An accident can be a life changing event. In midst of all the physical and mental challenges of dealing with such unexpected situations, many are also perplexed by the thought of the cost of treatment and who is going to pay for the medical bills?  

“When I opened up the bill and saw it was $12,800, my jaw dropped. I was in quite a bit of shock. I can’t afford to pay that amount of money all upfront. It boggles my mind.” 

This was the reaction by a Toronto resident on seeing her medical bill. Although this was an out-of-province incident, the news of a Toronto resident been charged $12,800 for air ambulance transport to a hospital does highlight the fact that medical care or rehabilitation can be exorbitant.  

In Ontario, we have a no-fault insurance system, which means that in event of a motor vehicle accident, your auto insurance company will make payments for medical bills regardless of whether you were at fault for the accident according to the Statutory Accident Benefit Schedule. There is a lot of paperwork involved in getting pre-approval from the insurer as they must deem the expense to be reasonably necessary. This is the source of many disputes with insurance companies that may require the assistance of a lawyer to argue.

If coverage is not available through the no-fault insurance system and someone else was at fault for the accident, you can sue that at fault person and claim the medical bills you have now plus those that you may have over the course of your lifetime going forward.

As mentioned in our previous article Renewing your auto policy? Important changes to Ontario’s Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (“SABS”) you need to know, it is also essential that you speak to your insurance representative and ask questions before you renew your policy. Make sure you know what options are available to increase or purchase other benefits to ensure you and your family are adequately protected. 

If you feel that the insurance provider has unfairly denied immediate payments for your medical care or rehabilitation, then you should seek legal advice immediately. 

Virk Personal Injury Law is available to explain your rights and accident benefits under the no-fault insurance system in Ontario.