Insurance benefits available to motor vehicle accident victims

Ontario auto insurance policies are required to provide Statutory Accident Benefits Coverage. This provides insurance against injuries and fatalities suffered not only by drivers, but also their passengers during a motor vehicle accident. Moreover, it pays benefits without regard to fault. There are several different types of accident benefits available through this coverage.

Statutory Accident Benefits may include, for example, compensation for lost wages, medical and rehabilitation expenses and even the costs associated with hiring an attendant due to injuries suffered in the accident. In addition to that, compensation may be available to cover care-providing costs when the injured party had served as a caretaker prior to the accident but can no longer fulfill those duties.

A person who does not qualify for lost wages or caregiver benefits may be eligible for non-earner compensation. Furthermore, death or funeral benefits may be payable to the family of a person who is killed in a car accident.

People who do not have insurance and who are not named on the insurance policy of another person may still be able to claim benefits if they are injured in a motor vehicle accident. The facts of the case will determine where the benefits application should be sent. For example, a person injured while driving a company car should submit the Accident Benefits Application Package to the insurer of the company car.

If no insurance coverage applies, benefits may be available from the Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund. The MVACF seeks reimbursement for judgments paid from the at-fault driver. In any event, it is critical for people who suffered injuries in an accident to seek the counsel of a personal injury lawyer. The lawyer may review the facts of the case and help accident victims secure the benefits to which they are entitled.

Source: Financial Services Commission of Ontario, “After an Auto Accident: Understanding the Claims Process”, Sept. 30, 2014