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Cars in traffic

What is No-Fault Insurance?

No-fault insurance is a type of auto insurance that can be confusing for many drivers. If you’ve ever wondered what it is and how it works, you’re not alone. 

No-fault insurance, also known as personal injury protection (PIP), is a type of car insurance coverage that covers medical expenses and other related costs regardless of fault determination rules. It is a system designed to reduce the burden on the court system by minimizing lawsuits and legal disputes to determine fault for an accident. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about no-fault insurance, and who it benefits. So buckle up and let’s get started!

Cars in British Columbia on the highway

How No-Fault Insurance Works

Under a no-fault insurance system, each driver is required to carry their own car insurance coverage, which provides coverage for medical expenses and lost wages resulting from car accidents, regardless of who was at fault. This means that if you are involved in a car accident, regardless of whether you caused the accident or not, you can recover medical expenses and lost wages from your own insurance company.

Under no-fault insurance, the process is simplified because the insurance companies of each driver involved in the accident pay for their insured’s medical expenses and lost wages up to a certain limit, regardless of who caused the accident. This means that there is no need to determine fault, which saves time and money for all parties involved.

Benefits of No-Fault Insurance

One of the main benefits of no-fault insurance is that it provides a quicker and more streamlined process for accident victims to receive accident benefits for their injuries. This is because there is no need to go through a lengthy legal process to determine fault, which can take months or even years.

No-fault insurance also provides a level of protection for drivers, as they are able to receive accident benefits for their injuries regardless of who caused the accident. This can help to alleviate some of the financial stress that comes with being injured in a car accident and can provide peace of mind for drivers.

When Do You Need A Lawyer for No-Fault Insurance Claims?

While the no-fault insurance system is designed to simplify the process of obtaining accident benefits for injuries sustained in a car accident, there are situations where it may be necessary to hire a car accident lawyer to help with the process. Below are some scenarios where you may need a lawyer for no-fault insurance claims:

Insurance Coverage Disputes:

There may be situations where your own insurance company disputes coverage for your claim. For example, your own insurance company may argue that your medical treatment is not necessary or that your injuries and medical bills are not related to the car accident. A lawyer can help you navigate the insurance company’s appeals process and advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive the coverage you are entitled to.

Denied Claims:

Unfortunately, there may be situations where you are denied accident benefits by the insurance provider. In this case, a lawyer can help you understand why your claim was denied and advise you on the next steps to take, such as filing an application to dispute any denials.

Long-Term or Permanent Injuries:

If you have sustained long-term or permanent injuries as a result of a car accident, you may require ongoing medical rehabilitation and have ongoing medical bills, as well as future lost wages and other damages. A lawyer can help access your long-term disability benefits.

Car accident at fault car in a collision being towed

What are the Benefits of No-Fault Insurance?

One of the main benefits of the no-fault system is that it allows the injured parties to receive accident benefits quickly for medical care, without having to wait for a legal settlement or court judgment. This can be especially important for those who are unable to work due to their injuries and need immediate assistance.

Kalsi & Associates Fights For You

While no-fault insurance may seem confusing at first, it is an important system designed to reduce the burden of determining fault for an accident. By understanding the basics of no-fault insurance and its benefits, you can make informed decisions when it comes to your auto insurance policy. 

If you’re ever in a car accident, remember to contact a personal injury lawyer from Kalsi & Associates. They can help guide you through the process and explore your legal options, while you get on the road to recovery. 

car with smashed windshield after an accident

What To Do After a Car Accident

Car accidents are a common occurrence in Ontario, and knowing what to do in the aftermath of a collision is crucial. Whether you’ve been involved in a minor car accident or a major collision, it’s important to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your rights. 

This blog post will provide you with a step-by-step guide on what to do after a car accident in Ontario.

Post-Accident

damaged red vehicle after a car accident

Here is a guide for what to do following a car accident.

Collect Evidence

After an auto accident in Ontario is to exchange information and begin collecting evidence. This evidence will be necessary when filing your insurance claim for accident benefits

Take photos of the vehicles involved, including their license plates and any damage sustained. Make sure to take photos from multiple angles, as well as any skid marks or debris on the road. In addition, get the contact information of any witnesses who may have seen the accident. Witnesses can provide an account of the events that took place and can be incredibly valuable when it comes time to file a claim. Remember to exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver involved as well. This information will be necessary when filing your insurance claim.

Call the Police

If you or anyone else involved in the accident is injured, or if damage to the vehicles involved appears to exceed $2000, be sure to call emergency services right away. It is also recommended to call the authorities if the incident took place on private or municipal property, if a government vehicle was involved in the accident, or if you suspect any of the other parties to be guilty of a criminal code offence, such as driving under the influence.

The police will come to the scene, assess the situation, and make a detailed report of the accident. This report will be invaluable when filing an insurance claim, as it provides an official record of what happened. Not only will the police report help with the insurance claim process, but it can also be helpful if legal action is necessary down the line.

Seek Medical Help

Injuries sustained in a car accident may not always be immediately apparent, and some symptoms may take days or even weeks to manifest. Seeking medical attention after an accident is crucial to ensure that any injuries are identified and treated promptly.

Obtaining a medical report can be useful when making an insurance claim, as it provides documentation of any injuries sustained in the accident. Even if you feel fine after the accident, it’s important to get a medical evaluation to rule out any underlying injuries or conditions that could cause problems in the future. Remember that your health and well-being should be a top priority after an accident, so don’t hesitate to seek medical help if you need it.

Report the Incident

If the accident resulted in significant property damage or injury, it’s crucial to report the incident to the nearest Collision Reporting Centre nearest to you within 24 hours, especially if the police were not called. The Collision Reporting Centre is a facility that is designated by the Ontario government to receive and document reports of car accidents. Reporting the accident is required by law, and failure to do so could result in legal repercussions.

When reporting the accident, be sure to bring all of the necessary information, including your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. You will also need to provide details about the accident, including the time and location, the number of vehicles involved, and any injuries sustained.

Contact Your Insurer

If you’re involved in a car accident in Ontario, it’s important to report it to your insurance company as soon as possible. Under Ontario’s no-fault insurance system, the drivers involved deal with their own car insurance companies, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.

When reporting the accident to your insurance company, you will need to provide basic information about the collision, such as the time, location, and nature of the accident. You may also need to provide information about any injuries or property damage that resulted.

Your insurance company will likely conduct their own investigation of the accident, which may involve gathering witness statements or consulting with experts in accident reconstruction. To help facilitate this process, you should provide your insurance company with any relevant information and evidence about the accident, such as photographs of the damage, medical bills or reports, police reports, and contact information for any witnesses.

Contact Kalsi Law if you Have Been Involved in a Car Accident

A car accident can be a traumatic event, leaving individuals overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. It’s crucial to stay calm and take the necessary steps to protect your legal rights. 

To recap, make sure everyone involved in the accident is safe and seek medical attention if necessary. Contact the authorities and report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Gather as much information as you can from the scene, including names, contact information, and insurance details of all parties involved, as well as photos of the damage and location of the accident.

It’s important to note that insurance companies may not always have your best interests in mind, so it’s crucial to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can guide you through the process and help you receive the compensation you deserve. 

A car accident lawyer from Kalsi Law can help you navigate the legal system and ensure that your claim is properly filed. We understand the complexities of car accident cases, our lawyers are committed to fighting for your rights and obtaining the best possible outcome for you.

Contact us today if you require legal assistance in the aftermath of a car accident.

crushed car from car accident

How to Sue for a Car Accident

How to Sue for a Car Accident

Car accidents can be a traumatic and costly experience. In Ontario, compensation for many car accidents is provided through insurance coverage in the form of statutory accident benefits and therefore do not require a lawsuit. However, if you have suffered significant injuries due to the recklessness or negligence of another driver or third party, you may be entitled to sue for your pain and suffering and future health care costs. You might also be able to sue for losses that have not been covered by your insurance company. 

It should be noted that personal injury lawsuits can be complex. It is therefore advisable to consult a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to help you navigate the legal process. Nevertheless, if you have been involved in a car accident and plan on suing, it is important you understand the steps involved.

 

Steps for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit

gavel from car accident court case

Here are instructions to follow after you have been involved in a car accident that will improve your odds of a positive legal outcome.

 

Gather Evidence

The first step in suing for an automobile accident is an important one – gathering evidence. The key pieces here are taking pictures of the scene, getting the contact information of any witnesses, and securing a police report. These will be necessary components to support your case going forward. It is also important to keep track of any medical expenses you may have incurred as a result of the collision, as well as any days off work that were taken due to the physical injuries received from the accident.

 

Report the Incident

When it comes to reporting the accident, there are several timelines to be aware of:

  • If the amount of damages exceeds $1,000 or if there has been an injury, you must report the accident to the police.
  • If you want to report an accident and the authorities were not involved at the time, you have 24 hours to report the incident to the Collision Reporting Centre.
  • You have 7 days from the date of the accident to report it to your insurance provider.
  • You have 30 days from the time you receive the Accident Benefits package to submit your completed application. 
  • If you plan to sue for the car accident, you must notify the individual you are suing within 120 days of the accident.
  • In all cases, you must file the lawsuit within two years of the incident.
  • For car accident claims against a provincial or municipal government, you need to provide written notice of your intention to sue within 10 days of the incident.

 

Consult a Car Accident Lawyer

When considering legal action for a car accident, it is recommended to work with a personal injury lawyer. Experienced personal injury lawyers can provide invaluable insight into the value of your claim, they can help you choose the best strategy for proceeding, and they can carefully guide you through each step of your personal injury claim.

Many personal injury attorneys offer no-cost consultations and take cases on a contingency fee arrangement. In other words, payment is only required if they win the case, and it will come as a portion of the car accident settlement.

 

File a Lawsuit

When it comes time to file your lawsuit, you will do so with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. In your car accident claim, you will need to provide sufficient evidence and a thorough description of how the accident occurred, what physical injuries were sustained and what level of compensation you are seeking.

Ensure that any details you provide are accurate and that you have collected all the necessary evidence before filing the lawsuit. This is an invaluable step that will give your case the best chance in court.

 

Contact Kalsi Law if You Have Been Involved in a Car Accident

As you can see, suing for a car accident is a complicated process fraught with regulatory rules and procedures that must be followed. As such it is crucial to seek the assistance of a knowledgeable motor vehicle accident lawyer who has knowledge of long-term disability benefits and personal injury lawsuits.

With years of experience in the field of personal injury law, Kalsi Law has the experience to guide you through the legal process of your car accident lawsuit and give you the best chance of receiving the compensation you deserve. Contact Kalsi Law today for a free consultation.

Book with law on the cover underneath gavel and personal injury document

What is a Personal Injury Lawyer?

What is a Personal Injury Lawyer?

A personal injury lawyer is a type of attorney that represents individuals who have suffered physical or emotional harm as the result of the negligence or wrongdoing of another person, company, or entity.

 

A personal injury lawyer is an invaluable asset when dealing with the emotional and physical harm caused by someone else’s negligence. They can provide you with a range of services, from helping to understand your legal rights and options, to providing advice on how to effectively pursue a claim for damages. A personal injury lawyer can also handle negotiations with insurance companies or other parties in order to secure a settlement that fully recognizes the compensation you deserve. 

In this blog, we will explore what personal injury lawyers do and how they can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. With an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side, you are in a much better position to obtain full compensation for your injuries. 

 

What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?

The primary objective of a personal injury lawyer is to help their clients, who have suffered an accident and get the compensation they are entitled to. This can involve negotiating with the responsible party’s insurance company to reach a settlement, or filing a lawsuit and taking the case to court if a settlement cannot be reached.

Personal injury lawyers also provide legal counsel and representation to their clients throughout the legal process, which can include helping with tasks such as completing paperwork and gathering evidence to support your case.

 

What Kind of Cases do Personal Injury Lawyers Deal With?

Personal injury lawyers represent individuals who have suffered in various accidents. The types of cases they handle include but are not limited to:

  • Car accident / motor vehicle accident
  • Slip-and-fall accident
  • Short-term and long-term disability benefits

 

What are the Benefits of Working with a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Here are some of the ways personal injury lawyers bring value to their clients.

 

They Have the Necessary Experience

Personal injury lawyers have the knowledge and experience to help you navigate all aspects of the legal process such as analyzing the merits of your case and your accident benefits, representing you in court, negotiating your settlement, and managing other litigation outcomes.

Even for those with a law background, handling a personal injury case can be difficult without knowledge in this specific legal field. As a result, working with an experienced personal injury lawyer is recommended to maximize your settlement.

 

They Give Your Case Added Leverage

A personal injury lawyer increases your chances of being fairly compensated for an accident. When looking to maximize insurance claims, insurance companies are more likely to take a personal injury claim seriously if it is being handled by a lawyer. This is because they know the lawyer will be prepared to take the case to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

 

They Have Resources That Will Save You Time

Pursuing a personal injury claim can be time-consuming, especially if you are intent upon thoroughly investigating your case to gather evidence. A personal injury lawyer has the resources to handle the legwork on your behalf so you can use the time to recover from your injuries.

 

Less Stress in a Stressful Situation

The physical and emotional damage of an accident is already a lot to deal with. But add on the stresses of the entire legal process, and it can truly be overwhelming.

Having a good personal injury lawyer on your side gives you confidence and peace of mind, knowing your case is being handled by an experienced lawyer who can walk you through every step of the process.

 

Kalsi & Associates – Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers in Ontario

An accident can change your life. Which is why, at Kalsi & Associates, we offer the personal injury law experience needed to protect the rights of accident victims, maximize their settlement, and address all their related concerns.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, contact us today for a free consultation.

Woman Dead, 15 injured After Multi-Vehicle crash in Brampton

Source: CBC News

Police are asking people to avoid the Queen Street and Gore road area after a serious multi-vehicle crash was reported Saturday morning leaving 15 injured and 1 woman dead.

According to the police, 10 cars and a tractor trailer were involved in the incident causing multiple people to be trapped underneath their vehicles. Paramedics that arrived at the scene reported one woman dead, 13 people were transported to local hospitals, and two men were rushed to trauma centres in Toronto.

As Cont. Sarah Patten states, the driver of the tractor trailer is currently being held in custody by the police following the collision and is expected to face several charges including 2 counts of dangerous driving, one for causing death and another for causing bodily harm.

Injured in an Accident?

Don’t deal with your injuries alone. Kalsi & Associates Personal Injury Lawyers provide expert legal advice and representation for various types of personal injury cases and insurance claims. We proudly stand by your side to help you receive the maximum compensation that you deserve. For A Free Consultation – Call 1-844-90-LAWYER | 1-844-905-2993

Fatal Crash Leaves Passenger Dead, 2 Drivers Injured in the West End Of Toronto

Source: CBC News

 

One passenger is dead along with two drivers injured in a crash at Bathurst Street and Steeles Avenue West on Tuesday morning. Emergency crews responded to the incident around 5:30a.m

 

As indicated by police, a Nissan Altima eastward on Steeles Avenue West was going at high speed when the driver lost control, spun out, and hit the back of a Toyota Highlander at Bathurst Street.

 

The Driver of the Nissan Altima suffered life-threatening injuries and the passenger endured fatal injuries. The driver of the Toyota Highlander also sustained serious injuries.

 

According to Toronto paramedics, the passenger of the Nissan Altima was pronounced dead at the scene. Both drivers were rushed to the trauma centre. Paramedics have identified one of the drivers as a 35-year-old man

 

Police have not released the age & gender information of all individuals involved in the crash. Any witnesses or drivers with dashboard footage should report to the police.

 

 

Injured in an Accident?

Kalsi & Associates Personal Injury Lawyers provide expert legal advice and representation for various types of personal injury cases and insurance claims.  We strive to help car accident victims to obtain the compensation that they deserve. For A Free Consultation – Call 1-844-90-LAWYER | 1-844-905-2993

Slip & Fall Accident Lawyer Brampton, Ontario

Falls are one of the Top Reasons Canadians are Getting Injured

Source:

Global News
The Global And Mail
Huffington Post

Accidental falls have been stated to be the most common cause of injury in Canada by the Canadian Institute for Health Insurance. These often lead to a trip to the emergency department and occasionally the injuries are severe. In 2017, it was reported that 1800 people rushed to ED after sustaining a fall and out of these, 417 people needed to stay overnight at the hospital. Elderly people were the ones with severe injuries while children and young adults were also recorded.

Injuries caused by slip and fall increase during the winter season because of snow, ice, and other slippery conditions. Although the government of Canada tries to do its best to maintain non-slipper sidewalks and other surfaces but even a single patch can make an individual fall down and break a bone.

Most Common Injuries after Slip and Fall

The most common types of injuries sustained after a slip and fall accident in Canada are:

1. Head injury
2. Broken lower leg and ankle
3. Broken hip

Hip injuries happen very commonly when a person falls down while walking but this problem is very serious for seniors because, at their age, they lack the physical strength to completely heal and may end up with a lifelong problem. Complications related to hip injury can be fatal too.

Reduce the Risk of Falling

Falling happens by accident and there isn’t much you can do to protect yourself. Nonetheless, there are few precautions that will keep you safe in the winters:

1. Wear shoes with deep treads during winter to reduce your chances of slipping.
2. Be careful while going down the stairs and if it’s wet, hold on to the handrail.
3. Pay attention to the floor you are walking on and if it’s wet/icy be extra cautious.
4. Try to avoid walking on cracked sidewalks and poorly maintained walkways.

Kalsi and Associates is a team of legal professionals who can guide individuals with their personal injury through slip and fall litigation. They can help you with most types of personal injuries including catastrophic accident litigation, slip and fall, motor vehicle accident and claims related to them. The team at Kalsi and Associates personal injury lawyers strives to protect the rights of the clients while staying committed to providing justice and a fair compensation.

ROAD SAFETY MEASURES TO AVOID ACCIDENTS IN GREATER TORONTO AREA

Source:

Ontario Ministry of Transportation

Road safety has emerged as a major issue in the Greater Toronto Area. This is one of the side-effects of the growth that this part of Canada has been experiencing in recent times and is likely to do so in the future as well.

The decline in road safety has been seen in both the growing number of pedestrian fatalities as well as collisions of vehicles. The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) reports that in 2020 – the most recent statistics available – 535 people died in the province as a result of car accidents. Meanwhile, approximately 31,538 people were involved in personal injury.

Car accident lawyers
Being in an accident can be a devastating encounter. Sometimes accidents require legal advice from professionals Kalsi & Associates  Personal Injury Lawyers Here are some helpful tips vehicles owners can use to enhance their road safety measures to prevent common road accidents and mitigate risks.

    1. Seat belt mandatory- All motor vehicles in Ontario must wear seat-belt correctly can reduce the chances of death in a collision. Children under 12 must be properly seat belted and kept secured in a back seat or booster seat of the vehicle.
    2. Avoid Distraction – Ontario’s distracted driving laws apply to the usage or holding of any electronic device and handheld device while driving or even in red light is counted as illegal. Other distract actions such as reading, eating, drinking, smoking, reaching objects may not come under law but it still counted as careless or dangerous driving. To avoid penalties, use a hand-free device and mounted device while driving.
    3. Don’t drink & drive – Under the Impaired driving law and Ontario’s zero-tolerance law driving vehicles with consumption of any kind of alcohol and drugs are illegal. You can face serious penalties and criminal charges if you are found guilty of having drugs and alcohol.
    4. Eye on Pedestrians & school crossovers- Vehicles drives must pay attention to pedestrians and school crossover. Drive slowly and carefully through school zones, Community Safety Zones, or bus stops. You may charge with imprisonment and fine. In 2020, the highest number of pedestrians fatalities were situated in road accidents cases.
    5. Don’t drive dozy- Driving while dozy is a very dangerous combination of driving and sleeping. Take a break on a long trip, eat sugary snacks, and maintain the internal temperature of the vehicle to stay alert.
    6. Limit your Speed- Speeding is always risky. A driver must obey the speed limit to avoid a collision with people, vehicles, animals, or other obstacles on the highway. Keep in mind speed measuring warning devices like a radar detector are illegal.

If you are facing any Injury due to someone else’s negligence, Schedule a FREE consultation with our team of Car Accident lawyersKalsi & Associates Personal Injury Lawyers protect your rights so you can focus on your recovery and get the fair compensation for your injuries. Call us 1-844-90-LAWYER | 1-844-905-2993 or visit https://kalsilaw.com/  for legal advice.

Bicycle & Pedestrian Accidents; What you need to Know?

Source:

CBC News

According to a news feature by CBC news in 2015, in Toronto, six pedestrians are hit every day. And the number was increasing. That is so, even though the law stipulates that pedestrians have the right of way.

As the roads become less safe for pedestrians, early last year, a new pedestrian law was introduced in Ontario. It emphasized that motorists should wait for the pedestrian to cross the crosswalks or pedestrian crossovers completely.

However, if you are injured from colliding with a motor vehicle, you are entitled to compensation.

Types of Claims

No-Fault Benefit/ Accident Benefit

It applies to all persons involved in a collision with a motor vehicle. If you are a pedestrian or cyclist, then your auto insurance applies. But if you have no insured car, you can claim the insurance policy of the vehicle involved in the accident.

Claim against at-fault driver

In addition to the above claim, you may also be entitled to claim the driver who is at fault. First, you have to provide proof that some blame, is the driver of the car.

Some of the benefits you can claim if you suffer injuries due to the collision include, medical expenses, replacement of income, etc. It all depends on the circumstances of the accident.

In Ontario, the laws on auto insurance are complex and change frequently. It is advisable to seek the guidance of a personal injury lawyer to advise you on the measures to take. You can reach out to out Toronto Personal Injury lawyers, at Kalsi & Associates at 1-844-905-2993 for a FREE consultation.

One Dead and two in Critical Condition due to Accident near Orangeville

Source:

The Star

A head-on collision resulted in the death of one person and two in life-threatening condition. The three were airlifted to a hospital in Orangeville. Later, the two were airlifted to Toronto, while still in critical condition.

The police will examine the black boxes of the vehicles involved in the accident, to help determine the cause of the collision.

According to the Star’s phone conversation with the OPP (Ontario Provincial Police) Const. Paul Nancekivell. It can be that the conditions of the road, could have led to the accident.