By
Pace Law

How To Handle A Motor Vehicle Accident During March Break

March 9, 2016

Being involved in a car accident is never ideal, but with March Break around the corner it is smart to prepare for an accident that may happen abroad.

When traveling to the U.S., you should know that the law of the state where the accident takes place applies. This means that even though you might not be familiar with local laws, they still apply to your situation.

However, if there is a need to claim no fault or accident benefits, you have the option of claiming benefits based on the law of the state you are in at the time of the accident, or you can claim benefits as recognized in Ontario (assuming you live in Ontario). This means you can use an Ontario lawyer to guide you through this process.

Getting into a motor vehicle accident away from home can also be confusing. You don’t always know the local laws and the moments following an accident can cause people to lose their ability to think clearly.

It is imperative you follow proper protocol after an accident, so here are helpful tips to guide you through the process:

  • Take pictures of everything – Make sure to take pictures of your car, the other person’s car, their licence plate, their documents (licence, ownership and insurance) and if it is safe to do so, take photos of the scene as well.
  • Identify a witness – People assume that the police will take care of finding witnesses and taking their statements. This is not always the case, and finding witnesses later is much harder than immediately after an accident.
  • Go to a hospital – Even if you haven’t been seriously injured, it is necessary to get examined by a doctor. Adrenaline and shock from the accident tend to affect a person’s ability to identify injuries.
  • Always report the accident to the police – Especially in a foreign jurisdiction, it is always recommended to report motor vehicle accidents to the police to ensure proper due process.
  • Talk to your insurance provider with a lawyer – It is important to report an accident to your insurance provider; however, it is advised that a lawyer be present for any statements. A lawyer will help file a claim properly and ensure the right steps are taken if accident benefits are required.
  • Refrain from commenting on how you feel – You should try to refrain from commenting on how you feel or the state of your injuries. People tend to answer a simple “how are you feeling” with the words “I’m fine” or “I’m ok,” but this may hurt you when trying to claim accident benefits as everything you say during or after the accident can be used against you.
Share This Post
Email
Facebook
LinkedIn
Twitter
Trending Posts
Read More Insights
Wills And Estates
By
Angela Barrientos
A will is a legal document that clearly states how a person’s property and belongings will be divided after their passing.
Immigration
By
Angela Barrientos
Since its introduction in 2013, the program has been a huge success in assisting Canada in luring and keeping outstanding entrepreneurs who can contribute to the expansion and prosperity of the country’s economy.
Corporate and Personal Law
By
Angela Barrientos
In 2022 the Government of Canada passed new amendments that expanded the Scope of the Competition Act. In this article, we look back on some of the changes that took place.
Corporate and Personal Law
By
Angela Barrientos
The term “mergers and acquisitions,” also known as M&A, refers to the merging of businesses or their essential business assets via business-to-business monetary operations.
Wills And Estates
By
Angela Barrientos
A will is a written statement that represents you after death. It specifies how you intend on allocating your assets and property.
Events
By
Pace Law
Pace Law Firm is always looking to expand our business and elevate it to the next level. On Thursday November 24th, Pace Law Firm attended the Canadian Mortgage Summit (CMS) to hear from the industry’s top mortgage brokers, lenders and solution providers.

Get in Touch

Call us now or fill out the form to discuss your case with an experienced legal professional.

Our Locations

Office Location

191 The West Mall, Suite 1100
Toronto, ON M9C 5K8
Phone: 1-877-236-3060
Fax: 416-236-1809

Office Location

191 The West Mall, Suite 1100
Toronto, ON M9C 5K8
Phone: 1-877-236-3060
Fax: 416-236-1809

Scroll to Top
Scroll to Top