Car accidents are among the most immediate and dire public health crises in Canada today. Unfortunately, the numbers don’t bear that statement as much of an exaggeration. Compared to another worldwide public health threat, cancer, motor vehicle collisions have a lower percentage of death, but more than three times as many injuries. In terms of financial burden, the direct and indirect costs of car accidents and cancer are virtually the same to the Canadian economy (at approximately $20 billion annually). Yet, while cancer charities, awareness campaigns, and federal funding flourishes, the pernicious crash epidemic slips past. Nonetheless, insurance law in Canada provides guaranteed car accident benefits for those who’ve suffered an injury. If you’re in need of car accident benefits, read on for details.
Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule
In Ontario, the regulations providing for those in need of motor vehicle injury benefits are in the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule. Under this schedule, there are several different types of potential benefits for an injured party:
- Income Replacement: This benefit partially reimburses you for lost income as a result of a car accident injury.
- Non-Earner: You can receive this benefit if you do not satisfy the requirements of being an “income earner” (for example, if you are unemployed or a student). This benefit is not available for children under 18, however.
- Caregiver: Those who act as a non-professional caregiver (e.g. caring for your children or parents), but are unable to continue as such because of motor vehicle accident injuries can receive this benefit.
- Medical and Rehabilitation: This covers reasonable and necessary medical and rehab costs that are not provided by OHIP or work-related insurance policies.
- Attendant Care: If you require assistance with everyday personal activities (e.g. washing, dressing, cooking, etc.) as a result of your automobile accident injuries, you can be reimbursed for an aide, an attendant, or a stay at a long-term care facility.
- Other Expenses: You may qualify for other reimbursements, such as lost education expenses, the travel costs of certain people (e.g. relatives) visiting you, or costs related to housekeeping and home maintenance.
- Death and Funeral: If a loved one has died in a motor vehicle collision, this benefit provides a lump sum to contribute to the cost of a funeral and other death-related expenses.
How to Get Car Accident Benefits
According to the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule, anyone who is injured in a motor vehicle accident is eligible for car accident benefits. Furthermore, relatives and dependents may be able to receive benefits payments (based on which benefits are applicable). However, if your accident occurred while you were afoul of the law, for example while you were drunk driving or driving without insurance, you will not be eligible for certain benefits (i.e. income replacement, non-earner, and other benefits).
To apply for car accident benefits, you must inform your insurer of your intent to apply within seven days of the accident, or as soon as possible if that time period is impracticable. Your insurer will respond with application forms as well as information to assist you in selecting the correct benefits.
Sources:
http://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/100034#BK44
http://assets.ibc.ca/Documents/Brochures/Accident-Benefits-Coverage-in-Ontario-ON.pdf
https://www.tc.gc.ca/media/documents/roadsafety/cmvtcs2013_eng.pdf
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-625-x/2014001/article/11896-eng.htm
http://www.charityintelligence.ca/images/Ci_Cancer_Report_April_2011.pdf
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/accidents-cost-economy-198-billion/article4282447/