7111 Syntex Drive suite 130,

Mississauga ON L5N 8C3

faq's

Haykas Law

Your Trusted Personal Injury Lawyers

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have a personal injury case?

You may have a personal injury case if you were injured because another person, driver, property owner, or company acted negligently or failed to take reasonable care.

Common situations where claims arise include:

Motor vehicle accidents

Slip and fall accidents

Unsafe property conditions

Pedestrian or cyclist accidents

Dog bites

Defective products

To determine whether you have a claim, a personal injury lawyer in Mississauga or Ontario will review:

Who was responsible for the accident

Whether negligence occurred

Your medical injuries

Financial losses and future care needs

Even if you are unsure, it is important to consult a lawyer as soon as possible. At Haykas Law, we provide consultations to help injured individuals understand their legal rights and options.

How long does it take to resolve a personal injury claim?


Every personal injury case is different. The timeline depends on factors such as the severity of the injuries, the amount of medical treatment required, and whether the case settles or proceeds through litigation.

Typical timelines may include:

Minor injury claims: several months to one year

Moderate injury cases: one to three years

Serious injury claims: two to four years or longer

Many cases settle before trial through negotiation or mediation. However, allowing time for medical recovery is often important to properly assess the full extent of the injury and future care needs.

What should I do immediately after I get injured in an accident?

Taking the right steps after an accident can protect both your health and your legal claim.

If you are injured, you should:

1. Seek medical attention immediately.

2 Report the incident (to police, property owner, or employer if applicable).

3. Take photographs of the accident scene and your injuries.

4. Obtain contact information from witnesses.

5. Keep records of medical treatment and expenses.

6. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies without legal advice.

7. Contact a personal injury lawyer in Mississauga or Ontario as soon as possible.

Early legal guidance can help preserve evidence and ensure that important legal deadlines are not missed.

Can I still file a claim if I was at fault for the accident?

Yes. In Ontario, you may still be able to recover compensation even if you were partially at fault.

Ontario law follows the principle of contributory negligence, meaning that fault can be shared between multiple parties.

For example:

If you are found 25% responsible, your compensation may be reduced by 25%, but you may still recover 75% of your damages.

Additionally, in motor vehicle accidents, injured individuals may be eligible for Accident Benefits (SABS) from their own insurance company regardless of who caused the accident.

How much compensation can I receive for my injuries?

Compensation depends on the severity of your injuries and the impact the accident has had on your life.

A personal injury claim may include compensation for:

Pain and suffering

Medical and rehabilitation expenses

Lost income or reduced earning capacity

Cost of future medical care

Housekeeping and attendant care services

Out-of-pocket expenses related to the injury

A personal injury lawyer will assess medical evidence, expert reports, and financial losses to determine the value of your claim.

Do I have to pay legal fees upfront?

Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay legal fees unless your case is successful.

This typically means:

No upfront legal fees

The lawyer is paid only if compensation is recovered

Fees are usually a percentage of the settlement or award

At Haykas Law, we explain all legal fees and disbursements clearly before beginning representation.

Is there a deadline to start a personal injury claim?

Yes. Ontario law imposes strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims.

In most cases:

You must start a lawsuit within two years from the date of the accident

However, some claims have shorter deadlines, including:

10 days notice for slip and fall accidents on municipal property

Missing a legal deadline may prevent you from pursuing compensation, so it is important to consult a lawyer as soon as possible.

Will my personal injury case go to court?

Most personal injury claims settle without going to trial.

Many cases are resolved through:

Negotiation with insurance companies

Settlement discussions

Mediation

However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, your lawyer may recommend proceeding with litigation to protect your rights.

Should I speak with the insurance company after an accident?

Insurance companies may contact you shortly after an accident to request a recorded statement or additional information.

While you may need to report the accident, it is important to remember that insurance adjusters work for the insurer, not for you.

Before giving detailed statements or signing documents, it is advisable to consult a personal injury lawyer in Ontario who can ensure your rights are protected.

Why should I hire a personal injury lawyer?

Insurance companies often have experienced adjusters and lawyers working to minimize the amount they pay on claims.

An experienced personal injury lawyer can:

Investigate the accident and gather evidence

Obtain medical records and expert reports

Calculate the full value of your damages

Handle negotiations with insurance companies

Represent you in court if necessary

Having legal representation helps ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

How much is my car accident settlement worth in Ontario?

The value of a car accident settlement in Ontario depends on several factors, including:

The severity of your injuries

Whether the injuries are permanent or long-term

Your medical treatment and rehabilitation needs

Lost income or reduced earning capacity

The impact of the injuries on your daily life

Ontario law also applies a deductible to pain and suffering damages unless the injuries meet certain legal thresholds. Because of these rules, every case must be evaluated individually.

A personal injury lawyer can review your medical records, financial losses, and expert reports to estimate the potential value of your claim.

What types of compensation can I claim after a car accident?

After a motor vehicle accident in Ontario, injured individuals may be entitled to compensation through two different systems:

1. Accident Benefits (SABS)

These benefits are available regardless of fault and may include:

Medical and rehabilitation expenses

Income replacement benefits

Attendant care benefits

Non-earner benefits

Housekeeping and home maintenance benefits (if optional coverage was purchased)

2. Tort Claim (Lawsuit)

If another driver was at fault, you may also be able to sue for:

Pain and suffering

Loss of income and future earnings

Cost of future medical care

Loss of enjoyment of life

An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation under both systems.

What if the insurance company denies my claim?

Insurance companies sometimes deny claims or refuse to pay certain benefits. This does not necessarily mean the decision is final.

You may still have options, including:

Submitting additional medical evidence

Challenging the insurer’s decision

Filing a dispute through the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT) for Accident Benefits

Pursuing a lawsuit against the at-fault party

A personal injury lawyer can review the denial and advise you on the best course of action to protect your rights.

Do I need a lawyer for a personal injury claim?

While it is possible to pursue a claim on your own, insurance companies often have experienced adjusters and legal teams working to minimize the amount they pay.

A personal injury lawyer can help by:

Investigating the accident and gathering evidence

Obtaining medical and expert reports

Handling communication with insurers

Negotiating settlements

Representing you in court if necessary

Having legal representation often helps ensure that injured individuals receive fair compensation for their losses.

What evidence is important in a personal injury case?

Strong evidence is essential to proving liability and damages in a personal injury claim.

Important evidence may include:

Medical records and treatment notes

Accident reports or police reports

Photographs of the accident scene

Witness statements

Surveillance footage

Employment and income records

Expert medical opinions

The earlier evidence is collected, the stronger your case may be. This is one reason why contacting a personal injury lawyer soon after an accident is important.

Contact Us

Haykas Law

7111 Syntex Drive suite 130, Mississauga ON L5N 8C3

(647) 490-1713

Legal

Privacy Policy

Terms & Conditions

Connect

© Copyright Haykas Law 2026. All rights reserved.