If you have been in an automobile accident it is important you know your rights. You have rights regardless of whether you were a driver or a passenger and regardless whether the accident was your fault, the other driver's fault, or a combination of both. Following is a overview of some of your rights:

1. Property Damage - You have a right to be paid fair compensation for damage done to your car, either from your insurance company (if you were at-fault) or the insurance company of the other driver (if they were at-fault);

2. Rehabilitation/Medical Costs - Regardless of who was at-fault for the accident, you have a right to payment for reasonable and necessary medical and rehabilitation expenses that are prescribed by your doctor. This includes physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, etc.

3. Income Replacement Payments - Regardless of who was at-fault for the accident, you are entitled to income replacement payments if your doctor has advised you to stay off work to recover from your injuries.

4. Personal Injury Civil Action - If the other driver was at-fault for the accident, then he or she is liable to compensate you for your for pain and suffering and other financial losses that you would not have suffered if the accident had not happened. These financial losses include lost income, medical expenses, future medical costs, and future lost income. You bring the civil action (personal injury claim) against the other driver; however, in most cases their insurance company pays the compensation. Click here for more information on personal injury claims.