How to Choose a Car Accident Lawyer in Ontario (Even If You Don’t Like the Idea of Suing)
You’re still finding it hard to believe how everything can go downhill so suddenly, with your entire life changed in just a few short seconds. There you were, driving back to work after an appointment, and next you know, you’re dealing with a disabled car and a serious injury.
Doctor appointments and therapy sessions have meant missing, not only days and week at work, but certain important business planning sessions. Even after filling out endless paperwork from the insurance company, you feel they’re giving you the run-around rather than representing your interests.Â
You’re stressed, to say the least, about paying for all those treatments, having lost not only time, but wages. Getting a real person from the insurance company on the phone to explain your rights and expedite the process? Forget it! Since the accident itself was not your fault, you had assumed your insurance company would just step in and do the job you’d been paying them for – providing benefits! Instead, the emails you’ve received from the insurer seem to imply that you’re just exaggerating your problem. They are pressuring you to sign some forms that you really don’t understand.
At this point you’re not only physically hurting, but tension is also causing you to lose sleep over the situation. You’re angry. Â However, you’ve never been the type of person to sling around threats of “going to court”. Can a car accident lawyer be of help to me even if you don’t end up suing either your own insurance company or the careless driver who caused the accident?
How do Ontario car accident claims actually work?Â
- The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario supervises the auto insurance sector, and SABS, the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule. is included in all automobile insurance as standard coverage.
- The Ontario Motorist Protection Plan is the official name of the legislation introduced in 1990 dictating how claims for medical care, rehab, and wage replacement are filed by a driver with his or her own insurer, regardless of who was at fault in a crash.
- Claims for property damage, meanwhile, are paid by the insurance on the damaged car (under the Direct Compensation Property Damage clause), then recovered from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.Â
What things do insurance companies actually consider when evaluating a claim?
In evaluating your claim for medical benefits, your Toronto insurance company will be scrutinizing your medical records, looking for several things:
- any pre-existing conditions (that cannot be blamed on the accident)
- the kinds of treatment you’ve needed
- evidence of pain and suffering (the insurer may possibly hire
- their own examiners to do CMEs)
- wages you’ve lost that are directly related to the accident
As a result of the accident, you may very well have sustained “invisible injuries,” Â such as:
- soft-tissue injuries
- concussions
- psychological trauma
These types of injury are especially difficult to prove and are often questioned by insurers.
Signs you’ve reached the “I-can’t-do-this-alone-any-longer” point and need legal advice:
- You’ve endured weeks and months of treatments, exams, questionnaires, and interviews with no sign financial help is on the way.
- You’re being pressured by the insurer to sign forms accepting a low settlement.
- Your inquiries are being ignored or rebuffed; you’re being treated as being dishonest.
If you’re not considering a lawsuit, how might consulting an auto accident lawyer be of help?
An experienced, knowledgeable auto accident lawyer:
- is used to dealing with IME medical consultants and with insurance adjusters, demonstrating the validity of “invisible” but very real sources of your pain and suffering
- can help you avoid falling into “traps” through casual statements and social media postsÂ
- understands the intricate language of any settlement offer and can help you decide whether to accept or reject it
What qualities should I seek when hiring an auto accident lawyer?
- When visiting the lawyer’s website, you found a lot of helpful information, with no pressure to “sell” the practice. The testimonials sound like they come from “ordinary folks” like you – workers and parents (not like “professional plaintiffs” boasting “gotcha” stories)
- You want someone who has handled cases like yours many times, one who has experience with not only physical injuries after car crashes, but psychological damage, chronic pain, and PTSD.
- You want someone who will be honest with you, “telling it like it is”, helping you have realistic expectations rather than making empty promises. Because this lawyer has such a calm demeanor, the encounter seems to relieve your stress.
Even if it feels awkward, ask these questions about the process:
- Who will be handling my file on a day-to-day basis? (Will the lawyer remain involved, or will your case be turned over to assistants or office staff?)
- How often will I be hearing from you?
- What are my next steps if I hire you?
Even if it feels awkward, ask these questions about money:
In Ontario, Canada, almost all auto accident lawyers work for a contingency fee — if you don’t get money from the insurer, they don’t get any from you. (No win? No fee.) When there is a settlement or award, costs – the cost of expert reports and court fees will be repaid from the settlement before the lawyer takes his/her fee. Typical lawyer contingency fees in Ontario are 25% to 33%.
- “What is your contingency fee and what does it cover?”
- “What happens if my case doesn’t settle?”
- “Will you be giving me these answers in writing?”
- “Can you walk me through an example, using numbers?”
At the end of the consult with the auto accident lawyer, you should feel:
- believed
- taken seriously
- clear about your options and next steps
- under no pressure to sign anything now
As a veteran litigator who has dealt with car accidents many, many times before, my role is simple:
-
protect your rights
-
deal with both insurance companies
-
de-mystify the paperwork
-
help you move forward with dignity and support (whether you end up filing a lawsuit or not)
No surprises. No upfront costs (we offer contingency fee options)
For a no-obligation chat, call 519 658 6341
What Should You Look For in a Car Accident Lawyer (Beyond Billboards)?
To choose a car accident lawyer in Ontario, look for clear explanations, real experience with injuries like concussion, chronic pain, and PTSD, and a calm communication style that matches your values. Ask how they handle accident benefits, insurer paperwork, and timelines, and how fees work. A good lawyer protects you without pushing you into a lawsuit.
Checklist: 7 traits of a good Ontario car accident lawyer
- Clear, patient explanations (no legal fog)
- Experience with motor vehicle claims and “invisible” injuries
- Honest about timelines and uncertainty
- Transparent about fees and disbursements
- Responsive communication and a clear point of contact
- Evidence-driven approach (medical records, function, documentation)
- Treats you like a person, not a file number
Quick Comparison: Good Fit vs. Red Flags
|
Good Fit |
Red Flags |
|
Explains options clearly, without pressure |
Pushes you to “sign today” |
|
Discusses evidence and function |
Makes big promises or guarantees |
|
Transparent about fees and costs |
Vague about money or disbursements |
|
Calm, respectful tone |
Loud, aggressive, or dismissive |
|
Clear who works on your case |
You can’t tell who handles your file |
Â
You do not need to become a different person to protect yourself after a crash. You can be reasonable and still ask for what’s fair. You can hate conflict and still get clear advice. And you can choose a lawyer who treats you like a person, not a payout.
Not sure if you even need a lawyer? Get a free, no-pressure case review.
We’ll listen, explain your options in plain language, and you decide what feels right, no obligation, no upfront cost.
Privacy note: Your initial consultation is confidential and does not obligate you to move forward.
FAQ: How to Choose a Car Accident Lawyer in Ontario
Â
-
Sometimes, yes. “No-fault” does not mean simple. If benefits are delayed, reduced, denied, or your injuries are lasting, legal advice can protect you and help you understand your options.
