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1425 Dundas St. East, Unit 4
Mississauga ON, L4X 2W4

Motor Vehicle Accidents: Top Things to Know

MVA stands for “motor vehicle accident”. It is an umbrella term that describes many types of vehicle collisions that may involve drivers, passengers and/or pedestrians. Motor vehicle accidents are unfortunately a common occurrence on our roads, and they can have a significant impact on the lives of those involved. However, many myths surround the topic of car accidents, leading to confusion and misunderstandings among the general public.

 

In this article, we aim to dispel these myths and provide you with clear guidance on what to do if you find yourself in a car accident. Additionally, we will discuss the important role that personal injury lawyers can play in helping you navigate the legal and financial consequences of a car accident. Whether you are a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, it is essential to be informed about the steps to take in the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident.

What to do if you have been involved in MVA

If you or someone in the car is hurt, call 911 and request police assistance. It’s important to prioritize your safety and the safety of others involved.

Police must be involved if there are any injuries (even minor) and/or if vehicle damage exceeds $2000.

If you see or smell no smoke, it is safer to stay in the car especially if the collision happened on a busy highway. A state of shock is common in the immediate aftermath of an MVA — you may be injured but not feel like you are hurt. Wait for the emergency services to arrive before leaving the vehicle.

Document the scene of the collision if you are able. Take lots of photos and exchange insurance information with every driver involved. If there are witnesses, write down their names and contact information as well.

Don’t accept blame for the accident, even if you think you might be at fault. Let the insurance companies and legal professionals handle the situation and determine fault.

Do not call your insurance company from the scene of the accident. You have 30 days to file a claim. It is better to do so when you are safe and had time to assess the situation. If you are considering hiring a personal injury lawyer, have them contact the insurance company on your behalf.

Do not leave the scene of the accident unless cleared to do so by police. Even if no one was hurt and all parties involved agree that a collision report may be filed later, call the non-emergency police number (in Toronto, 416-808-2222) and verify with them first.

Personal Injury Lawyer

You have probably seen many ads for personal injury lawyers in Toronto — on buses, transit shelters, on TV and online. Because vehicle collisions are among the leading causes of hospitalization in Canada, topped only by slips and falls, the bulk of personal injury lawyers’ clients have MVA settlement needs.

 

Hiring a personal injury lawyer is not limited to major, life-changing injuries that warrant six-figure settlements. Even if you do not want to sue anyone, a personal injury lawyer will help with insurance claims and long-term treatment. You do not pay fees for the lawyer’s time — they work for the percentage of the final case settlement. The settlement may happen months or years after the claim is opened! You also have the freedom to close your case at any time, with no penalties or strings attached.

 

Here are some things to consider when evaluating the need for a personal injury lawyer:

Every car insurance policy has health coverage and treatment benefits. To receive them, however, you need to know they exist and to apply for them.
Many benefits that are potentially available to you are frequently denied for the smallest clerical errors on long, complicated forms. A lawyer will help you navigate the process and fight for the coverage you need.

Insurance companies ask a lot of questions about the details of each car collision. A lawyer speaking on behalf of the client will be able to offer as much relevant detail as possible to ensure the most accurate information about the claim is on hand.

Right after a vehicle accident occurs, the parties involved may be in shock, for hours or even days. You may not feel pain, but develop complications later on. Injuries are harder to connect to the MVA case as time progresses, but a lawyer can help here as well so you can get the treatment you need.

Most personal injury lawyer offers a free consultation. They will gladly hear the details of your claim and will help you assess your options and what kind of case you may have.

Breaking Down Misconceptions About Motor Vehicle Collisions

  •  If at least one party involved in a collision has car insurance, you have treatment coverage. Yes, accident benefits for treatments, not just car repairs! There are no exceptions in Canada.

 

  • If you are injured in a collision by a driver with no insurance or are a victim of a hit and run where the culpable driver can’t be found, your health costs will be covered by the provincial fund called Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund reserved for accident injury where no other insurance is available.

 

  • If you are not at fault for the collision, your insurance rate will not go up when you file a claim. Many people do not file an insurance claim for fear of having to pay more for insurance. This is not the case. Even if you are at fault, check your insurance policy for the first-time forgiveness clause.

 

  • If any party files a claim, this claim will be known to your insurance company, even if you are not the one to file it. So it is better to take advantage of the insurance coverage you have to obtain quality care.

 

  • If your injuries are extensive with long-term implications, consider hiring a personal injury lawyer. They will help you navigate the very complex insurance claim system that is designed to work against you — insurance companies do not like to pay up! Personal injury lawyers do not charge per hour — instead, they work for the percentage of the final settlement. So you don’t need to have extra money on hand to pay for their services.

We offer personalized consultation, integrated treatment plans and ongoing recovery support for MVA patients.

If you have been involved in the MVA and aren’t sure what the next steps are, please contact us to schedule a consultation with our case specialist.