The Necessary Steps to Take After a Car Accident

Despite numerous car and road safety enhancements, the chances of getting into a car accident remains high. The worst thing apart from sustaining possible injuries is the financial mess one can get into. To prevent the current problem from escalating, the first wise move you can do is to contact the police even if there are no signs of injury. This way, you can easily deal with your insurance company with a police report at hand.

If your camera still works after the accident, use it to take pictures of the scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries. Take note, however, that you should not get in the way of the police investigation. Keep these photos as supporting documents. Moreover, you should get all the pertinent information such as the contact details of all individuals, including the drivers and other passengers involved in the accident. Personal information of the witnesses, if there are any, should also be obtained.

Lastly, don't forget to always consult a lawyer because you have to protect your rights and the evidence you have gathered. Since insurance companies usually seek victim statements after an accident, legal advice should be sought prior to any statement release to ensure that in the end, you will get the compensation you deserve. 

A Close Look at the Challenges of Driving in Toronto

If you drive along Toronto's roads on your way to work or school and back, you know how much of a hassle it can be to get caught in a nightmarish jam. Having to deal with drivers prone to road rage can be a headache, but trying to understand careless pedestrians or bicycle riders who act like they're driving a truck can also be very frustrating.

“Count your blessings”, you might tell yourself. “At least I don't have to take public transport.” Even so, driving your own car is fraught with challenges, and one of those challenges is to prevent clueless but gutsy pedestrians from bumping into your car.

When countdown timers were put up in some Toronto intersections, many people believed that it was going to make both motorists and pedestrians more careful on the road. It seems that cautiousness, however, is relative. If a pedestrian has all the time in the world to spare, he is will be willing to wait for his turn to cross the street. Otherwise, you, as a driver, should not let go of the patience you were taught to adapt in driving school.

If you somehow figured in an accident that is by no means your fault in the first place, consult a local car accident lawyer. He'll be able to prove that you abide by Toronto's traffic rules.

Dealing with a Car Accident

The vibrant city of Toronto has an estimated 1.4 million highly skilled and multilingual workforce. Busy streets like Bayview Ave. and Leslie St. consequently get congested during the morning rush hour. To stay “productive”, some employees are tempted to check and answer their work e-mails on their smartphones while driving. Unfortunately, distracted drivers are highly likely to figure in accidents.

If you suffer injuries in an accident that was clearly the fault of a distracted driver, you have the right to receive “damages” for your medical expenses, lost wages, and future physical therapy expenses (if any). Under Canadian law, this is referred to as a “tort claim.”You can put forward a claim for accident benefits, which will be paid by the motor vehicle insurer of the person who caused the accident.

Keep in mind, though, that some insurance companies will try their best to convince you to agree to damages that are far less than what you are entitled to. Some insurers will even try to dispute the fact that the defendant caused the accident and instead pin the blame on you. To avoid these traps, it's best to seek the help of a personal injury lawyer who will negotiate with the insurance company and ensure that you receive a fair compensation amount.