Hit-and-Run Accidents in Ontario: Your Legal Options After the Unexpected

February 24, 2026, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

After a motor vehicle accident or other personal injury incident, it is common for insurance adjusters to contact injured individuals quickly. These early conversations may appear routine or even helpful, as adjusters often present themselves as simply gathering information to move the claim forward. However, what many people do not realize is that statements made to insurance adjusters can have lasting and sometimes damaging consequences for a personal injury claim.

Understanding the role of insurance adjusters and the risks associated with early communication is an important step in protecting your legal rights under Ontario law.

The Role of an Insurance Adjuster

Insurance adjusters work for insurance companies, not for injured individuals. Their primary responsibility is to assess claims and manage the insurer’s financial exposure. While adjusters may sound friendly and concerned, their questions are often carefully structured to collect information that can later be used to limit or deny compensation.

This does not mean that every adjuster acts improperly, but it does mean that injured individuals should approach these conversations with caution. Even seemingly harmless details can be taken out of context or relied upon months later when a claim is evaluated or disputed.

Why Early Statements Can Be Risky

In the immediate aftermath of an accident, injuries are often not fully understood. Adrenaline, shock, and stress can mask pain and symptoms. Many people sincerely believe they are “fine” in the hours or days following an incident, only to develop more serious symptoms later.

Early statements to an insurance adjuster may be used to:

• Dispute the severity of injuries

• Suggest that symptoms are unrelated to the accident

• Challenge credibility if medical conditions worsen over time

• Minimize entitlement to accident benefits or damages

Once recorded, these statements become part of the insurer’s file and may be difficult to correct or clarify later.

Special Concerns With Invisible Injuries

The risks associated with speaking to insurance adjusters are particularly significant in cases involving injuries that do not present clearly on diagnostic imaging. These may include concussions, mild traumatic brain injuries, chronic pain, soft tissue injuries, and psychological or emotional trauma.

For example, concussion symptoms may evolve over days or weeks and can include headaches, dizziness, cognitive difficulties, and emotional changes. Chronic pain conditions may begin as mild discomfort and gradually intensify. Psychological injuries, such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress, are often delayed and may not be immediately recognized.

Early statements that downplay symptoms can later be used to argue that these conditions are exaggerated or unrelated, even when supported by medical evidence.

Adjusters May Ask Questions That Seem Innocent

Insurance adjusters often ask broad or open-ended questions, such as:

• “How are you feeling today?”

• “Do you think you’ll be back to work soon?”

• “Have you ever had similar symptoms before?”

While these questions may seem conversational, the answers can significantly affect a claim. A casual response, made without full information or medical advice, may later be interpreted in a way that disadvantages the injured person.

How Legal Representation Can Help

Having legal representation early in the process can help protect injured individuals from common pitfalls. A personal injury lawyer can manage communications with insurers, ensuring that information is provided accurately, consistently, and strategically.

Deutschmann de Koning Personal Injury Law regularly assists clients by:

• Handling communications with insurance adjusters

• Reviewing requests for recorded statements

• Ensuring medical evidence is properly documented

• Protecting clients from unfair claim tactics

• Preserving the integrity of accident benefits and tort claims

This support allows injured individuals to focus on recovery rather than navigating complex insurance processes.

Why Timing Matters in Ontario Personal Injury Claims

Ontario personal injury claims are subject to strict timelines and procedural requirements. Statements made early in the process can influence how a claim unfolds months or even years later. Once an insurer forms a position on liability or injury severity, it can be difficult to reverse.

Taking a cautious and informed approach from the outset can help avoid disputes, delays, and unnecessary stress.

Additional Resources You May Find Helpful

To better understand your rights after an accident, you may also wish to read:

• Understanding Limitation Periods in Ontario Personal Injury Claims

• Hit-and-Run Accidents in Ontario: Your Legal Options

Protect Your Rights From the Start

If you have been injured in an accident, you do not have to navigate insurance communications alone. Being careful about what you say—and when you say it—can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your claim.

About Deutschmann de Koning Law

Deutschmann de Koning Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann and Nick de Koning focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.ddinjurylaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.