Fault Determination After an Accident

Being involved in an accident brings about a host of emotions that could cause the drivers and passengers to be confused and lose their memory some time until they are able to recollect their composure.  Many issues run through the mind which may trigger panic and anxiety from police reports to insurance claims.

It is a fact that car insurance rates tend to spike after an insurance claim on accidents which do not augur well with drivers. Insurance premiums are expected to increase with drivers who are found at fault in an accident unless no claims are submitted and the drivers make personal repairs.

Actions to be taken at the Accident Scene

There may be quite a bit of confusion once an accident happens. Tempers may fly and panic may set in amongst drivers and passengers regardless of who is at fault. There may be a lot of finger pointing and denials, but more important and relevant actions must be taken immediately at the scene of the accident.

A cool head and temper is vital to perform the necessary in an accident to allow the following processes to be activated smoothly even before the police arrive. Panicky drivers may wish to speak to a car accident injury lawyer immediately to obtain legal advice before making statements to the police or insurance company.

Drivers involved in a car accident must remember the following points in executing the right steps of action for their own benefit:

1) It is crucial not to admit fault or discuss it at the scene

2) Quickly record the facts for further investigation by relevant authorities

3) Take sufficient photos of the damage to all involved parties from all angles

4) Secure names of involved parties in the accident with their contact information

5) Take down contact details and statements  from witnesses

6) Make a police report

7) Contact a skilled and experienced car accident lawyer from our firm.

Determining Fault by Insurance Companies

Drivers who want to make an insurance claim to cover the damage inflicted through an accident would require their insurance company to be notified for approving the claim. However, the claim process may be lengthy and tedious with a long investigation with:

• Statements from drivers and passengers
• Statements from available witnesses
• Checking out photographs of the accident at the scene if available
• Assessing the damage on the vehicles and individuals
• Consider all road rules and posted signs around the accident scene

These stringent steps of investigation converge to determine fault and the cause of the accident from the collated data and information. Insurance companies in Ontario tend to apply the province’s Fault Determination Rules in determining fault in an accident.

Singh Barristers have lawyers who are well versed with these rules to help accident victims file their insurance claim.  If drivers with an accident claim need a personal injury lawyer to assist them, call our 24/7 Injury Hotline to arrange a free consultation.

Some road accidents could be caused by all involved drivers where respective insurance companies may agree on shared fault determination for their respective clients. Hence, the damage cost could be borne equally by all insurance companies or in various ranges depending on the degree of fault determined by the insurance adjusters. Our car accident lawyer will carefully review the facts and circumstances of the accident and will be able to give an opinion on liability.

Some insurance companies may exercise a no-fault insurance policy where the insurance company concurs to the claim regardless of who is at fault in the accident.  However, drivers may find their renewal premiums higher unless they seek out competitive insurance offers in the market.

Disagreeing With Insurance Company’s Fault Determination Decision

It is the driver’s right to disagree with the insurance company’s fault determination as written in the insurance contract; the driver could submit an appeal against the insurance company’s decision.

Our free consultation injury lawyer ontario who is skilled in car accidents and insurance claims would help the driver in the appeal process with supporting evidence and documents that would not make the driver liable for the damages incurred from the accident. We have experienced personal injury lawyers who are familiar in understanding and applying these fault determination rules.

If you, your family or a friend has been injured in an accident, please feel free to speak to one of our injury lawyers for a free consultation about how we are able to assist in making a personal injury claim. We consult in all cities across Ontario with a no win no fee guarantee. Our personal injury lawyers have helped victims secure millions of dollars in personal injury cases. Call us Toll Free On our 24/7 Injury Hotline: 1 - 844 495 7333.