If you’re a driver and find yourself involved in a car accident, your initial thoughts likely turn to your insurance premiums. Car insurance is required by law and can be expensive. The cost could rise after an accident if your insurance company decides you’re at fault.
However, it’s not as simple as someone being 100% to blame. If an insurance company decides you’re at least 50% at fault for an accident, then that’s when your car insurance rates will rise the next time you renew your policy.
If a car accident also resulted in you suffering an injury, then the last thing you need to worry about is trying to prove you weren’t to blame. That’s why hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you not just claim the compensation you deserve but also prove you weren’t at fault.
What Happens After An Auto Accident?
Even the aftermath of a minor car accident often feels stressful and hectic, but it’s essential to remain calm. Your first step should be to contact medical services if someone else hasn’t already. Next, take photos of the accident, including any other vehicles involved. When you’re claiming compensation, it’s a good idea to have as much evidence as possible.
Your next step is to file a report with your insurance company. According to Ontario law, this should be done within seven days. Failure to notify your insurers, either on time or at all, may result in your claim not being honored.
When you’re involved in a car accident in Ontario, your insurance company will use the Insurance Act and Fault Determination Rules to decide who’s at fault. Collecting as much information as possible, from the date, time, and location of the accident, to the names and license numbers of any other motorist, can only help your claim.
How Much Does Your Car Insurance Go up After an Accident?
It all depends on multiple factors. Namely, how many accidents you’ve had in the past, how much the current claim amounts to, and who’s to blame. It’s possible to get no-fault insurance but bear in mind that this means your premium can still be affected if you’re involved in an accident. Every case is different, which is why it pays to speak with a specialist, like one of our experienced lawyers at Diamond and Diamond.
Diamond and Diamond can help prove who’s at fault for a car accident and help with filing a claim. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Should I Do If I’m Injured in a Car Accident?
There are many ways you could sustain an injury as a result of an automobile accident. Some symptoms may not even become apparent until quite a while after a crash, which is why it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
A personal injury lawyer can help you get reasonable compensation to cover any medical expenses and loss of earnings or argue your case if an insurance company tries to settle for less than you deserve.