Find clarity on statutory accident benefits (SABS in Ontario)
Car accidents are never pleasant. They often result in painful injuries, expensive repairs and time off work. However, many Ontarians are unaware that should they be in an accident, they are entitled to a number of benefits from the Ontario government. These benefits are available regardless of whether or not you are “at fault” in the accident. Statutory Accident Benefits, often referred to as SABS, are available to anyone who has been injured in a car accident. This includes:
- People injured while driving a car
- Passengers injured while in a car
- Pedestrians injured by a car, motorcycle, bus or truck
- People injured while driving a motorcycle
- Passengers injured while on a motorcycle
- People injured while driving a truck or other motor vehicle
- Passengers injured while in a truck or other motor vehicle
Since Ontario has a “no-fault” insurance system, these accident benefits are available to both parties involved in the accident. Even though these benefits are available to everyone involved, properly filing for them and getting approval can be a tricky process. There are a number of deadlines, documents and reports that must be filled out in order to receive the compensation you’re owed.
This is where MG Law comes in. Our team of experienced lawyers are available to help anyone looking to file for SABS in Ontario with the complicated application process.
What are statutory accident benefits?
Should you or a loved one be injured in an accident in Ontario, there are a number of monetary benefits available to help aid you during the long road to recovery. Ontario has drafted these regulations to bring consistency across insurance policies and help injured parties recover in a timely manner.
Who can claim SABS in Ontario?
Any individual that was injured as a result of a car accident. That includes accidents involving pedestrian and cyclists. On top of that, there are some financial benefits available to relatives, dependents, or caregivers that experience psychological trauma as a result of the accident. In these circumstantial cases, legal counsel can best advise on whether parents, children, or partners are entitled to benefits as a result of a loved one being involved in an accident.
What do statutory accident benefits cover?
Policies regarding SABS in Ontario are revised periodically by the Ontario government. These are the current benefits available to those applicable in Ontario.
Medical and Rehabilitation Benefit
Standard Medical and Rehabilitation benefits – Up to $65,000 for medical, rehabilitation, and attendant care benefits, including assessment costs, for a duration of 5 years;
Consider options to increase your limits:
- Up to $130,000 for medical, rehabilitation, and attendant care benefits, including assessment costs, for a duration of 5 years or;
- Up to $1,000,000 for medical, rehabilitation and attendant care including assessment costs, for a lifetime duration benefits.
Housekeeping and Home Maintenance Expenses
If you are unable to perform your usual duties due to your injuries, this benefit pays for reasonable and necessary additional expenses for someone to complete your usual duties.
Standard benefit – up to $100 per week, but available only for Catastrophic injuries;
Consider optional benefit – up to $100 per week, available for all injuries.
Income Replacement Benefit
If you cannot work as the result of an auto accident, you may be eligible for basic weekly income replacement benefits of up to $400. This benefit commences after one week.
Consider optional benefit – up to $800 per week;
Attendant Care Benefit
If it’s been determined that you require a caregiver or an attendant to help you recover, you may be eligible for medical, rehabilitation and attendant care benefits of up to $65,000 for non-catastrophic injuries. For catastrophic injuries, you will receive up to $1 million.
Consider optional benefit – up to $130,000 for non-catastrophic injuries and up to $2 million for catastrophic injuries.
Death and Funeral Payments Benefit
If someone has died as the result of a car accident, there is a lump sum payment available to the family. This benefit pays $25,000 to your spouse, $10,000 to each of your dependents and a maximum amount of $6,000 for funeral expenses.
Consider optional benefit – $50,000 for your spouse, $20,000 for your dependents and $8,000 for funeral expenses.
MG Law can help you claim SABS in Ontario
Should you or a loved one be injured in any sort of motor vehicle accident, at fault or not, MG Lawyers can help navigate the complicated claims process in Ontario. Motor vehicle accidents can come with complex, life-changing injuries that could require massive financial costs to ensure a consistent quality of life. MG Law specializes in auto claim injuries in Ontario and can work alongside you and your relatives to fight for what is rightfully yours.
You aren’t alone during these emotionally challenging times. Reach out to MG Law directly to help properly navigate the statutory accident benefits claim process, so you can focus on your recovery.
