MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS

Accident benefits claims are available to anyone who has been involved in a motor vehicle accident in every case. Eshel Law Firm will be your trusted advisor for claiming your benefits after the accident.

Eshel Law Firm will make sure that you can relax and recover from your injuries as a result as motor vehicle accident while we are taking care of all aspect of your claim and provide you with the compensation that you are deserve.

The following accident benefits are available for you:

• Income Loss Benefits : if you were employed you can claim for Income Replacement benefits, up to 70% of your gross income from your employment prior to accident, to a maximum of $400.00 weekly or more based on type of insurance policy that you purchased. The income benefit is available for first two years after the accident if you have a medical proof that you are substantially suffering from inability to perform the essential tasks of your employment. The income benefit can continue to be paid after two years if you have a medical proof that you are completely unable to return to your previous employment for which you are educated or trained for.
• Non- Earner Benefits : If you were unemployed when the accident happened you might be entitled to claim for this benefit beyond 180 days from your motor vehicle accident as long as you can prove that you suffer inability to do daily tasks after six months from the date of the accident. The amount would be $185 per week.
• Caregiver Benefits – If you were a caregiver at the time of the accident and can no longer sustain your care giving duties you have the right to receive the costs of paying for professional care up to $250.00 weekly for first child, plus $50.00 for every additional child. You can only claim for this benefit if you purchased this coverage with your insurance policy at the time of accident.
• Housekeeping Benefits – If you are doing any type of household duties prior to accident and since the accident can no longer sustain the ability to perform these duties, you have the right to receive the costs of paying for professional care weekly. You can only claim for this benefit if you purchased this coverage with your insurance policy at the time of accident.
• Medical and rehabilitation – If your injuries fall within the definition of Minor Injury Guideline (MIG) you can claim up to $3,500. If your injuries fall outside MIG your medical costs are capped at $50,000.00. If your injury is tragic, or “catastrophic” as outlined in the regulations, the benefit amount increases to $1,000,000,00.
• Attendant care benefits – are restricted to $36,000.00 per year unless your injury is “catastrophic” in which the benefits increase to $1,000,000.00.
• Death benefits – $25,000 are payable to the deceased’s spouse and an extra $10,000.00 is given to each of the deceased’s dependents.
• Funeral expenses – are paid to a limit of $6,000.00.

Eshel Law Firm will represent victims of motor vehicle accidents and help them in the following ways:

• We advise clients about their rights under Statutory Accident Benefits (SABS)  including complete, or help our clients complete, the necessary application forms.
• We handle our client’s case, including negotiating with the insurance company.
• We attend Alternative Dispute Resolution proceedings at the Financial Services  Commission of Ontario (FSCO), in Small Claims Court, or in a private arbitration.
• We negotiate the settlement of accident benefits claims.

You can only make a tort claim if you are the victim of another person’s negligence. A tort claim is a claim for, but is not limited to, the following:

• Expenses not paid by your insurance company as accident benefits but have arisen as a result of injuries from your motor vehicle accident;
• Past and/or future income loss;
• Loss of opportunity to earn income due to injuries;
• Pain and suffering.

If you are the victim of another person’s negligence relating to your car accident and have suffered injuries as a result, the legislation governing motor vehicle accidents also requires that your injuries pass a certain threshold to make a tort claim; that is, the injuries must have resulted in:

• Death;
• Permanent and serious disfigurement; or
• Permanent, serious impairment of an important physical, mental, or psychological function.
• You can also sue if the accident results in the death of a family member.

A tort claim must be filed no later than two years from the date of loss.

Lost of Earnings-

Claim for lost income, future lost income, inability to earn income, loss of over time or competitive opportunities in the work-place, other out of pocket expenses and business losses without the need to meet the threshold.

These claims are not subject to the $30,000.00 deductible.

Cost and out–of–pocket expenditures-

For medications, travel costs to and from medical and rehabilitation appointments. These claims are not subject to the $30,000.00 deductible.

Other expenses not covered by Accident benefit claim may include modifications at your home, assistance devices such as motorized chairs, in –home hospital equipment, retraining and specially workplace equipment, all of which you may require in order to bring you as close to your pre-accident abilities as possible. These claims are not subject to the $30,000.00 deductible.

Other steps need to take place in order to maintain your claim against the at-fault driver-

1. If you have been injured it is mandatory to put the at-fault parties on notice of your personal injury claim within 120 days of the incident. This process includes sending the party a letter with the details of the incident and of your injury. They will then send the details of the incident to their insurance provider. Insurance companies look into the circumstances surrounding the accident and will gather more details about your injury. The adjuster assigned to your case will investigate your accident and seek further witnesses, or other parties who may have been involved with the accident. The adjuster will then take their findings and report to the insurance company. You are not obligated to speak with an adjuster for the party at-fault.
2. You do need to co-operate with your own insurance carrier. The adjuster may ask you to provide a signed statement or interview regarding your accident and injury.
3. They may also ask you to sign off on permission to access your medical records and employment records.
4. It is highly recommended that you consult with Eshel Law Firm prior to signing off on any of these authorizations.

If you have been hit by a vehicle while walking, running, or riding your bike, you are entitled to the same benefits outlined in the Accident Benefits and Third Party claims sections. Accident Benefits are made to provide you with the necessary benefits, medical treatments, medications, and assistance you may need. These benefits also include Income Replacement benefits, family expenses, assisting devices, and more.

Insurance forms can be a difficult and a stressful task. However, don’t allow this to prevent you from receiving the help you are entitled to. Eshel Law Firm will ensure you receive the benefits you deserve by assisting you in completing your insurance forms. If you have suffered from a bike or pedestrian accident Eshel Law Firm will fight to get you the benefits and compensation that you are eligible for.