Car Accident
Lawyer Barrie

Car Accident Lawyers Serving Barrie

Life after a motor vehicle accident can be overwhelming, and for many accident victims, the most challenging part is figuring out how to keep moving forward. Your medical expenses begin piling up, wages may be lost, and the psychological toll can weigh heavily on you.

However, you don’t have to tackle these challenges on your own. Schedule a free initial consultation and discuss your case with a qualified personal injury lawyer in Barrie.

With the help of our experienced personal injury lawyers, you can get the legal services and support you need to make informed choices and confidently move forward. We are a reputable personal injury law firm that has been serving Barrie for decades. Indeed, we are committed to providing the legal representation you need to claim compensation, whether through settlement negotiations or a lawsuit.

Our team of knowledgeable personal injury lawyers understands the uncertainty and stress that follows car accidents. That’s why we are ready to shoulder the burden of dealing with insurance companies and the legal system so you can focus on your recovery. Do not let fear or confusion hold you back – contact us today and schedule a free consultation.

Car Accidents: Major Causes and Statistics

Driving in Barrie, throughout Ontario Province, or anywhere else carries safety risks. Auto accidents happen within a split-second, and the resulting injuries can be severe or fatal. So, what causes these accidents?

Distracted Driving

The Traffic Injury Research Foundation warns that distracted driving is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents. 1 in every 4 fatal crashes involves a distracted driver. More alarmingly, research by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute has revealed that texting while driving increases the risk of a car crash or near-crash event by at least 23 times compared to careful driving.

To understand the dangers of distracted driving, consider a driver travelling at a speed of 62 miles per hour (about 100 km per hour). If this driver takes their eyes off the road for about 5 seconds to read or send a text, they will have travelled 453 feet blind!

Speeding

While it may save you a few minutes of your travel time, there’s overwhelming data that speeding can be deadly. The OPP warns that there were 404 deaths in 2023, which is a 14% increase from the fatalities reported in 2022. Of these fatalities, 94 were linked to speeding-related crashes. That means 1 in every 4 road fatalities in Ontario is a result of speeding.

Impaired Driving

Despite significant declines over the past three decades, impaired driving, whether by drugs or alcohol, continues to injure or kill Canadians. A 2020 report from Public Safety Canada indicated 77,600 cases of impaired driving across Canada. This is a decrease of more than 8,200 cases compared to the numbers reported in 2019.

A 2022 roadside study showed that 1 in 5 drivers tested positive for alcohol, drugs, or both. Surprisingly, 1 in 3 road fatalities were linked to impaired driving. These numbers underscore the importance of cracking down on impaired driving.

Reckless Driving

A recent survey by DIG Insights showed that over 58% of all respondents admitted to engaging in reckless and dangerous driving behaviours. 43% admitted to speeding, while 17% said they were distracted while driving. 8% of the drivers admitted to unsafe lane changes, and 6% said they drove aggressively at some point.

The chances of an accident happening significantly increase when a driver chooses to drive recklessly. In the end, no one wins. Careless driving jeopardizes the safety of both the driver and other road users.

Other causes of roadway accidents include negligent drivers, improper vehicle maintenance, ignoring traffic signs, stunt driving, and driving while fatigued. These behaviours also increase other types of accidents, such as motorcycle accidents.

If you or a family member has been injured due to another driver’s negligence, schedule a free initial consultation with our Barrie personal injury lawyers. We have successfully represented many vehicle accident victims in various personal injury claims. Let us help you recover compensation to get your life back on track.

The Role of a Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer

The days, weeks, and months after a car crash can be overwhelming to injury victims and their loved ones. Perhaps you are too injured to return to work, or you need costly medical treatment and rehabilitation.

At Grillo Law, our primary focus is to get you fair compensation. This financial aid will help you address your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses you suffered. Here’s how we can help.

Protect your Rights

If you suffered serious injuries in a road accident, you have seven days to notify your insurance provider of your intention to claim accident benefits. Unfortunately, insurance companies often deny claims for many reasons, including minor errors. Considering the benefits provided by an insurance company may not be completely compensatory, you should pursue other avenues for financial compensation.

Our personal injury lawyers combine a deep understanding of Ontario personal injury law and many years of experience to fight for your rights and protect your interests. Having our law firm on your side means accessing decades of law knowledge and reliable legal representation.

Investigate your Case and Gather Evidence

A critical aspect of your personal injury case is the accident investigation. To understand what happened, your Barrie personal injury lawyer will need to gather as much information as possible about the crash. Some of the sources we will explore include:

Your Medical Information

Immediately after an accident, it is recommended to seek medical attention. Depending on the severity of the injuries arising from the accident, your medical costs can add up quickly. Our Barrie personal injury lawyer will work with medical professionals to document the full extent of your injuries. We will also acquire records to compile evidence that paints a complete picture of your current and future medical expenses.

Police Reports

When police arrive at any road accident scene, they first ensure the safety of everyone and document the scene. Then, they create a report that includes a statement on the possible cause of the incident. Our personal injury lawyers will acquire this document to establish what caused the car collision and determine who was to blame.

Accident Scene Reconstruction

During an accident scene reconstruction, our personal injury lawyer will assess any skid marks, vehicle damage, and other pieces of evidence to recreate the moment before, during, and after the accident. An accident scene reconstruction may be necessary if there’s insufficient evidence to prove a key aspect of your claim.

For instance, if there’s a dispute about speed—how fast you were going—an accident reconstruction expert can help recreate the moments before and during the crash. This can help get conclusive answers to speed-related questions.

Photo and Video Evidence

If a nearby surveillance camera had captured the incident, our personal injury lawyers could have found it. Similarly, we will find any photos or video clips that may have been taken by passersby or other parties involved in the accident. Photos and videos can better illustrate the weather, time of the day, environmental conditions, and the moments before, during, and after the accident.

Witness Statements

If bystanders were at the accident scene, our personal injury lawyer could talk to them and get the first information about what they saw. In addition, we will work with expert witnesses, like accident reconstruction scene experts, medical professionals who treated you, and others to help paint a clear picture of the accident, the losses you suffered, and its impact on the quality of your life.

Assess Damages

Unlike animal attacks, an auto accident can turn your life upside down, especially if you suffer severe injuries. Our personal injury lawyers will use the information gathered during our investigation to determine the immediate costs and the long-term cost of the accident on your life.

We will evaluate your current and future medical treatment costs, the impact of your injuries on your ability to return to work, and the psychological injuries (emotional toll) you endured. By evaluating the full extent of your injuries and other losses, our personal injury lawyers can ensure all relevant costs are included in your personal injury claim.

Negotiate Fair Settlement

Building a strong tort claim requires significant analysis and meticulous work. Our personal injury lawyers will handle all behind-the-scenes tasks to ensure your accident benefits claim is undeniable and comprehensive evidence is available to back it up.

During settlement negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company, we will advocate for fair compensation and ensure you are not shortchanged. If the insurance company fails to negotiate fairly, we will take your personal injury case to court.

Full Legal Representation

While many personal injury claims are settled during settlement negotiations, having an experienced personal injury lawyer represent you strengthens your position. If your claim proceeds to trial, we will stand by your side during the entire legal process, fighting relentlessly for your right to fair compensation.

At Grillo Law, our team of personal injury lawyers have decades of experience and are committed to helping you get the compensation you deserve. We will handle all administrative tasks, provide legal advice, and use our network to ensure you get reasonable care.

When to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

The sooner you retain a personal injury lawyer after a motor vehicle collision, the better. Even if you think you suffered minor injuries or losses, consider getting a reliable personal injury lawyer in Barrie. Injuries and other losses tend to be more severe than initially thought, and your insurance provider is likely to object to your personal injury claim no matter what. Here are circumstances under which you need a skilled lawyer.

You Need to Secure Financial Compensation

You probably know an accident has cost you money, time, and emotional energy. But how much are these losses worth? If you suffered catastrophic injuries, who will handle the entire case for you and obtain the amount of compensation you deserve?

If you are not clear about the true value of the losses you have suffered, you will be losing significant financial resources you are legally entitled to. You might end up paying for costs related to a car crash you didn’t cause. However, having experienced personal injury lawyers on your side empowers you to fight for and get the financial compensation you deserve.

Determine Liability

Liability or fault determination plays an integral role in personal injury cases because it determines who will be financially responsible for the injuries and losses resulting from a collision. Without fault determination, insurance providers and other authorities cannot access someone’s degree of liability and offer appropriate legal protection or compensation.

Keep in mind that you can still obtain accident benefits from your insurance provider regardless of who was to blame for the accident. A skilled Barrie personal injury lawyer can provide practical advice on your legal options and ensure you make informed decisions.

Review the Settlement Offer

If you get a settlement offer from your insurer, don’t rush into making a decision. Most insurance providers often offer low settlement amounts, hoping that claimants will accept quickly. Therefore, it’s recommended that you consult a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer in Barrie to review the offer and ensure it matches the amount of compensation you are entitled to.

Experienced personal injury lawyers can evaluate the nature and severity of your injuries, the losses you have suffered, and non-economic damages. They also consider the current and future impact of the accident on your life. Working with such legal professionals empowers you to determine if a settlement offer is worth it or not.

Types of Car Accident Injuries

It’s crucial to understand that you may not know the nature and extent of your injuries while at the accident scene. That’s why it’s recommended to seek immediate medical assessment, no matter how minor your injuries may seem. Here are the injuries you are likely to suffer if you are involved in a car collision.

Head and Back Injuries

These are among the serious injuries associated with vehicle accidents and can be challenging to recover from. For instance, a traumatic brain injury can be mild or severe. The latter means your brain injury may have lasting cognitive impairments.

Another category of head and back injuries is a spinal cord injury. These injuries can cause partial or complete paralysis, which is why they are often classified as catastrophic injuries. Note that paralysis can happen right away or take time to manifest. If you suspect you have suffered a significant impact on your spine, let the medical personnel on-site check you for spinal cord injuries.

Neck and Chest Injuries

Personal injuries to the chest and neck are prevalent in vehicle accidents. The momentum of being violently thrown forward can cause whiplash, broken ribs, bruises, broken bones, heart attack, or even death. Get medical attention quickly if you have suffered thoracic trauma.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Strains and sprains are examples of soft tissue injuries. A sprain occurs between joint bones such as the elbow or knee. On the other hand, a strain occurs within a tissue or muscle that connects to a bone. These injuries are less severe than brain injuries and broken bones. However, it doesn’t mean you can skip medical attention.

Arm and Leg Injuries

Vehicle accidents are a significant cause of arm and leg injuries, including broken bones, loss of a limb, dislocated joints, and fractured bones. While most of these injuries are apparent, others, like a fracture, may not be noticed immediately. While mild pain in your arm could indicate a sprain, it can also be a sign of a fracture. So, get a medical assessment immediately.

Other car accident injuries include penetrating injuries (an object punctures your body), organ damage, internal injuries, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Whether you suffered minor or serious personal injuries, work with a reputable law firm to pursue compensation for the damages you suffered.

Our knowledgeable lawyers have helped many victims of accidents file personal injury lawsuits and secure a better financial future after suffering a severe or catastrophic injury in an accident.

Types of Motor Vehicle Cases We Handle

Whether you are a pedestrian, driver, passenger, or any other road user and you were injured in a car accident, our Barrie personal injury lawyers are ready to help. We have an impressive understanding of Ontario’s personal injury law, and we have been providing personal injury litigation services in Barrie for over three decades.

Indeed, Grillo Law is one of the top-rated personal injury law firms that have helped thousands of injured victims to recover compensation. We can help handle personal injury lawsuits involving slip and fall accidents, medical malpractice, long-term disability claims, and other issues. Whether the accident involved a car, truck, motorcycle, boat, public transport vehicle, or all-terrain vehicle, contact our Barrie office and speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer.

How to File a Car Accident Claim

If you have been injured due to another person’s negligence, you are entitled to financial compensation. Here are important steps you should follow after a car crash.

Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Treatment

After an accident, your health should be a priority. Some injuries, like broken bones, may be apparent, while mild brain injuries may take some time to manifest. Regardless of how minor your injury seems, get a medical assessment right away.

Step 2: Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer

Navigating personal injury cases can be overwhelming unless you have skilled personal injury lawyers in Barrie. The lawyers will ensure you understand your rights, gather evidence to support your claim and fight relentlessly to secure the amount of compensation you deserve.

Step 3: Notify the At-Fault Party

With the help of our Barrie personal injury lawyers, you can notify the other party or their insurance provider about your intention to seek compensation for the injuries you suffered. Our lawyers can help identify all parties responsible for the incident and handle the notification process.

Step 4: Filing a Personal Injury Claim

If your case wasn’t settled during the initial negotiation with insurance providers, you have up to two years to file a personal injury case in court. Our Barrie personal injury lawyers can help draft a Statement of Claim outlining all the allegations against the at-fault party and the amount of compensation you are seeking.

In the context of a car crash that caused a serious personal injury, we can help you claim accident benefits pursuant to the SABS (Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule). Note that this is a different claim from any legal action based on negligence against the accused.

Step 5: Discovery

During this phase of your claim, documentary evidence should be shared between the parties involved. Either party is allowed to conduct an examination for discovery. Further negotiations may happen during the discovery in attempts to settle your claim.

Step 6: Trial

If all negotiations with the at-fault party or their insurance provider aren’t successful, our personal injury lawyers will take your case to trial. During the court trial, both sides will present their evidence, and a judge or jury will make a final decision. We will represent you throughout the entire process and advocate for your right to fair compensation.

Schedule a Consultation with Our Barrie Personal Injury Lawyers

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you were injured in a car-related accident. Legal assistance and representation from our personal injury lawyers may be the difference between fair compensation and claim denial.