Auto Accidents
Overview
Why Do I need an Ontario Personal Injury Lawyer?
How We Can Help You In An Auto Accident
Here at Merricks Law Group, we handle virtually all types of personal injury claims. If we are able to accept a retainer on a contingency basis, the maximum rate we will charge is 33.33% but we would be happy to discuss in greater detail how a contingency fee agreement would work with your particular claim. Some of the claims we actively handle are as follows:
Common Causes of Auto Accidents in Toronto
Auto & Motorcycle Accidents
What is Contributory Negligence?
Toronto observes what is known as contributory negligence when it comes to auto accident claims. This means that if you were partially at fault for an accident, even if the accident was primarily caused by another driver, the amount of compensation you receive may be diminished by whatever percentage you are determined to be at fault. So, for example, if someone were to recklessly cut you off and caused an accident, though it was determined that you were traveling even slightly above the speed limit at the time of the accident, it may be ruled that you contributed to the accident. Therefore, if it is ruled that an accident was 80% caused by one driver, though you contributed 20% to the accident, you may still win compensation, though you will win 20% less than if you had not contributed to the accident at all.
Recovering Damages
If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, our Toronto auto accident lawyer can work to recover financial compensation on your behalf for two types of damages: economic damages and non-pecuniary damages. Essentially, economic damages cover the financial cost of an injury, such as surgeries, overnights at a hospital, the cost of rehabilitation, and more. On the other hand, non-pecuniary damages cover the cost of intangible, though very real damages, such as pain and suffering, the loss of enjoyment of life, and more. Years ago, there was no limit on the amount of non-pecuniary damages an individual can recover, however, this has since changed. Now, there is about a $400,000 cap on non-pecuniary damages.
Statute of Limitations for Auto Accidents in Toronto
When someone is injured in an accident as a result of another party’s negligence, they will oftentimes wait to see if their injuries heal on their own before taking legal action against the liable party. While this is truly understandable, our firm cannot advise you to do so, for there is a statute of limitations in place when it comes to personal injury claims. In most cases, the statute of limitations for auto accident claims is two years, giving you two years from the date of your accident to sue. Furthermore, if you were injured on a bus or another type of transportation owned by a municipality, you will have to file a Notice of Claim within ten days of the date of your accident. Waiting any longer will most likely permanently bar you from suing. We can assist you today–all you have to do is pick up the phone and give us a call.
Contact Our Toronto Auto Accident Lawyer
Latest Insights
