After the accident/injury, what's next?
Tell us about your accident or injury.
or call 1 (866) 308-7722. We are here to help.
Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers
In a serious motor vehicle accident, a life can change forever in an instant. Whether you're a driver or passenger involved in a single or multi-vehicle crash, or a pedestrian or cyclist struck by a vehicle, the force of the impact can cause injury, disability or death.
The costs associated with managing such a life-altering event can be immense. Choosing an experienced, knowledgeable and trusted motor vehicle accident lawyer will be one of the most important decisions you make. They can help you access the benefits and recover the damages that you deserve.
Gluckstein Lawyers have been helping victims of motor vehicles accidents for almost 60 years. Our team has the expertise to handle the most challenging and complex cases.
If you or a loved one sustained a serious injury in a vehicle accident, contact a Gluckstein Lawyer as soon as possible for a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your options.
What Counts as a Motor Vehicle Accident?
Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents.
The different types of motor vehicle accident claims include:
- Automobile accidents: car accidents involving one or more vehicles caused by distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, vehicles in poor repair, hit-and-run collisions, weather-related accidents and/or dangerous driving.
- Long-haul transport truck and commercial vehicle accidents: these may result from poor training, unsafe working conditions, distracted driving, fatigue, impaired driving, and unsafe vehicle maintenance.
- Motorcycle accidents: these accidents often result in severe injuries or death because of limited rider protection from other vehicles.
- Cyclists or pedestrian accidents: typically involve motor vehicles colliding with a cyclist or pedestrian or otherwise causing a cyclist or pedestrian to injure themselves to avoid being struck.
- Bus accidents: municipal, intercity, school, or sight-seeing buses or coaches can be involved in single-vehicle or multi-vehicle collisions, which can injure passengers and others.
- ATV and snowmobile accidents: riders of these recreational vehicles must carry appropriate motor vehicle insurance coverage (with certain exceptions relating to private property), and may cause injury or be injured in collisions or roll-overs.
- Boating accidents: operators, passengers, or bystanders (swimmers, other boaters or people in the water or along the shore) can be involved in collisions or negligent actions occurring on the water or involving docks or other objects in the water or on shore, leading to injuries or death.
- Airplane and train accidents: excessive turbulence, crashes, collisions or derailments can result in catastrophic injuries and loss of life. Class actions or mass torts may be necessary if there are significant numbers of casualties.
Two Types of Motor Vehicle Accident Claims.
A person involved in a motor vehicle accident has two ways to make a claim for compensation:
- Anyone involved in a motor vehicle accident in Ontario may be eligible for the statutory accident benefits - even if they don't own a motor vehicle or have motor vehicle insurance coverage. These benefits are referred to as "statutory no-fault accident benefits".
- A person involved in a vehicle accident who is deemed to be not at fault or only partly at fault can file a lawsuit and make a tort claim for damages caused by another person's negligence.
Accident Benefit Claims.
A claim must be pursued by an automobile accident victim, through their own automobile insurance (or, depending on the circumstances, through the insurer of another vehicle involved in the accident), for:
- Medical and rehabilitation benefits
- Attendant care benefits Income replacement benefits
- Non-earner benefits
- Caregiver benefits
- Housekeeping benefits
- Death and funeral benefits
- Other benefits
While all these benefits are capped at certain amounts (that may change each year as a result of inflation), the nature and extent of your injuries, disabilities and personal circumstances will determine what and how much you will be eligible to claim or receive. If no one involved in the accident has motor vehicle insurance (or the accident is the result of a hit and run), you may be able to make a claim for accident benefits through Ontario's Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund.
The no-fault accident benefits system was designed to ensure that all motor vehicle accident victims (and certain eligible relatives) would be able to receive benefits to aid in their recovery in a timely manner. After a motor vehicle accident, you must notify your insurance company within seven days, or as soon as reasonably possible, that you wish to apply for no-fault accident benefits, and you must file a completed Application Form (OCF-1) with your insurance company within 30 days after receiving the documents from the insurer.
Insurance companies sometimes delay or deny these benefits unfairly. An experienced motor vehicle accident lawyer from Gluckstein Lawyers can help you fight to get what you deserve. We know how to deal with insurers to get results so that you can focus on healing.
Tort Claims.
A tort claim is a civil lawsuit against a negligent party involved in your accident, which caused or contributed to your injuries. Even if you were partly responsible for the accident, if someone else bears more of the blame, you can seek compensation.
While no amount of money can bring back all that you may have lost, awards for damages are designed to acknowledge your pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life and pecuniary (calculable) losses, including loss of income, health care expenses, Family Law Act damages (i.e. claims by certain family members), housekeeping and home maintenance expenses.
Your injuries must impact your life to a certain legal threshold for compensation to be recovered in a motor vehicle tort claim. You must provide evidence, mostly medical, to prove you have sustained a permanent serious impairment of an important physical, mental or psychological function; or, you must prove that you have suffered permanent serious disfigurement. You have two years to bring a lawsuit against the at-fault party for a personal injury.
Insurance companies may try to convince you that your injuries do not meet the "impairment" threshold, or they might make a 'lowball' offer to settle your claim early in the hopes that you won't pursue what you might rightly deserve. Gluckstein Lawyers' expertise with motor vehicle accident claims can be called upon to assess whether you have a case and what a fair settlement should take into account.
What to Do If You've Been Hurt in a Motor Vehicle Accident.
In the aftermath of a serious vehicle accident, you could be in a state of shock and/or so severely injured that you are incapacitated. However, if you are able to take certain steps, you can protect yourself, your loved ones and your rights by trying to do the following:
- Ensure all people involved in the accident are safe and stable.
- Call for help from first responders if any injuries require immediate attention. Always err on the side of caution if you are unsure; some injuries, such as brain trauma, internal bleeding, or other traumatic effects may not be obvious at first.
- Stay at the scene of the accident (if safe to do so, and if conditions permit) until it is appropriate to leave.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with all involved persons. Ask for contact information for any witnesses.
- If you are able to, take photos or video of your injuries and the accident scene.
- Make note of anything that could have contributed to the accident such as poor weather or visibility.
- Be discreet and limit what you say to other people involved in the accident and even your family and especially social media. You may unwittingly say something that could hurt your ability to obtain compensation.
- Go to the hospital for serious injuries and see your doctor as soon as possible for injury assessments and follow-ups.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer before speaking to any insurance provider (particularly one representing an at-fault party). However, report the accident to your own automobile insurer as soon as possible following the accident (or have someone do that for you if your condition prevents you from doing so).
How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help?
After a motor vehicle accident, dealing with insurers can feel overwhelming, especially when they attempt to minimize liability while you're already under immense stress. You may feel pressured to accept a low first offer, but this is where having an experienced advocate makes all the difference.
Gluckstein Lawyers understands the insurance process inside and out. We use our expertise and network of specialists to build a strong case for your accident benefits and damages, ensuring your injuries, disabilities, and financial losses are accurately assessed. Our team is not only determined to fight for your rights but also compassionate and committed to your recovery. With client liaisons and medical-trained staff, we provide full-circle care to support you throughout the legal process and help you rebuild your life after an accident.
Contact Us for Your Free, No Obligation Consultation.
If you're unsure about your next steps after a serious motor vehicle accident, a free consultation with Gluckstein Lawyers can provide clarity. We'll listen to your story, explore your options, and determine how we can assist in accessing benefits or compensation for your losses. If we can't help, we'll explain why and suggest alternative paths forward. With nothing to lose and so much to gain, contact Gluckstein Lawyers today.
Related Expertise.
FAQs.
Testimonials.
-
Karine P.B.
"To Derek and his Team at Gluckstein and Nicholson! I am writing this testimonial to express my most sincere gratitude for helping me through the most difficult time of my life. You and your team gave... -
Sandy H.
"I would highly recommend Gluckstein Lawyers. Charles and the team settled our vehicle accident case and I was very happy with the result. I appreciated how the process was not stressful at all. Some ... -
Tanya F.
"I wish Mr. Rastin and his team all the very best and am ever grateful for how well I was cared for and the compassionate, genuine and professional services that I was provided with. I will recommend ... -
Shirley M.
"Mr. Rastin listened very carefully to our concerns of the effect the injuries will have on our future. He also showed great compassion, something much appreciated when anxiety is all you feel." -
Nancy S.
"I knew I needed a lawyer but I had no idea where to begin or who to trust." -
Ning Bo
“The professional help we got from Charles Gluckstein and Jane Lou has brought us out of hopelessness."
Case Studies.
-
Ms. G v. Pilot Insurance Co., 2008
This is a matter where Mr. G and Pilot insurance went to hearing, appeal or Judicial Review on 9 separate occasions. This is one of the earliest, and most important, cases on catastrophic impairment a...Get More Information -
Aviva Insurance Company of Canada v. Danay Suarez, 2021 ONSC 6200
Steve Rastin successfully intervened on behalf of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association to the Ontario Divisional Court in this case to prevent a leading automobile insurer from preventing access to b...Get More Information -
Tomec v. Economical Mutual Insurance Company, 2019
Steve Rastin successfully intervened on behalf of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association in this Ontario Court of Appeal case where the principle that Insurance Litigation is consumer protection litiga...Get More Information -
Soullière v. Robitaille, 2014 ONSC 851
Derek Nicholson won over $9 million in this court decision for clients that were catastrophically injured in a motor vehicle accident.Get More Information -
Largest MVA Settlement in 2013
In January 2013, Derek Nicholson secured the largest settlement in Canadian History at the time. Mr. Nicholson won over $15 million in this court decision for clients that were catastrophically injure...Get More Information -
Younis v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, 2012
Joint cases that were argued before the Ontario Court of Appeal considering the “60 day rule” for required mediations under the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule. This was a leading case that promp...Get More Information
Team.
Blog & News.
-
Experience the Gluckstein Lawyers Difference
At Gluckstein Lawyers, we have proudly served the people of Ontario for over 60 years, dedicating ourselves to providing exceptional legal representation to those who have been seriously injured. Our ...Read Full Story -
Common Types of Cross-Border Injuries
The Canada-United States border is the longest international border in the world with more than 100 land crossings spanning almost 9,000 kilometres.Global Affairs Canada reports that an estimated 400,...Read Full Story -
Snowmobiling Can Be Fun But Be Aware of the Dangers
We live in a country of four seasons and even in winter, when temperatures are biting cold and the snow is flying, Canadians look for ways to enjoy the great outdoors. There are many winter activities...Read Full Story -
Ontario’s Most Dangerous Cities to Drive In
Automobile accidents occur every day in Ontario. And if you are injured due to someone else's actions, you need to see a personal injury lawyer. But what are the most dangerous places in Ontario for d...Read Full Story -
When Do Most Auto Accidents Occur and How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help?
With the recent arrival of winter, and the holidays approaching, it is important to keep driving safety a top priority. While we are all looking forward to spending time with family and friends, the w...Read Full Story -
Will Removing Bike Lanes Impact Cyclist Safety?
The bicycle lane debate in Ontario has been contested for decades. Both critics and advocates frequently provide convincing arguments about the necessity for bike lanes, whether they are a truly effec...Read Full Story
Podcasts & Videos.
Guides & Papers.
-
Guide
Effectively Navigating Injuries and Disabilities: What Benefits are Available to Employees who have been victims of a Motor Vehicle Accident?
What happens when an injured employee approaches you for advice on how to proceed with benefits? How does the person decide whether to proceed by way of tort claim and accident benefits and/or long te...Continue Reading -
Guide
The Employment Factor: How Motor Vehicle Accident Damages are Influenced and Impacted by Employment Benefits
The fundamental goal of the tort law system is to ensure that a plaintiff be restored to the position s/he would have been in absent the tortfeasor’s negligence.Continue Reading -
Guide
Proving Catastrophic Impairment Pursuant to the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule: Key Considerations
With the introduction of the “catastrophic impairment” under Bill 59 and Bill 198, further common acronyms for consideration are CAT (short form for catastrophic), CAT DAC (catastrophic determination ...Continue Reading -
Guide
In Search of Deep Pockets: Suing the Broker: Broker’s Negligence from a Plaintiff’s Perspective
Given the changes made to the insurance scheme in Ontario in 2016 and the resulting vast reduction in damages available to be recovered from an insurer, the nature of the practice of insurance law has...Continue Reading
Areas We Serve.
Offices
Locations We Serve
Tell us about your accident or injury. We can help.
At Gluckstein Lawyers, the initial meeting is free and without obligation on your part – and we never charge you legal fees until your claim is settled.