Overview of Claim Process
A car accident can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. Even though it is difficult to manage the tedious process of insurance after the fact, it is important. Discerning who is at fault for the accident can be a difficult process, yet obtaining a claim from a car accident can help if a person is not at fault in the collision. The victim has 7 days to report an accident, regardless of who is at fault. The average claim for a car accident is $5000 to $15000 dollars. The claim can help a person substantially if they are injured or their vehicle is damaged beyond repair.
Types of Claims
When a serious collision occurs, several types of expenses need to be assessed. A claim for a car accident might include income replacement costs, medical benefits, rehabilitation (in extreme cases) and replacement of the vehicle. The replacement cost of the vehicle is determined by the insurance company as the cost of the damaged vehicle or the cost of the repair, whichever of the two options is lower in cost.
An average claim from a car accident includes several different factors to consider, and a legal representative can help a client discover what they need. Income replacement compensates for lost income if an injured person is unable to work. A caregiver claim allots a certain amount of income to a caregiver in the home to help with the injured person in need of care. Medical and rehabilitation benefits are provided in an injury claim to cover costs of an injury, depending on the severity. Death and funeral expenses are paid to the members of the family.
Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS)
Ontario recently implemented a new method of assessing accident benefits and injuries. The Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS) analyzes various factors to determine what claim is needed according to the injury, necessary rehabilitation, and coverage. The SABS helps to assess whether an injury is acute or chronic and how the injury impacts the person. The average claim of a car accident can be quite complex, and having criteria to follow helps to secure the most relevant claims and services for the people involved in the collision.
The SABS also addresses the difficulty of assessing the level of injury. Objective injuries are easy to assess with an MRI or CT scan and have a specific diagnosis exemplified by a broken bone or a muscle tear. A subjective injury is more difficult to assess because it does not have a specific diagnosis and can become worse over time, as exemplified by pulling a muscle or by nerve damage.
Whiplash Claims
If a whiplash injury has occurred, it is important to obtain an assessment from a qualified physician to procure proof of the injury. The second step is to obtain legal help to navigate through the complex terrain of the auto insurance world.
Sources:
https://compensationhq.com/whats-an-average-whiplash-claims-payout/
https://compensationhq.com/definitive-guide-to-back-injury-compensation/
https://www.fsco.gov.on.ca/en/auto/brochures/Pages/brochure_claims.aspx#injure