FAQ

Ristich Law will ensure that your claim runs smoothly and efficiently, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Let us fight for your rights and help you get justice!

I’ve been in an accident, what do I do now?

Of course, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention right away. Even if you think you are feeling fine, it is best to be assessed by a medical professional to ensure you get the proper diagnosis for your injuries.

You will also have to be sure to report the accident. If the police did not attend at the scene of the accident, ensure that you attend at the nearest collision reporting centre to make a report. Be sure to take down all of the information down that you can including any witness information, the contact information for the other party as well as their insurance information, their vehicle information and contact information. If you have a functional phone or camera, take as many pictures of both vehicles and the surroundings.

Be sure that you’ve reported the accident to your own insurance company. There are many forms that need to be completed and there are usually time limits involved so it is important to get those documents done correctly and in a timely manner.

If you have fallen, you should contact us at Ristich Law immediately so that we can complete the appropriate investigations in a timely manner. In certain cases, such as Municipal Negligence Cases (slip and falls on municipal property)

How much will it cost for me to pursue a case?

At Ristich Law, we believe it is imperative that everyone injured in an accident or suffering from a disability have equal access to justice. In that regard, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We want you to focus on your recovery as much as possible by removing all of the financial concerns you might have in talking to a lawyer. We will pay for all of your disbursements upfront, and we never ask you for money to fund your case.

Our contingency fee is 33 1/3% of the total settlement or award (including costs, damages, and interest), plus HST.

If I was at fault for the accident, am I still able to make a claim?

First, even though you feel as though the accident may be your fault, you should consult with a lawyer at Ristich Law so that they can undertake a complete investigation regarding how your accident happened!

Secondly, in Ontario, even if you are at fault for the car accident, you still have access to accident benefits through your own insurance company! These benefits may include income replacement, medical rehabilitation, attendant care and more!

If you are unsure about whether or not you were at fault for an accident, or if you qualify for any benefits, don’t hesitate to call us for a free consultation.

Where are you located? What if I am too injured to come to your office for an initial consultation?

We provide legal services to clients all across Ontario.

Etobicoke: 5353 Dundas St. W. Suite 200, Etobicoke, ON.
Ottawa: 3029 Carling Ave. Suite 202, Ottawa, ON.
Whitby: 173 Brock St. N. Suite 104, Whitby, ON.

If you have been injured in an accident and are unable to make it to our office to meet with us, we are happy to schedule an in-home meeting! We will come to you, no matter where you are! Just call us to set up an appointment!

How much money will I get?

At Ristich Law we are often asked the question, how much money will I get at the end of my case? This question is difficult to answer without a full consultation and review of the necessary documents. Many factors go into the answer such as: the severity of your injuries and whether or not they are permanent, whether your injuries limit your activities of daily living including your employment and income. A full analysis of your medical records and a discussion of how your day-to-day life has been affected by an accident is all needed before making a determination as to how much your claim may be worth. Finally, it is important to determine whether or not there are any liability issues surrounding your accident.

It is best to contact us at Ristich Law if you have questions about any aspect of your claim!

How long do I have to sue after I’ve been in a car accident?

In Ontario, the time limits for commencing lawsuits for damages arising from a car accident differ depending on the type of claim being made. In short, you have two years from the day of the accident to commence a lawsuit against the at fault party. However, there are many caveats at apply here. For example, children under the age of 18 have a different timeline. There are also important timelines to consider if you’ve had a slip and fall. Also, you must commence a Statutory Accident Benefits claim within 30 days of an accident. It is very important to speak with a lawyer to ensure you are not out of time.

How long should I wait before I meet with a lawyer to discuss my rights following an accident?

There is no right or wrong answer here. It is important to discuss your prospective claims with a lawyer as early as possible to make sure you are not out of time to commence your claim. It is also important to speak with a lawyer early on to ensure you preserve all the necessary documentary evidence needed for your claim. A lawyer can also help ensure that all of the paperwork required from an insurance company is completed in a timely manner and make sure that you’ve applied for all of the necessary benefits.

I’ve had a fall on ice, how long do I have to commence a lawsuit?

There are new rules surrounding this topic. As the laws are in constant change, it is always important to discuss these types of questions with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer.

To date in Ontario, if you’ve slipped and fallen due to snow or ice, you must provide written notice of your claim within 60 days of the incident. This notice must be sent to the owner and occupier of the property as well as any contractors that may be involved. The notice letter should have your contact information, the time and date of the fall and of course the location.

Things are a little different when you’ve fallen on municipal property. If you’ve had a fall on municipal property, you must give notice within 10 days of your fall.

I’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident and now a family member has had to take time from work to help me, can they be compensated?

Motor vehicle accidents are not just difficult for the people involved, but also for their loved ones. Often time victims of accidents find themselves relying heavily on those around them for help and support. Currently, victims have access to Statutory Accident Benefits if they have been involved in an accident regardless of fault. These benefits include money for income loss, treatment as well as attendant care benefits.

If your loved one has incurred an economic loss or missed time from work as a result of your accident, they may be entitled to receive something called an attendant care benefit.

It is imperative that you speak with a personal injury lawyer early on in your claim so that they can give you the best advise for yourself and your family.

I’ve been in an accident and I cannot work, the insurance company is only paying $400 a week but that is not enough. Do I have any other options?

Being unable to work following a motor vehicle accident is difficult and stressful. Currently, if you are unable to work as a result of an accident your accident benefits insurer pays you up to $400/week. This figure is different if you’ve opted for optional benefits.

If you were not at fault of the motor vehicle accident, you are able to commence a lawsuit against the at fault party. That lawsuit will include a claim for past, present and future income loss.

In addition, there are other options that you can discuss with your personal injury lawyer such as Ontario Disability Support Program or Ontario Works. It is important to discuss these programs with your lawyer to ensure that you do not find yourself in an overpayment or repayment scenario.

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