Your Personal Injury Lawyers
5 Tips For Filling Out The OCF-3 Form: Disability Certificate
If you were injured in a motor vehicle collision, you should be able to access certain accident benefits through your automobile insurance provider. The amount of accident benefits to which you might be entitled are determined based on the severity of your injuries, the financial costs you have incurred because of your injuries, and other factors. If your injuries are disabling in nature, you may be required to submit an OCF-3 form, also referred to as a Disability Certificate.
Your right to certain benefits may depend, in part, on the information included in this document. Below are five tips to help you properly complete the OCF-3.
Tip 1: Do Not Miss the Deadline for Application
You must take quick action when seeking accident benefits. In fact, you must alert your insurance provider to the accident within seven days of the occurrence. You have just 30 days in which to complete and submit all paperwork once you have received it. Your right to accident benefits may be delayed if you fail to meet these deadlines.
A special note about deadlines: Your health care providers cannot complete the OCF-3 any earlier than 10 business days from the date you submit your initial application. Further, you must provide a new OCF-3 within 15 business days in the event your insurer requests a new Disability Certificate.
Tip 2: Complete Only the Specified Sections
You are responsible only for completing the first three parts of the four-page form:
- Details of the accident
- Your insurance company’s name
- Policyholder information
Tip 3: Consult with Applicable Specialists to Help You Complete the Form
Your healthcare providers may be responsible for completing certain sements of the OCF-3. These healthcare providers might include:
- Dentists
- Physicians
- Psychologists
- Chiropractors
- Occupational therapists
- Physical therapists
- Nurse practitioners
- Optometrists
- Speech language pathologists
- Other medical professionals who can authoritatively attest to your accident injuries
Your health care practitioners are expected to provide details such as the date of onset of symptoms, medications, pre-existing conditions and other relevant information.
Tip 4: Understand What You Are Agreeing To Before Signing
You are required to sign Part Four of the OCF-3, which grants certain rights to your insurer and medical care providers. You should not take this step until your physician(s) complete the remainder of the form and explain your diagnosis.
Tip 5: Be Careful, Thorough and Honest
All accident benefit forms, including the OCF-3, should be neatly printed and as detailed as possible. Ensure there are no inaccuracies or inconsistencies before submitting the document.
If you have questions about completing your OCF-3, contact our Ontario accident benefits lawyers and receive a free initial consultation on your case. For more information, call 1-800-JUSTICE.
