Imagine driving home, thinking about your evening plans, and then the crunch of metal, the jolt through your body, the confusion that follows. Only a second ago, everything was fine. Now, you’re in pain, your car is wrecked, and a dozen questions are racing through your mind.
How bad is this? How am I going to pay for this? These are the kinds of questions that thousands of people in Ontario deal with every year. According to the Ministry of Transportation, there were 26,426 personal injury collisions on Ontario roads in 2023, injuring over 36,000 individuals. Many don’t know where to start or how much they’re entitled to.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to accident benefits and additional compensation. At DWA Law, our personal injury lawyers have helped countless clients navigate motor vehicle accident claims. We know how the system works, and we know how to make it work for you. Here’s what you need to know to get the compensation you deserve.
Step 1: Know What You’re Entitled To
After a car accident, one of the biggest questions is: Who’s paying for all of this?
Ontario’s no-fault insurance system means your own insurance company covers your accident benefits, no matter who caused the accident. The benefits you receive depend on your policy, the severity of your injuries, and how much they disrupt your daily life.
Here’s what standard Statutory Accident Benefits (SABS) cover:
- Medical and Rehabilitation Benefits – Covers medical treatment, physiotherapy, prescription medications, and rehab costs.
- Income Replacement Benefits – Pays 70% of lost income, up to $400 per week, unless your policy includes additional coverage.
- Attendant Care Benefits – Helps with personal care if your injuries make everyday tasks difficult.
- Caregiver Benefits – Financial support if you can’t care for dependents due to your injuries.
- Non-Earner Benefits – If you’re unable to return to normal activities but don’t qualify for income replacement, this provides up to $185 per week.
- Lost Educational Expenses – Covers tuition and related costs if your injuries force you to leave school.
- Other Expenses – This can include housekeeping, home maintenance, and other expenses.
Step 2: File an Accident Benefits Claim
You have 30 days from the date of the accident to submit an Accident Benefits Application Package. If you miss that deadline, your claim could be delayed or even denied by your insurance company.
Filing a claim starts with reporting the accident to the police and gathering all necessary medical reports and doctor’s notes. These documents confirm the severity of your injuries and the care you need. Your insurance company will require specific forms to assess your claim.
Dealing with forms and deadlines while recovering from an injury isn’t easy, and insurance companies don’t go out of their way to help. A mistake can cost you time and money, so having a lawyer review your claim can prevent unnecessary setbacks.
Step 3: Understanding Settlement Offers and the Fine Print
Many accident victims assume their insurance company will automatically pay them what they’re hoping for. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.
Insurers often downplay injuries or offer low settlement amounts. This is why you should never accept a settlement offer without reviewing it with a Car Accident Lawyer.
A proper settlement should account for:
- Current and future medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Lost wages and income replacement
- Pain and suffering (if your injuries meet the legal threshold for a lawsuit)
- The impact on your ability to work and enjoy life
If the settlement offer doesn’t cover the full extent of your losses, you have legal options.
Step 4: Pursue Compensation Beyond Insurance Benefits
For serious injuries, accident benefits may not be enough. If another driver was at fault, you may have the right to file a personal injury claim against them for additional compensation.
A lawsuit can recover:
- Damages for pain and suffering
- Lost income beyond what accident benefits cover
- Future medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Home care and attendant care needs
Step 5: Dealing with Denied or Reduced Claims
Not every claim goes smoothly. Insurance companies know exactly how to make the process difficult—denying accident benefits claims, downplaying injuries, or deciding that certain medical treatments just aren’t “necessary.” They might insist your pain isn’t serious enough to qualify for full coverage or drag their feet on payments, making it nearly impossible to cover your medical expenses and keep up with daily costs. If you’ve ever felt like they’re just waiting for you to give up, you’re not wrong.
But here’s the truth: a denied claim doesn’t mean the fight is over. You don’t have to take their word for it. A lawyer can help you challenge unfair decisions, push back against lowball settlements, and make sure you get the compensation you actually deserve. If your insurance company is making things harder than they should be, talk with a life and critical illness lawyer for insurance claim assistance. If your claim is denied or undervalued, don’t accept it as final. You have options.
Step 6: Get Legal Help to Maximize Your Compensation
Many accident victims try to handle motor vehicle accident claims on their own. That’s exactly what insurance companies want. The truth is, people who work with a personal injury lawyer often receive far higher settlements than those who negotiate alone.
At DWA Law, we ensure:
- Your accident benefits claims are handled properly from the start
- The insurance company doesn’t lowball your settlement
- You get the medical and rehabilitation benefits you need
- You’re compensated for lost wages, medical expenses, and other losses
- If necessary, we fight for your legal claim in court
Contact DWA Law to get started.
