle accidents
• Highway accidents
• Accidents at intersections
• Rollover accidents
• Run-off-the-road accidents

These are only a few ways that your car accident could have occurred in Ottawa. If you have been involved in any of the previously mentioned types of motor vehicle accidents, or another type of car accident that was not listed above, contact our office to discuss your legal options for financial recovery.

Common Ottawa Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can cause catastrophic injuries and permanent disability. Even seemingly minor car accident injuries, however, can be debilitating and completely disrupt your life. Injuries of this nature can require weeks, months, or even years of medical treatment and care before you can regain as much function as possible and get back to your life.

Car accident victims may suffer from chronic pain or psychological conditions. Often this treatment is not funded by OHIP, which is why it’s essential to have an Ottawa car accident lawyer by your side.

Common car accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain damage
• Concussion
• Whiplash
• Head injuries
• Neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis
• Compound fractures
• Broken bones
• Loss of limbs
• Organ failure
• Internal bleeding
• Third-degree burns
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

It is important to note that the type of injury you sustained will not necessarily determine whether you have grounds for a claim. Instead, your Ottawa injury lawyer will need to carefully examine the ways your life has been affected by the accident to figure out if you have the right to financial compensation and how much you will need moving forward.

Liability for Car Accidents in Ottawa

To be awarded maximum compensation for your damages, your lawyer will need to determine who is responsible for causing your car accident. There are many parties who could share culpability for your Ottawa car accident injuries. Some of these could include:

• Negligent driving – under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, careless driving can encompass a number of different types of unsafe driving practices. Some of the more common might include distracted driving, drunk or drugged driving, drowsy driving, following too closely, failure to stop, failure to yield, making illegal turns, failure to use the turn signal, road rage, speeding, and more.
• Dram shops – Restaurants, bars, nightclubs, liquor stores, and other places that sell or serve alcohol to guests and patrons can be held accountable when they over-serve or sell alcohol to people who are already under the influence. If an impaired driver’s drunk driving causes you serious injuries, the dram shop may be held accountable as well.
• Government agencies – Who is at fault when the roadways are dangerous? The government agencies responsible for keeping the roads hazard-free and maintained could be accountable if you suffered injuries due to a car accident caused by hazardous road conditions.
• Other third parties – There are many other parties who could share blame for the car accident you were involved in. In cases where parts malfunctioned, auto distributors, parts designers, and manufacturers could share the blame. Other third parties who could be liable for your injuries include auto mechanics, safety inspectors, rideshare companies, and more.

If you hope to recover maximum compensation for your car accident damages, your car accident lawyer will need to carefully examine the circumstances of your case. We will work tirelessly to gather the evidence needed to uncover who is liable for your Ottawa car accident injuries.

Compensation Sources for Car Accident Victims

If you have suffered serious injuries in a car accident, you may be wondering how much your case could be worth if you made the decision to pursue your claim.

There are multiple ways you could recover the compensation you are entitled to after a car accident. These include filing a claim for no-fault accident benefits and pursuing an Ottawa tort claim.

No-Fault Accident Benefits

Under the Ontario Insurance Act, Ontario is a no-fault province for car accidents and auto insurance. This means you will be able to file a claim with your own auto insurance provider, no matter who is at fault for your car accident.

Even if you were liable for your car accident, you would be entitled to no-fault accident benefits through your insurance company. Some of the more common types of coverage you can collect from your no-fault accident benefits include:

• Full coverage of your accident-related medical expenses
• Costs of attendant care
• Caregiver service fees
• Income replacement benefits

It should be noted that there are certain limits and caps on the coverages, however, based on things such as the severity of the injuries that are sustained.

Ottawa Tort Claims

The second source of compensation is a tort claim in negligence. This is a claim brought against the driver who was at fault. The tort claim includes damages such as pain and suffering as well as compensation for other losses that are not covered by the no-fault accident benefits.

Some of the more common pecuniary and non-pecuniary damages that you could recover as part of your Ottawa car accident lawsuit include:

• Emotional distress
• Loss of future earning potential
• Diminished quality of life
• Disfigurement or scarring
• Loss of household services
• Loss of consortium
• Costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle
• Lost income
• Medical bills and equipment

There are different time periods that apply to making applications, providing notices and commencing lawsuits that apply to both the no-fault and tort claims. As soon as you are involved in a car accident it is important to speak to a lawyer right away so that your rights are protected.

Get Help From a Car Accident Lawyer in Ottawa

If you have suffered critical injuries in an accident caused by someone else, our reputable Ottawa car accident lawyers at SG Injury Law are here to help you recover full and fair compensation for your damages.

Lawyer Sean Giovannetti has handled countless no-fault and tort car accident claims throughout his career. Are you ready to get started on your case? Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation when you complete our online contact form, or give our office a call at (613) 518-2416.

FAQs

What should I do immediately after a car accident?

Seek medical attention, document the scene with photos, gather witness information, and report the accident. Avoid admitting fault, and consult an Ottawa car accident lawyer for guidance on protecting your rights and filing a claim.

What kind of compensation can I receive for a car accident claim?

You may be entitled to compensation for rehabilitation expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering, among other things. A car accident lawyer in Ottawa will assess your case and determine the full range of damages available.

Do I need a lawyer for a minor car accident in Ottawa?

Even for minor accidents, consulting a car accident lawyer in Ottawa is beneficial. An attorney can evaluate potential long-term impacts and negotiate with insurance to ensure you receive fair compensation for any injuries.

What evidence is needed to support my car accident claim?

Key evidence includes medical records, police reports, photos of the scene, and witness statements. An Ottawa auto accident lawyer will guide you in gathering and presenting the necessary documentation for a strong claim.  Beyond fault, evidence is needed in terms of expert medical opinions and from your treating health care providers. We will ensure you have seen the experts you need to build your case.

Can I file a claim if the other driver was uninsured or underinsured?

Yes, you may still file a claim through your own insurance under Ontario’s uninsured motorist coverage. An Ottawa car accident lawyer can help explore all options to secure compensation despite the other driver’s lack of coverage.

What is the process for dealing with the insurance company after a car accident?

Notify your insurer, file a claim, and submit all required documentation. Avoid settling without consulting a car accident lawyer in Ottawa, as insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. Your lawyer ensures fair handling of your claim.

What if the car accident involved a pedestrian or cyclist?

Accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists require careful handling. Consult with a personal injury lawyer in Ottawa to navigate the complexities of such cases, ensuring that all parties receive appropriate medical and financial support.

How can SG Injury Law help maximize my car accident compensation?

SG Injury Law’s Ottawa car accident legal services include investigating your claim, negotiating with insurers, and, if necessary, taking your case to court. Their experienced team fights for the highest compensation possible, protecting your rights throughout.

How soon should I contact a lawyer after a car accident?

It’s best to contact an Ottawa car accident lawyer immediately. Early consultation helps preserve evidence, meet legal deadlines, and build a strong case for maximum compensation from the start.