Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers Serving Ontario

Since 2014, UL Lawyers Professional Corporation has been advocating for motor vehicle accident victims across Ontario with compassion and expertise. We are a Mississauga motor vehicle accident lawyer firm and a leading injury lawyer serving Burlington and all of Ontario. Our experienced legal team understands the life-altering impact a serious car, truck, or motorcycle accident can have on you and your family.

We work diligently and empathetically to guide injured clients through the legal process – from initial consultation to resolution – with the goal of securing full and fair compensation. We treat every client with the respect and care they deserve, reflecting our commitment to client-focused service. UL Lawyers has proudly served injury victims since 2014, offering free consultations and a "no win, no fee" promise to ensure access to justice for everyone.

Types of Motor Vehicle Accident Claims We Handle

UL Lawyers has extensive experience handling all types of motor vehicle accident claims. Our Ontario accident lawyers represent clients injured in a wide range of scenarios, including but not limited to:

• Car Accidents: Injuries from collisions involving passenger vehicles, from fender-benders to multi-car highway crashes. We help victims of negligent drivers recover damages for pain and suffering, medical costs, and lost income in car accident claims.
• Truck Accidents: Crashes involving transport trucks or commercial vehicles, which often cause severe injuries due to their size. We understand the unique factors in trucking accidents – from federal safety regulations to potential multiple liable parties – and fight for those hurt by trucking negligence.
• Motorcycle Accidents: Representation for injured motorcyclists, who often suffer catastrophic injuries due to limited protection. We are familiar with bias motorcyclists may face and work to prove liability and obtain compensation for serious injuries.
• Pedestrian Accidents: Cases where pedestrians are struck by vehicles, frequently resulting in severe injuries. Whether you were hit at a crosswalk, in a parking lot, or on a roadside, we will help hold the at-fault driver accountable.
• Bicycle Accidents: Claims for cyclists hit by motor vehicles. Bicyclists have little physical protection, and these accidents can lead to significant injuries. We help injured cyclists navigate insurance claims and pursue tort claims against negligent drivers.
• Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) Accidents: Incidents involving Uber, Lyft, taxi, or other ride-sharing vehicles. These cases can be complex due to commercial insurance policies and multiple parties. UL Lawyers has experience dealing with rideshare insurers and will ensure you are covered whether you were a passenger, driver, or struck by a rideshare vehicle.
• Distracted Driving Accidents: Crashes caused by drivers texting, using mobile devices, or otherwise not paying attention to the road. We gather evidence of distracted driving (phone records, witness testimony, etc.) to prove negligence and secure compensation for victims.
• Drunk Driving Accidents: Injuries resulting from drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs. These collisions are often devastating and entirely preventable. We pursue claims vigorously in drunk driving cases, seeking compensation and acknowledging the egregious nature of the at-fault driver's conduct.
• Hit-and-Run Accidents: Cases where the at-fault driver flees the scene or remains unidentified. We assist clients in making uninsured/unidentified motorist claims to ensure they still receive compensation, even if the responsible driver is not found.
• Wrongful Death Cases: Fatal accident claims where a loved one has tragically lost their life due to another's negligence. We help families pursue wrongful death claims under Ontario's Family Law Act for the loss of guidance, care, companionship, as well as funeral and related expenses, with utmost compassion and sensitivity.

Motorcycle and Bicycle Accidents: Vulnerable Road Users

Motorcyclists and bicyclists are among the most vulnerable road users. Unlike car occupants, they have minimal protection in a crash – no seatbelts, airbags, or metal frame to absorb impact. Even low-speed collisions can result in life-changing injuries for riders. Statistics confirm that these road users face disproportionate risks: motorcyclists represent only about 2% of road users, yet motorcycle-related accidents account for over 10% of all road fatalities. Bicyclists and pedestrians are similarly at risk of severe injury or death when struck by a vehicle.

At UL Lawyers, we have a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by injured motorcyclists and cyclists. We know that driver negligence (such as failing to see a bike, not giving enough space, or ignoring traffic laws) is often to blame. Our team will thoroughly investigate your motorcycle or bicycle accident – gathering witness statements, police reports, and expert reconstructions if necessary – to prove liability. We also appreciate the biases that injured riders sometimes encounter (for example, assumptions that motorcyclists are "speed demons" or cyclists are careless). Our lawyers push back against these stereotypes with solid evidence and advocacy, ensuring that injured riders are treated fairly.

If you have been injured while riding a motorcycle or bicycle, we will work tirelessly to obtain compensation for your medical bills, rehabilitation, lost income, and the pain and suffering you've endured. These cases often involve very serious injuries, and our Ontario injury lawyers are committed to helping vulnerable road users and their families get the support they need to rebuild their lives.

Common Injuries in Motor Vehicle Accidents

Serious motor vehicle accidents can cause a wide range of injuries. At UL Lawyers, we have experience handling claims involving many different types of trauma, from moderate injuries to catastrophic harm. Some of the most common injuries resulting from car, truck, or motorcycle accidents include:

• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Soft-tissue injuries to the neck (often called whiplash) are very common in rear-end collisions. These can cause neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and reduced range of motion. While sometimes considered "minor," whiplash can lead to chronic pain or complications if not properly treated.
• Head and Brain Injuries: Blows to the head can cause concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Even with airbags, accident victims may suffer a TBI from the violent force of impact. Brain injuries can be life-altering, leading to cognitive impairment, memory issues, mood changes, or permanent disability.
• Spinal Cord and Back Injuries: The force of a crash can injure the spinal cord or vertebrae. Herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, or spinal cord damage can result in symptoms from chronic back pain to paralysis. Spinal cord injuries are catastrophic, potentially causing paraplegia or quadriplegia that requires long-term care.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: The impact of collisions often leads to broken bones – common fractures include arms, legs, ribs, collarbones, and hips. Severe fractures may require surgery (such as pins, plates, or joint replacements) and lengthy rehabilitation. Multiple fractures or compound fractures can be especially debilitating.
• Internal Injuries: The blunt force trauma in crashes can injure internal organs or cause internal bleeding. For example, a car accident might result in a punctured lung, liver laceration, or kidney damage. Internal injuries are not always immediately obvious and can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.
• Facial and Dental Injuries: Impact with steering wheels, airbags, or broken glass can cause facial lacerations, fractures to the cheekbones or jaw, dental injuries (lost or broken teeth), and eye injuries. These injuries can require specialized surgery and may result in scarring or disfigurement.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Beyond whiplash, many accident victims suffer sprains, strains, contusions, or deep bruising to muscles, ligaments, and tendons throughout the body. While not visible on X-rays, soft tissue injuries can cause significant pain and limit mobility during recovery.
• Psychological Injuries: A serious accident doesn't only cause physical harm – it can also leave deep psychological scars. It is common for survivors to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, or other mental health challenges after a traumatic crash. These invisible injuries are very real and we pursue compensation for emotional distress and the cost of therapy or counseling as part of your claim.

Each accident is unique, and this is not an exhaustive list. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a motor vehicle accident, UL Lawyers has the experience to handle your specific situation – from common whiplash cases to complex catastrophic injury claims. We work closely with your medical team to understand the full extent of your injuries and how they impact your life. Our goal is to ensure you receive proper compensation to cover all your injury-related losses, including long-term care needs if applicable.

Chronic Pain Injuries

Chronic pain, defined as pain lasting longer than six months or beyond the normal healing time, is a frequent long-term consequence of serious accidents. Injuries to the back, neck, or joints can lead to persistent pain that continues for months or even years after the crash. Unlike obvious trauma such as fractures, chronic pain often does not show up on X-rays or scans, making it a subjective condition known only to the sufferer.

Research indicates that roughly one-quarter of people injured in car accidents go on to experience some form of chronic pain long after the collision. This lingering pain can significantly limit physical activity and interfere with daily tasks or work, impairing a person's quality of life well into the future.

How UL Lawyers Can Help:

At UL Lawyers, we understand the real impact of chronic pain and know how to establish its legitimacy in court or in negotiations with insurance companies. We work with medical specialists, chronic pain experts, and rehabilitation providers to build strong evidence that validates your condition. Our team ensures that insurers and opposing counsel cannot dismiss chronic pain as "exaggerated" or "unfounded." We also pursue compensation not only for your pain and suffering, but also for related economic and emotional impacts, ensuring you receive the full value of your claim.

Income Loss and Loss of Competitive Advantage

In addition to physical injuries, accidents often lead to significant economic losses for victims. Many people are forced to take weeks or even months off work during their recovery, resulting in substantial lost wages. For example, one study found that severely injured crash victims missed an average of about eight months of work, and nearly one-third were still unable to return to their jobs even one year after the accident. This kind of prolonged work absence can be financially devastating, especially when combined with medical and rehabilitation expenses.

Over the longer term, some accident victims experience a permanent loss of earning capacity. Chronic pain or lasting disabilities may prevent them from working the same hours or performing the same duties as before, sometimes forcing career changes or part-time work. They might also have to forgo new job opportunities or promotions that would have given them higher pay, because their post-accident limitations make those roles unfeasible. This reduced ability to work and advance in one's career is often referred to as a loss of competitive advantage, meaning the person's injuries have compromised their competitiveness in the job market.

How UL Lawyers Can Help:

We work with financial and occupational experts to project the long-term impact of your injuries on your career. Whether you were on track for a promotion, considering a new role, or building a career in a demanding field, we will present evidence showing how the accident deprived you of those opportunities. By demonstrating loss of competitive advantage, we help secure fair compensation that reflects not only what you've lost today, but also the career growth and financial stability you've been denied in the future.

In addition to that, we carefully calculate your past and ongoing income losses by gathering employment records, pay stubs, tax returns, and expert vocational assessments. We ensure your claim includes compensation for both wages already lost and the future reduction in your earning capacity. Our team will present a comprehensive financial picture so that insurance companies and courts understand the true scale of your loss.

Ontario's Statutory Accident Benefits (SABs)

In Ontario, anyone injured in a motor vehicle accident is entitled to "no-fault" accident benefits through their own insurance, regardless of who was at fault. These are called Statutory Accident Benefits (SABs) and are available to drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists – anyone injured in the use or operation of a motor vehicle. The accident benefits system is designed to provide immediate relief and coverage of certain expenses without needing to prove fault. SABs can include coverage for:

• Medical and Rehabilitation Expenses: such as hospital bills, physiotherapy, chiropractic care, prescriptions, counseling, and other treatments not covered by OHIP.
• Attendant Care: to compensate for hiring someone to help you with personal care if you cannot care for yourself due to the injuries (for example, assistance with bathing, dressing, and other daily activities).
• Income Replacement Benefit: if you cannot work due to your injuries, typically 70% of your gross income up to a weekly maximum (standard policies provide up to $400/week) to partially replace lost wages.
• Non-Earner Benefit: if you are not employed (e.g. a student or homemaker) and cannot carry on your normal life due to the accident, a weekly benefit may be available.
• Other Benefits: such as compensation for lost educational expenses, housekeeping/home maintenance assistance (in catastrophic cases), and even funeral and death benefits in the event of a fatality.

These benefits provide a vital safety net by covering many immediate costs after an accident. However, navigating the accident benefits process can be confusing. There are strict timelines and complex application forms (for instance, you must notify your insurer within 7 days of the accident and submit an application within 30 days). UL Lawyers will guide you through your Accident Benefits claim from start to finish. We help you complete the required forms (OCF forms), ensure you submit them on time, and advise you on what benefits you are entitled to. If your insurer requests an Independent Medical Examination (IME) or additional information, we prepare you for those steps.

Importantly, if your insurance company denies necessary treatments or income support, our firm can assist in disputing the denial (through mediation or the Licence Appeal Tribunal process). We have experience with SABs disputes and will fight to ensure the insurance company honors its obligations. Our goal is to make sure you receive all the benefits you deserve under the law so you can focus on your recovery.

Even if you do not have your own auto insurance, you may still be covered under Ontario's accident benefits system (for example, through the insurer of another vehicle involved or the Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund as a last resort). UL Lawyers will identify the applicable insurer and help you get those benefits, no matter your situation.

Critical Deadlines in Ontario Accident Claims

Ontario law imposes rigid and unforgiving time limits on motor vehicle accident claims. Missing a deadline can mean losing some or all of your rights, so it's crucial to be aware of these and act promptly. Key timelines include:

• 120 Days – Notice to At-Fault Party: If you intend to pursue a lawsuit against the at-fault driver (or owner of the vehicle), Ontario law effectively requires that you give them written notice of your intention to sue within 120 days of the accident. This notice is typically sent to the at-fault driver's insurance company and preserves your claim for later. (Failure to give notice within 120 days may not automatically bar your claim, but it can prejudice your rights – it's best not to delay.)
• 2 Years – Limitation Period for Lawsuits: In most cases, you must commence a lawsuit within two years of the date of the accident (or the date you discovered the injury). This is the general limitation period set by Ontario's Limitations Act. If you do not file a Statement of Claim in court within 2 years, your right to sue for injury compensation may be lost forever. There are very few exceptions to this rule.
• 10 Days – Municipal Cases Notice: If your claim involves a municipality (for example, you allege that a city's negligent road design, lack of signage, or poor road maintenance caused or contributed to the accident), you must serve a written notice on the municipality within 10 days of the accident. This extremely short deadline is required by the Ontario Municipal Act for injury claims against cities or towns (such as when a car crash is caused by an icy, unplowed road or a malfunctioning traffic light). There is a narrow exception if you have a "reasonable excuse" for delay, but even then, notice should be given as soon as possible.

Meeting these deadlines is critical. In addition to the above, there are other timing requirements: for example, if you're claiming accident benefits, you must notify your insurer within 7 days and submit the application within 30 days. If a provincial government entity is a defendant, a 60-day notice before suing is required. Because the clock starts ticking immediately after an accident, it's wise to consult a lawyer right away. UL Lawyers will ensure all notices and filings are done on time so that your rights are protected. We take over these deadlines for you – giving you peace of mind that no critical time limit will be missed while you concentrate on getting better.

No Win, No Fee – Contingency Fee Arrangement (Access to Justice)

The aftermath of a serious accident can impose significant financial strain: medical bills, time off work, vehicle repair or replacement, and more. We firmly believe that the cost of hiring a lawyer should not add to your burdens or prevent you from seeking justice. That's why UL Lawyers operates on a contingency fee basis, commonly known as a "no win, no fee" arrangement.

What does this mean for you? It means you pay no upfront legal fees, and absolutely no lawyer's fees at all unless we win your case. We only get paid when we successfully recover compensation on your behalf. If we don't obtain a settlement or court award for you, you owe us nothing in legal fees. This "no win, no fee" promise reflects our confidence in our ability to help and ensures that anyone, regardless of financial situation, can afford top-quality legal representation.

During your free initial consultation, we will explain our fee agreement in detail. Typically, our fee is a percentage of the amount recovered at the end of the case (a standard contingency arrangement). This percentage will be clearly stated and agreed upon in advance. There are no hidden costs. Moreover, UL Lawyers advances all necessary case expenses (such as court filing fees, expert report costs, medical record fees, etc.) during the litigation. You do not have to pay those out-of-pocket as the case progresses. We only recover those disbursements if and when we win a settlement or judgment for you, and this will be discussed transparently.

Our contingency fee structure aligns our interests with yours – we are motivated to maximize your compensation as efficiently as possible. Rest assured, our fees comply with all Law Society of Ontario regulations and the Solicitors Act (as noted by our past clients). We are open and upfront about how we charge, and we put everything in writing for your peace of mind. With UL Lawyers, you truly have nothing to lose – you get experienced legal advocates fighting for you without having to pay anything out of pocket while your claim is underway.

Dealing with Insurance Companies – We Protect You

One of the most challenging aspects of a motor vehicle accident claim can be dealing with insurance companies. From the moment the accident is reported, insurance adjusters and corporate lawyers begin working to minimize the payout on your claim. Remember: no matter how friendly or sympathetic an insurance adjuster may seem, their job is to protect the insurance company's bottom line, not to pay you what your case is truly worth. They handle claims every day and employ many tactics to reduce or deny claims. This can include urging you to give a recorded statement that might later be used against you, quickly offering a lowball settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries, or telling you that this is the "best" or "final" offer when it's not.

It is very difficult for accident victims to navigate these tactics while also trying to recover from serious injuries. As one client wisely noted, "After trying to deal with the insurance company myself, I realized that they would never treat me like the valued client I thought I was… you cannot handle a motor vehicle accident file without a lawyer on your side." UL Lawyers levels the playing field for you. Once we take on your case, we handle all communications with the insurance companies – you won't have to worry about saying the wrong thing or being pressured into an unfair deal. We will promptly notify the at-fault party's insurer that you are represented by counsel, and from that point forward, the insurer must go through us, not you.

Our team has extensive experience negotiating with major insurance companies in Ontario. We know the true value of claims and won't be fooled by attempts to downplay your injuries or blame you for the accident. We gather all the evidence – medical reports, expert opinions, accident reconstruction, witness statements – to build a strong case that supports your claim for damages. UL Lawyers will aggressively advocate for your rights, whether in settlement discussions or in court, to make sure the insurance company delivers a fair result. And if they refuse to be reasonable, we are fully prepared to litigate the matter and let a judge or jury decide.

Importantly, we shield you from the stress of dealing with adjusters so you can focus on your recovery. Our clients often express great relief once we take over interaction with the insurers. We also counsel you on pitfalls to avoid (for example, not signing any release or accepting any payment from an insurer without our advice, as that could end your rights). In short, UL Lawyers serves as your strong advocate against insurance companies, ensuring you are not taken advantage of during a vulnerable time.

Act Now – Protect Your Rights and Get the Help You Need

Time is of the essence after a motor vehicle accident. There are urgent steps to take and waiting too long can damage your case. Evidence can fade or be lost – skid marks wash away, vehicles get repaired, and surveillance videos may be overwritten. Witnesses' memories become less reliable as time passes. Additionally, as discussed, Ontario law imposes strict deadlines (some as short as 10 days for municipal injury claims) that require swift action. Insurance companies often begin building their defense immediately, so it's crucial that you have a legal team working for you as soon as possible to preserve evidence and prepare your claim.

UL Lawyers is ready to help right now. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Mississauga, Burlington, or anywhere in Ontario, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We will review the details of your accident, answer your questions, and explain your legal options in plain language. An early consultation can also provide invaluable guidance on steps you should (and shouldn't) take in the immediate aftermath, such as notifying insurers, documenting injuries, and avoiding common pitfalls. Remember, consulting us promptly can make the difference in building a strong case and ensuring no crucial deadline is missed.

When you choose UL Lawyers, you are choosing a firm that truly cares about your well-being and your future. Our Mississauga motor vehicle accident lawyers and Burlington injury lawyers will treat your case with urgency and personal attention. From day one, we will put our experience to work to secure the medical care and compensation you need. And with our no win, no fee guarantee, you can have peace of mind that you won't owe any legal fees unless we win compensation for you. There is no financial risk in pursuing your claim – the biggest risk is in waiting too long and potentially forfeiting your rights.

Take the first step toward justice and healing. Call UL Lawyers now or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. Let us stand in your corner and fight for the compensation you deserve, so you can focus on your recovery. We are here to help you rebuild your life after a serious motor vehicle accident – and we won't rest until you receive the support and justice you are entitled to.