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What Are Statutory Accident Benefits?
If you suffered injuries in a car accident in Ontario, you could be eligible to receive compensation through the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS), presented here by the Government of Ontario. However, many drivers are unsure how SABS coverage works. You may have many questions regarding what statutory accident benefits are.
Find out more about SABS right here. Go over the types of compensation you may be able to get through statutory accident benefits. Find out how to apply for benefits and consider maximum limits on compensation offered through the SABS program.
Review the Definition of SABS Insurance
SABS coverage is a form of no-fault insurance. All drivers must carry this form of insurance, and it generally is offered automatically through your auto insurance policy. SABS coverage may allow you to get compensation if you:
- Are in an accident while driving your vehicle
- Are in an accident as a passenger
- Are struck by a driver as you walk along the road
- Are struck by a driver while you ride your bike
Because SABS coverage is a form of no-fault insurance, you may get benefits through this policy regardless of who caused your accident.
Medical Benefits Offered Through a SABS Policy
From the Financial Services Commission of Ontario, a SABS policy may provide you with many different types of benefits depending upon your situation. Many drivers in Ontario first consider SABS coverage for help covering medical expenses. You may receive coverage for reasonable and necessary healthcare costs through a SABS policy. However, SABS only covers costs not handled by your private health plan.
Your SABS insurance may cover costs for rehabilitation and medication not addressed by other insurance policies. Additionally, your family may receive compensation through SABS coverage if you were involved in a deadly accident in Ontario. In this situation, your SABS coverage may provide compensation for funeral or burial costs.
Income Benefits Offered Through a SABS Policy
You may be eligible to receive benefits through SABS if you are unable to return to work after your accident. However, the SABS policy is unlikely to provide you with your full income. You may receive up to $400 weekly for your lost income unless you purchase additional SABS coverage before your accident.
Note that you may also be eligible for non-earner benefits in Ontario. This coverage may kick in if you are unable to perform certain normal activities after a car accident. You may have to wait up to six months to begin receiving non-earner benefits.
Caregiver and Attendant Care Benefits with SABS
Sometimes, a car accident in Ontario may prevent you from completing certain activities of daily living. These activities may include tasks such as:
- Taking a bath
- Dressing yourself
- Feeding yourself
In this situation, you may need to pay someone to assist you daily. You may receive compensation for these attendant care services through your SABS policy. Furthermore, if you serve as a primary caregiver to other individuals—such as your children— and purchased the optional caregiver benefit, you may receive compensation if you are unable to care for them.
Additional Expenses Covered by SABS in Ontario
In addition to the benefits we previously discussed, you may receive statutory accident benefits for losses tied to:
- Lost educational expenses
- Housekeeping costs (optional benefit which must be purchased)
- Home maintenance costs (optional benefit which must be purchased)
- Costs for individuals to visit you
- And more if you qualify
Your SABS coverage may even provide you with compensation for clothing items damaged in a car accident. The exact compensation you receive may depend upon the terms listed in your insurance policy. Review your policy carefully to find out what kinds of compensation you could be eligible to receive.
Apply for Benefits Through SABS Coverage
As you see, you may receive multiple benefits from your SABS policy in Ontario. In order to get compensation for your losses, you need to report your accident to your insurance company. However, if you were struck by a driver while walking or riding a bike, your accident may be reported to the driver’s insurance.
Insurance agents may then provide you with a form to complete. Note that you may need to report the accident and complete the form within seven days to get some forms of compensation. This time limit applies to wage loss, rehabilitation, and medical benefits.
Learn More About Statutory Accident Benefits With a Lawyer
What are Statutory Accident Benefits in Ontario? These benefits may help cover your medical expenses and other losses after a car accident. You may get help applying for this compensation by contacting the Preszler Injury Lawyers. Start working on your claim right now by filling out our online contact form or calling 1-800-JUSTICE.
