Your Personal Injury Lawyers
Injured in a Snowmobile Accident? Your First 5 Steps
Were you, a spouse, or close family member recently injured in a snowmobile accident in Ontario? If so, you likely qualify for compensation to address medical bills above and beyond what OHIP covers, as well as other accident-related costs, such as lost income and out-of-pocket expenses.
You must take quick action in order to secure fair compensation. Below are the first five steps to consider immediately after a snowmobile accident.
Step One: Get Medical Attention
Seek prompt medical attention after a snowmobile accident, even if there are no obvious signs of injury, such as a fracture or lacerations. Some injuries, such as brain trauma, may not be immediately apparent. These accident injuries require a complete physical examination that may include X-rays, MRIs and CT scans.
Failure to seek qualified medical attention endangers your health and the integrity of your injury claim. Be certain to adhere to your physician’s advice, including guidelines of when you may return to work or resume normal activities like driving and exercise.
Step Two: Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
A personal injury lawyer may have have the experience and training necessary to help you pursue all owed benefits and compensation. Your lawyer may discuss your entitlement to Statutory Accident Beneftis, as well as your eligibility to file a claim against the party who may be responsible for your injuries. The sooner you select and hire your lawyer, the sooner he or she can get to work securing owed damages.
Step Three: Inform Your Insurance Company of the Accident
You likely will qualify for Ontario’s Statutory Accident Benefits. You must, however, meet all filing deadlines in order to secure payment. To begin, inform your insurance company of the snowmobile accident and your intent to seek benefits. Note: You have just seven days to make this initial contact with the insurance company.
Your insurance provider then should provide you with an Application for Accident Benefits. You must complete and submit this application within 30 days of receipt. Your lawyer may assist you with submitting these forms within the allotted timeline. You have just 120 days to notify a liable party of your intent to file a lawsuit against him or her for that party’s role in the accident.
Step Four: Protect and Preserve Evidence Associated With Your Claim
Your claim – and any subsequent lawsuit – depends on the presentation of objective evidence of your accident and damages. Evidence may include:
- Medical records (including X-rays, doctor statements, etc.)
- Income statements
- Accident reports
- More
Many victims find this to be a particularly time-consuming aspect of the claims process.Your personal injury lawyer may help facilitate the collection and preservation of your accident evidence.
Step Five: Allow Your Lawyer to Steer the Course of Your Claim
Your case may benefit from allowing your lawyer to handle all crucial aspects of your claim. This includes communication with the insurance provider and any liable parties. Ready to get started on your claim? Call the Preszler Injury Lawyers at 1-800-JUSTICE® to schedule a free case evaluation.
