An Ontario Resident’s Guide to Accident Benefits
People are involved in car accidents in Ontario every single day. While the vast majority of those crashes result in minor injuries or no injuries at all, some lead to catastrophic or life-threatening injuries.
Being in a car crash can generate a tremendous financial burden, especially if the victim is forced to take time off work when recovering from their injuries. Fortunately, injured victims can rely on accident benefits in Ontario to cover some of their losses.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about accident benefits as a resident of Ontario.
What Are Accident Benefits in Ontario?
Accident benefits refer to compensation that anyone who suffers harm in a motor vehicle accident can receive. These benefits also provide compensation to surviving family members of those who get killed in motor vehicle collisions.
The insurance covers the following parties involved in an accident:
- Drivers
- Passengers in the vehicles
- Bystanders
- Pedestrians
Accident benefits are mandatory auto insurance coverage that kicks in when anyone becomes injured or dies in a motor vehicle accident.
Are Accident Benefits Mandatory in Ontario?
Yes, Ontario law requires insurance providers to include accidents benefits in all car insurance policies in the province. Having accident benefits coverage ensures that people who suffer harm can receive financial compensation for their losses. All drivers in Ontario must have auto insurance.
According to the Financial Services Commission of Ontario, fines for motorists who drive without auto insurance range from $5,000 to $50,000.
What Do Accident Benefits in Ontario Cover?
There are different types of accident benefits that cover various expenses and losses incurred by accident victims, including:
Attendant care benefits.
This coverage provides reasonable compensation to cover the costs associated with receiving someone else’s assistance with performing daily living activities, including bathing, dressing, going to a toilet, and others.
Medical and rehabilitation benefits.
These benefits cover the injured party’s expenses associated with medical treatment and rehabilitation that are not covered by private healthcare or government plans. Medical and rehabilitation benefits cover up to $1 million for catastrophic injuries and up to $65,000 for non-catastrophic ones.
Caregiver benefits.
If the victim is a primary caregiver to their family and they can no longer fulfill their caregiving responsibilities due to their catastrophic injury, this coverage will kick in reimburse the costs of hiring a third party to perform such responsibilities if the injuries are deemed to be catastrophic.
Income replacement benefits.
If an injured person cannot work and earn a living due to the injury, income replacement benefits will compensate them for their lost wages. These benefits are limited to up to 70% of the victim’s net income or $400 weekly.
The limits for accident benefits in Ontario may make the coverage insufficient to cover a victim’s losses and damages, especially if they suffered permanent or catastrophic injuries. Fortunately, motorists can purchase optional coverage to increase those limits. As well, if not at fault, a lawsuit can be started against the at fault party to recoup greater compensation than these benefits provide.
Does Fault Matter When Seeking Accident Benefits?
Ontario follows a no-fault insurance system, which means anyone who suffers injuries in a car crash can seek accident benefits from their own insurance provider regardless of fault. Regardless of whether you were at fault or the other party was responsible for causing the collision, you will have to make a claim with your own insurance company.
How Can Accident Benefits Lawyers Help?
Seeking accident benefits may feel like a daunting process, especially for someone who recently went through a traumatizing event such as a car accident. There are many procedural requirements and deadlines that must be followed in order to get the insurance provider to approve accident benefits.
Fortunately, car accident victims can hire a lawyer to help them handle the legal aspects of their accident benefits claim and obtain the compensation to which they are entitled. At Virk Personal Injury Law, our car accident lawyers are dedicated to helping accident victims navigate the claims process and pursue the compensation they deserve.
We are ready to review your particular case and help you explain your legal options. Our lawyers will work tirelessly on your case to help you obtain the accident benefits you need to move forward with your life.