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Ontario Car Accident Lawyers | Free Consultation

Being involved in a car accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. Between managing your injuries, dealing with insurance companies, and worrying about lost income, the aftermath of the accident can feel overwhelming. At UL Lawyers Professional Corporation, our experienced car accident lawyers understand what you're going through, and we're here to help you navigate this challenging time with compassion and expertise. For over 10 years, our team has been helping Ontario families secure the compensation and support they deserve after a personal injury. Based in Burlington and proudly serving clients throughout Toronto, Hamilton, Mississauga, Brampton, and the GTA, we provide strategic, results-driven representation with a personal touch. Our car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don't pay unless we successfully recover compensation for you. We've helped hundreds of clients stand up to the other party's insurers and secure their rightful benefits. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, call us today at 905-744-8888 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Experienced Car Accident Lawyers Serving Ontario

If you've been injured in a collision, our Burlington-based car accident lawyers are here to help you navigate the complex claims process and pursue the compensation you deserve. At UL Lawyers, we understand that dealing with insurance companies after an accident can be overwhelming, especially when you're focused on recovery.

Our team provides comprehensive support including:

  • Free initial consultations to evaluate your case and explain your legal options
  • Guidance through Ontario's strict deadlines, including the 7-day insurer notification requirement and 2-year limitation period
  • Expert negotiation with insurance companies to maximize your settlement
  • Representation in disputes over accident benefits and car accident claims
  • Recovery of compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care costs

We work on a contingency fee basis, typically charging between 25% and 33% of your settlement—meaning you pay nothing upfront and only if we successfully recover compensation for you. In our experience handling hundreds of Ontario motor vehicle injury cases, early legal consultation significantly improves outcomes by ensuring critical evidence is preserved and all mandatory forms are properly completed.

Our lawyers serve clients throughout the GTA, including Toronto, Hamilton, Mississauga, and Brampton. Contact our Burlington office today for your free consultation to discuss your accident and potential path to recovery.

How Our Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You

After a collision, you face mounting medical bills, insurance paperwork, and the stress of recovery. Our car accident lawyers handle the legal complexities so you can focus on healing. We manage all communications with insurance companies, investigate your accident thoroughly, and work to pursue maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.

Dealing With Insurance Companies After Your Accident

Insurance adjusters often attempt to minimize payouts to accident victims, even when you're entitled to full compensation under Ontario law. Our lawyers negotiate with insurers to pursue fair settlements that reflect the true cost of your injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We handle all paperwork and deadlines—including the critical 7-day notification requirement and 30-day OCF-1 submission deadline—so you can focus on recovery. In our experience representing clients across the GTA, early legal representation typically results in stronger settlements because insurers recognize that we understand the full scope of Statutory Accident Benefits and tort claim requirements. Our team ensures the insurance company doesn't pressure you into accepting an inadequate offer before you understand your rights.

Building a Strong Case for Maximum Compensation

We gather police reports, medical records, witness statements, and accident scene evidence to build a compelling case for compensation. Our team works with medical experts and accident reconstruction specialists when needed to demonstrate the full impact of your injuries. We document all losses including future medical needs and long-term impacts—particularly important for clients with catastrophic injuries where benefit limits can reach $1 million. Whether you're pursuing car accident claims or need to understand how Ontario's comparative negligence system may affect your compensation, we provide clear guidance at every step. One client came to us after their initial claim was denied; by thoroughly documenting their permanent serious impairment, we helped them meet the threshold for non-pecuniary damages.

Our comprehensive services include:

  • Managing all insurance company communications and negotiations on your behalf
  • Investigating your accident and preserving critical evidence before it disappears
  • Calculating your full damages, including medical costs, income replacement, and future care needs
  • Meeting strict deadlines, including the 2-year limitation period for filing lawsuits
  • Representing you at the Licence Appeal Tribunal if your accident benefits are disputed
  • Working on a contingency fee basis (typically 25% to 33%), so you pay no upfront legal fees

Our Burlington team has helped hundreds of Ontario families navigate the complex claims process, and we understand how the 2025 regulatory changes—including the upcoming shift to optional benefits in 2026—may affect your coverage. If your injuries also impact your ability to work long-term, we can advise on potential long-term disability claims as part of your overall recovery strategy.

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle

Our Burlington-based team of car accident lawyers represents clients injured in a wide range of motor vehicle collisions across Ontario. Each accident type presents unique legal considerations and compensation factors that require specialized knowledge of Ontario's Insurance Act and the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule. Whether your collision occurred on a busy GTA highway or a quiet residential street, we have the experience to navigate the complexities of your claim and work toward fair compensation for your injuries.

Common Car Accident Claims

Our lawyers regularly handle rear-end collisions, intersection accidents, and highway crashes throughout Ontario. In our experience, these common collision types often involve disputes with insurance companies over fault determination and the severity of injuries. We also represent clients injured in multi-vehicle pileups and single-vehicle accidents where liability may be contested.

Hit-and-run accidents and uninsured motorist claims require particular attention to Ontario's Statutory Accident Benefits and may involve claims against your own insurance policy when the at-fault driver cannot be identified or lacks coverage. We recently helped a client who was struck by an uninsured driver, successfully securing maximum accident benefits and pursuing compensation through alternative avenues.

Distracted driving, impaired driving, and speeding-related collisions typically result in clear fault determinations, but insurance companies may still challenge the extent of your injuries or the compensation you deserve. Our team has handled over 300 car accident cases involving these circumstances, and we understand how to build compelling evidence of both liability and damages.

Common accident scenarios we handle include:

  • Rear-end collisions causing whiplash and soft-tissue injuries
  • Intersection crashes involving left-turn accidents and red-light violations
  • Highway accidents including lane-change collisions and high-speed impacts
  • Parking lot accidents with disputed fault and property damage
  • Pedestrian and cyclist collisions resulting in catastrophic injuries
  • Commercial vehicle accidents involving transport trucks and delivery vehicles

Each case requires prompt action to meet Ontario's strict deadlines, including notifying your insurer within 7 days and filing any lawsuit within 2 years from the accident date. If you've also sustained injuries that prevent you from working, you may need to explore long-term disability benefits in addition to your accident claim. For accidents involving property damage exceeding $5,000 as of January 1, 2025, immediate reporting to police or a Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours is mandatory.

Understanding Your Rights After a Car Accident in Ontario

Being involved in a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when you're dealing with injuries and trying to understand your legal options. Ontario's insurance system is complex, and knowing your rights is the first step toward securing the compensation you may be entitled to. Our Burlington team has guided hundreds of clients through this process, and we're here to help you understand what comes next.

Ontario Accident Benefits and Tort Claims

Ontario operates under a no-fault insurance system, which means your own insurance company typically covers your medical expenses, income replacement, and rehabilitation costs through Statutory Accident Benefits—regardless of who caused the collision. These benefits provide essential support while you recover from your injuries.

However, you may also be eligible to pursue a tort claim against the at-fault driver for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other damages not covered by accident benefits. To qualify for non-pecuniary damages (pain and suffering), your injuries must meet a specific legal threshold: death, permanent serious disfigurement, or permanent serious impairment of an important physical, mental, or psychological function. As of 2025, the threshold for pain and suffering damages is approximately $155,965.54.

Understanding the difference between statutory benefits and lawsuit compensation is critical. Accident benefits help with immediate needs, while a successful tort claim can provide substantial additional compensation for the long-term impact of your injuries. Car accident lawyers can evaluate whether your case meets the threshold and maximize both streams of compensation.

Important Deadlines for Car Accident Claims

Time is not on your side after a car accident. Ontario law imposes strict deadlines that can permanently bar your right to compensation if missed:

  1. Notify your insurer within 7 days of the accident to initiate your Accident Benefits claim
  2. Submit your OCF-1 Application within 30 days of receiving the application package
  3. Provide written notice of intent to sue within 120 days if pursuing a tort claim
  4. File your lawsuit within 2 years from the date of the accident—this is a hard deadline with very few exceptions
  5. Report property damage exceeding $5,000 to police immediately if injuries occurred, or to a Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours if no injuries occurred

Missing these deadlines can result in losing your right to compensation entirely. In our experience, clients who contact accident lawyers early are better positioned to meet all filing requirements and preserve their legal rights. If you're also dealing with other injury-related matters, such as slip and fall injuries or dog bite injuries, similar limitation periods may apply.

The insurance company will be working to protect its interests from day one. Having knowledgeable legal representation ensures you don't miss critical deadlines while you focus on your recovery.

Compensation Available in Ontario Car Accident Cases

When you've been injured in a collision, understanding what compensation may be available is often your first concern. In Ontario, the amount you may recover depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, how fault is determined, and the insurance coverage in place. Our car accident lawyers work diligently to pursue all available damages on your behalf, ensuring that any settlement or award reflects the true impact of the accident on your life.

Ontario's insurance system provides Accident Benefits through your own insurer, covering medical treatment, rehabilitation, and income replacement regardless of fault. Beyond these benefits, if another driver caused the collision, you may also pursue a tort claim for additional compensation. In our experience representing clients across the GTA, we've seen how insurance companies often minimize claims initially—which is why skilled legal representation can make a substantial difference in your recovery.

Types of Damages in Car Accident Claims

Compensation for car accident injuries typically falls into two main categories: economic and non-economic damages. Economic losses include quantifiable expenses such as medical bills, hospital stays, rehabilitation costs, and future care needs. If your injuries prevent you from working, you may also recover lost income and compensation for reduced earning capacity. Non-economic damages address pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and psychological impacts like anxiety or depression following the accident.

Our lawyers carefully document all aspects of your claim to build a comprehensive case. We often engage medical experts, vocational specialists, and economists to accurately quantify both your current losses and future needs. For catastrophic injuries requiring lifelong care, settlements often exceed $500,000, with pain and suffering damages capped at approximately $400,000 in 2025, adjusted annually for inflation.

Key damages we pursue include:

  • Medical expenses including hospital bills, physiotherapy, medication, and assistive devices
  • Rehabilitation costs and future care needs such as home modifications or attendant care
  • Lost income from time off work and reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous employment
  • Out-of-pocket expenses including transportation to medical appointments and household help
  • Pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and psychological trauma
  • Property damage to your vehicle and personal belongings

Ontario applies a comparative negligence system, meaning if you're found partially at fault, your compensation is reduced proportionally. Based in Burlington, we serve clients throughout Ontario who need experienced advocacy to navigate these complex calculations. Our team has handled numerous car accident claims where strategic negotiation and thorough evidence gathering resulted in significantly higher settlements than initial insurance offers. The insurance company's first offer rarely reflects the full value of your claim—which is why early legal consultation is essential to protect your rights and maximize your recovery.

Why Choose UL Lawyers Professional Corporation

When you've been injured in a car accident, choosing the right legal representation can significantly impact your recovery and compensation. Our Burlington-based team brings extensive experience representing accident victims across the Greater Toronto Area, combined with a client-focused approach that prioritizes clear communication and personalized attention throughout your case.

Rated 4.8/5 stars based on over 200 client reviews. Clients consistently praise the firm's responsiveness, compassionate approach, and successful outcomes. Most reviews highlight quick response times (typically within 24 hours), clear communication throughout the process, and dedication to securing positive results.

We understand that every collision is unique, which is why we provide free initial consultations to carefully evaluate your circumstances and explain your legal options without any obligation. Our car accident lawyers handle cases on a contingency fee basis—typically between 25% and 33% of your settlement—which means you pay no upfront fees and we only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you.

In our experience, insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts or deny valid claims. One Burlington client came to us after being injured in a highway collision near the QEW. They faced complex insurance disputes and initial benefit denials. We helped them navigate the Accident Benefits process, gathered comprehensive medical evidence, and pursued fair compensation that ultimately covered their medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

We maintain regular communication throughout your case, keeping you informed at every stage—from the initial OCF-1 application within 30 days to any potential litigation within Ontario's strict two-year limitation period. Our team handles all negotiations with insurance companies while you focus on your recovery.

Key elements of our service include:

  • Comprehensive case evaluation during your free consultation
  • No financial barriers to quality legal representation
  • Expert evidence gathering from medical professionals and accident reconstruction specialists
  • Proactive deadline management to protect your rights
  • Transparent communication about your case progress and options

Serving Communities Across Ontario

Our Burlington office at 552 Brant Street serves as the hub for representing accident victims throughout the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. We regularly assist clients in Toronto, Hamilton, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, and surrounding regions with their car accident claims.

Our local knowledge of Ontario courts, insurance practices, and medical providers strengthens our advocacy on your behalf. We understand how regional insurance adjusters operate, which medical facilities provide the most thorough documentation, and how local courts approach personal injury cases. This familiarity with the GTA legal landscape helps us build stronger cases and pursue maximum compensation for our clients' injuries, whether they involve soft-tissue damage, fractures, or more severe impairments requiring ongoing care.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

The actions you take immediately following a collision can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Whether you're dealing with minor injuries or more serious harm, documenting the scene properly and seeking appropriate medical care are critical first steps. Our team of car accident lawyers has seen how early mistakes—such as failing to gather evidence or providing premature statements to insurance companies—can weaken otherwise strong claims. Taking the right steps from the outset helps protect your legal rights and positions you for the best possible outcome.

Immediate Actions at the Accident Scene

Your first priority is ensuring everyone's safety. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Under Ontario law, you must report the accident to police if the combined property damage exceeds $5,000 and injuries have occurred. Exchange information with the other driver, including names, contact details, licence plate numbers, and insurance information. Use your phone to take photos of vehicle damage from multiple angles, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. If witnesses are present, obtain their contact information—their statements may prove invaluable later. Even if you feel unharmed, avoid making statements about fault or injury severity at the scene. In our experience representing clients across the GTA, thorough documentation at this stage often makes the difference between a successful claim and a disputed one.

What to Do in the Days Following Your Accident

Seek medical evaluation within the first few days, even if your injuries seem minor. Some symptoms—such as whiplash, concussion, or soft tissue damage—may not appear immediately but can develop into serious conditions requiring ongoing treatment. Report the accident to your insurance company within 7 days to initiate the Accident Benefits process, and submit your OCF-1 Application for Accident Benefits within 30 days of receiving it. Keep detailed records of all medical appointments, prescriptions, treatment costs, and how your injuries affect your daily activities and work. Before providing any recorded statements to insurance companies or signing settlement offers, consult with accident lawyers who understand Ontario's comparative negligence system. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts or deny valid claims, and early legal guidance helps you avoid costly mistakes that could reduce your compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Key steps to protect your claim:

  1. Notify your insurer within 7 days of the accident to preserve your right to Accident Benefits
  2. Complete and submit your OCF-1 form within 30 days to avoid delays in receiving benefits
  3. Keep a detailed injury journal documenting pain levels, treatment, and how injuries limit your activities
  4. Preserve all evidence, including medical records, receipts, pay stubs, and correspondence with insurers
  5. Avoid discussing your case on social media, as insurance companies may monitor your accounts
  6. Contact car accident lawyers before accepting any settlement offer, as early settlements often undervalue claims

Remember that you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, but evidence deteriorates and witnesses' memories fade over time. Our Burlington office serves clients throughout Ontario, and we've found that those who seek legal advice early—ideally within the first few weeks—typically achieve better outcomes. If your injuries also prevent you from working, you may need to explore long-term disability benefits in addition to your car accident claims. Early consultation ensures all potential sources of compensation are identified and pursued effectively.

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UL Lawyers Professional Corporation

552 Brant Street

Burlington, ON L7R 2G8

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

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Why Choose UL Lawyers

  • Experienced advocates who level the playing field
  • Maximum compensation for your injuries
  • No fees unless we win your case
  • Extensive trial experience
  • Dedicated support throughout your recovery
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ About Motor Vehicle Accidents

Get answers to the most common questions about motor vehicle accidents and your legal options

How much are most car accident settlements in Ontario?

It depends on the severity of your injuries and the specific circumstances of your case. In our experience, minor soft-tissue injuries typically settle between $10,000 and $40,000, while moderate brain injuries may result in compensation ranging from $100,000 to $300,000. Severe spinal or catastrophic injuries requiring lifelong care often exceed $500,000, with pain and suffering damages capped at approximately $400,000 in 2025, adjusted annually for inflation.

What kind of lawyer do I need for a car accident in Ontario?

You generally need a personal injury lawyer who specializes in motor vehicle accidents and understands Ontario's Insurance Act and Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule. Car accident lawyers at firms like UL Lawyers Professional Corporation focus specifically on helping injured victims navigate insurance claims, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. It's advisable to choose a lawyer with proven experience handling cases similar to yours in the Ontario legal system.

How much compensation will I get from a car accident?

It depends on multiple factors including the severity of your injuries, economic losses, degree of fault, and whether your impairment meets Ontario's threshold for pain and suffering damages. Compensation typically includes medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, future care needs, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. Our lawyers typically work with medical experts and economists to accurately quantify your damages and maximize your settlement, though no lawyer can guarantee a specific outcome.

What are the chances of winning a car accident lawsuit?

It depends on the strength of evidence, clarity of fault, severity of injuries, and quality of legal representation. In most cases, car accident claims in Ontario settle before trial through negotiation with the insurance company, as both parties often prefer to avoid the uncertainty and expense of court proceedings. Ontario's comparative negligence system means your compensation may be reduced proportionally if you share fault for the accident, so establishing clear liability significantly improves your chances of a favourable outcome.

How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Ontario?

In Ontario, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, and this limitation period is strictly enforced with very few exceptions. You must also notify your insurer within 7 days of the accident to initiate Accident Benefits and submit your OCF-1 application within 30 days of receiving it. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your right to compensation, so it's critical to contact car accident lawyers as soon as possible after your collision.

Do I need a lawyer for a minor car accident?

It depends on whether you sustained injuries, even if they initially seem minor, and the complexity of dealing with insurance companies. Many soft-tissue injuries like whiplash may not present symptoms immediately but can lead to chronic pain and significant medical expenses over time. In our experience, having legal representation helps ensure you receive appropriate medical treatment, accurately document your injuries, and avoid accepting inadequate settlement offers that fail to account for future complications.

What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?

In Ontario, you can typically claim Accident Benefits from your own insurance policy regardless of who was at fault or whether the other driver had insurance. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to pursue compensation through your own uninsured automobile coverage or the Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund. Car accident lawyers can help you navigate these complex situations and identify all available sources of compensation for your injuries and losses.

How long does a car accident claim take in Ontario?

Typically, straightforward claims may settle within several months, while more complex cases involving serious injuries can take one to three years or longer to resolve. The timeline depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the time needed to reach maximum medical improvement, the cooperation of insurance companies, and whether your case proceeds to trial or settles through negotiation. Recent 2025 procedural reforms emphasizing early mediation, virtual hearings, and accelerated evidence exchange have helped speed up the claims process in many cases.

Will I have to go to court for my car accident case?

In most cases, no—the majority of personal injury claims in Ontario settle through negotiation with the insurance company without requiring a trial. Our lawyers typically explore all settlement options first, including mediation and pre-trial conferences, as these approaches often result in faster resolution and lower legal costs. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, proceeding to court may be necessary to protect your legal rights and secure the full compensation you deserve.

What does a car accident lawyer cost in Ontario?

Most car accident lawyers in Ontario work on a contingency fee basis, typically charging between 25% and 33% of your settlement or judgment, with no upfront fees or costs. This arrangement means you pay legal fees only if your lawyer successfully recovers compensation on your behalf, making quality legal representation accessible regardless of your financial situation. At UL Lawyers Professional Corporation, we can discuss our fee structure during your initial consultation and ensure you understand all costs before proceeding with your claim.

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