Experienced Toronto lawyers explain how the process works in Ontario
Determining who was at fault in a car accident might seem straightforward, especially if one driver clearly did something wrong to cause the crash. Collision investigations turn out to be much more complicated than many people expect, however, because determining fault in a crash often involves many people and numerous pieces of evidence.
So who decides who’s at fault? What evidence matters most? How does the legal system work in Ontario? If you are found to be at fault, can you challenge or appeal a decision? Below, you can find the answers to these questions and many more from experienced Toronto lawyers who have dealt with a wide range of car accidents in the Greater Toronto Area and throughout Ontario.
What is an at-fault accident?
When a car accident occurs involving two or more vehicles, investigators determine if one driver was more at fault than the other driver. This is important since the at-fault driver may be responsible for financially compensating anyone else injured in the accident in certain circumstances in Ontario.
A driver is considered to be at fault if they are at least 51% responsible for causing the crash, but that threshold is lower if there are more than two drivers involved in the collision. Common examples of at-fault accidents include:
- Rear-end accident caused by a speeding driver
- Head-on collision caused by a distracted driver
- Broadside accident caused by a drunk driver
These are just a few examples of common accidents where one driver is clearly at fault. There are many other types of crashes and each one requires its own independent investigation.
Does Ontario have an at-fault system?
Like several other provinces in Canada, Ontario has a so-called “no-fault” car insurance system. This simply means that drivers deal directly with their insurance company after a car accident, regardless of who was at fault.
Just because Ontario has a no-fault system does not mean that no one is at fault. Accident investigators still determine who was at fault in an accident. This is important because who is at fault – and what percentage they are at fault – can influence how much money accident victims receive or have to pay for an accident.
Who determines fault in an accident?
Many people often get involved with determining fault after an accident, including:
- Police officers investigating the accident
- Lawyers representing people injured in the accident
- A jury ruling on a lawsuit filed in connection with the accident
However, more than anyone else, insurance companies often have the most say when it comes to determining who was at fault in an accident. That’s because their findings often determine who is responsible for financially compensating injury victims for certain accident expenses or how much money someone can receive from their own insurance company.
What types of compensation are available to accident victims?
In Ontario, car accident victims can often obtain several different types of benefits for their accident expenses depending on the circumstances of their accident and what type of insurance coverage they have. Such benefits include:
- Statutory Accident Benefits – This form of compensation generally covers medical expenses and income replacement, regardless of who was at fault in the accident. Funding is generally provided by each driver’s insurance company.
- Direct Compensation-Property Damage (DC-PD) – This type of compensation provides money for vehicle repairs or replacement costs. The amount of money someone can receive often depends on the percentage that someone is found to be at fault. You can only receive such compensation through your own insurance provider.
- Third-Party Liability – This type of compensation is awarded to someone injured in an accident as a result of a tort claim (lawsuit) filed against the at-fault driver. In addition, if you have third-party liability coverage as part of your car insurance, coverage should cover you if you are the focus of a lawsuit or tort claim, even if you are at fault. You can only receive such compensation under someone else’s insurance coverage.
It’s also important to note that how much money you can receive depends largely on how much you are found to be at fault for causing the accident. Whatever percentage you are found to be at fault, your financial compensation will likely be reduced by that percentage amount. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your accident claim will likely be reduced by 20%.
What evidence is used to determine fault?
Insurance companies, lawyers, and other parties investigating an accident often look at a wide range of evidence when determining who was at fault in an accident. Such evidence often includes:
- The investigating police officer’s official collision report
- Testimony from witnesses who saw your accident
- Video footage of your accident, including dashcam footage, traffic camera footage, and red light camera footage
- Your written or verbal statements about your accident
- The other driver’s written or verbal statements about the crash
- Expert analysis of your accident, including the findings of an accident reconstruction expert
- Medical records which indicate how injuries occurred as a result of the crash
Every piece of evidence matters when determining fault in an accident. That’s why it’s critical that your insurance company, their lawyers, and your lawyer conduct a thorough investigation as soon as possible.
Can I challenge the finding if I disagree?
Yes, you can challenge the finding for what degree you are found to be at fault in your accident. If you disagree with your insurance company’s finding of what percentage you were at fault in your accident, you have several options available to you in Ontario.
One option is to seek mediation from the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO). The commission can appoint a mediator who can attempt to resolve the dispute between you and your insurance company. However, it’s important to note that the mediator’s decision is non-binding.
Another alternative is to file a complaint with the Licence Appeal Tribunal. The tribunal handles complaints involving insurance companies and policyholders like yourself. If you disagree with the tribunal’s ruling, you have the right to file an appeal in court.
Can I sue if I am found to be at fault in an accident?
Yes, you can file a lawsuit after your car accident, especially if you believe you were not at fault. In such cases, you will likely file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Legal cases can often be very complicated. That’s why it’s important to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.
The legal team at Smitiuch Injury Law in Toronto has years of experience handling complex car accident claims. Learn more about your legal options. Contact our firm and schedule a free consultation today. We have offices in Toronto, Brantford, and Simcoe.
