Car accidents are not only emotionally and physically strenuous,
but they can also result in life changing damages that can dramatically affect
one’s daily routine. If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, you
may be eligible for accident benefits under Ontario’s Insurance Act. Two types
of accident benefits in Ontario can be claimed through your insurance company: income
replacement benefit and non-earner benefit.
- Income Replacement Benefit: For
those who were working or self-employed during the time of the accident and are
now unable to work because of your injuries, you can claim this benefit, which
will partially compensate you for loss in potential income.
- Non-Earner Benefit: For those who do not qualify for income
replacement benefit, unemployed or a full-time student at the time of the
accident, you may be eligible for this benefit. Also, if you suffered an injury
that has made you unable to carry on with day-to-day activities, you can also
seek compensation.
In addition to income-based benefits, the Act also provides
insured drivers access to benefits such as:
- Medical and rehabilitation benefits
- Death and funeral expenses
- Other expenses
Other expenses cover a wide range of unexpected costs such
as:
- Lost educational expenses: If you
are a student unable to continue your studies due to injury, consider getting
compensation for non-refundable tuition costs.
- Expenses of visitors: Accidents not
only cost those involved, but those who support the individual in their daily
life. If your family or relatives have traveled to visit you during medical
treatments or recoveries, they may be eligible for additional benefits.
- Damage to clothes or glasses: Prescription
glasses or medical devices such as prosthetics are costly to replace even with
additional insurance. If your belongings were damaged due to an accident, think
about consulting your lawyer for reimbursement.
- Housekeeping and home maintenance: If
your injuries resulted in you being unable to perform household chores,
requiring you to seek hired help, this can be potentially covered through your
insurance as well.
How Do I Apply for
Accident Benefits?
After you have filed your report with the police, you should
notify your insurance company as soon as possible or within seven days to
ensure your right to Accident Benefits is not compromised. Once you have
reported the motor vehicle accident to your insurance company, they will provide
an Application for Accident Benefits Package. The application must be completed
within 30 days of the accident.
However, it is wise to first consult with a personal injury
lawyer to ensure you understand your rights since the process of accessing these
benefits can be complex. Avoid submitting documentation or making
statements about your injury without consulting your lawyer first. Pre-mature statements can significantly impact
the result of your case.
Accident Benefits are only eligible for motor vehicle collision-type
cases. If you are looking to get compensation for other injuries, consult
options with your lawyer.
To
find out if you are eligible for compensation or for further details on
Accident Benefits in Ontario, contact Solokoff Personal Injury Lawyers.
Remember its always free to book a consultation and learn more about your
options.
What
Are Additional Accident Benefits?
Under Ontario’s Insurance Act you have the
choice to purchase additional accident benefits, if you were looking for a
policy more catered to you needs. The additional benefits might be available to
you if you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident. Your lawyer will help
you through this process and determine whether you are covered under a standard
benefits policy or one with additional benefits.
Applying
for Benefits
In order to apply for benefits, you need to
tell your insurance company within a week after a motor vehicle accident has
occurred. You have to send an application to your insurer within 30 days of
receiving the forms.
There are sets of rules that determine
which policy you are eligible for, but in some cases you are not eligible to
receive certain benefits. This includes:
- not driving with a valid driver’s
license,
- driving a vehicle without the
owner’s consent,
- being a passenger knowing that
the driver did not have the consent of the owner of the vehicle,
- driving without valid
insurance,
- driving while impaired or
refused breath sample,
- using a vehicle involved in
criminal activity, and;
- misrepresented information when
applying for auto insurance
To make sure that you entitled to any
additional benefits, a lawyer will be able to look at your case specifically and
determine what you are eligible to receive.