Your Personal Injury Lawyers
The Types of Motor Vehicle Accident Compensation Available in Ontario
Ontario’s no-fault auto insurance system provides a number of benefits in the event you are injured in an accident. These Statutory Accident Benefits are available regardless of whether or not you were responsible for the accident. Additional motor vehicle accident compensation may be available if you added additional coverage to your standard policy or if you’re eligible to file a lawsuit against an at-fault driver.
The most common types of Accident Benefits available include:
Medical and Rehabilitation Benefits
This compensation is available to address necessary medical expenses stemming from accident injuries. This applies to medical care not covered under another health plan, such as OHIP. The rehabilitation portion of this benefit is intended to pay for care to reduce or eliminate the impact of your injuries or disability.
Minor injuries qualify for up to $3,500 in coverage. An injury that falls somewhere between “minor” and “catastrophic” may net up to $50,000 in Medical Benefits. A catastrophic injury – such as paralysis or an amputation – may be covered up to $1 million.
Income Replacement Benefits
Coverage may be available if your accident injuries prevent you from working and earning income. It is intended to cover a portion of your lost income and is available only to those who, prior to the accident, were employed (or self-employed) or had worked for 26 out of the last 52 weeks prior to accident.
Payments totaling 70 percent of your gross income will be available every two weeks for the duration of your eligibility – $400 maximum is available per week. If you qualify beyond 104 weeks, the minimum weekly benefit is $185.
Non-earner Benefits
This benefit is available to those who do not qualify for Income Replacement Benefits (or who were at least 16 years old and a full-time student or a recent graduate without employment at the time of the crash). It is intended for those whose injuries prevent engagement in normal activities. It is available after the first 26 weeks of disability and includes weekly payments of $185. If your disability continues past 104 weeks, your payment may increase to $320 per week (less other replacement assistance).
Caregiver Benefits
This benefit is an optional benefit and is not part of a standard automobile policy. It is available to those who, prior to the accident, acted as the primary caregiver to a dependent child or adult. The benefit is available only if your injuries prevent you from carrying out your caregiver duties and you lived with the dependent person at the time of the collision.
The Caregiver Benefit allows $250 per week for the first dependent and $50 for each additional person per week. This is intended to allow you to hire another individual to perform your caregiver duties.
Death and Funeral Benefits
Survivor benefits may entitle you to a one-time payment to cover funeral expenses. This payment typically is limited to $6,000. The death benefit may entitle a spouse to a $25,000 payment; if there is no spouse, the deceased’s dependents may split the $25,000. You also may be eligible for reimbursement of $10,000 if your loved one was your dependent or you were dependent upon the deceased.
Do you have questions about your Accident Benefits after a serious auto-related injury? Contact the Preszler Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case evaluation to discuss all types of motor vehicle accident compensation available. Call 1-800-JUSTICE® or contact us online.
