What expenses are covered after a car accident?

Written by Angus Smith, Partner, MacGillivray Law.

After a car accident, expenses can add up quickly. You may need treatment, medication, time away from work, help at home, or repairs to a vehicle you can no longer drive.

Many people do not realize that some of these costs may be covered by insurance.

Your own automobile insurance may pay certain benefits, regardless of who caused the accident.

Other losses may be included in a car accident injury claim against the at-fault driver.

At MacGillivray Injury & Insurance Law, one of the first things we do is identify every insurance policy and benefit that may apply. Understanding your available coverage can help you avoid paying expenses that should be covered by an insurer or included in your personal injury claim.

Your Own Insurance Usually Pays Accident Benefits First

Standard auto policies in Atlantic Canada include accident benefits, commonly called Section B accident benefits. These benefits may be available even if you caused the accident.

Depending on your province and circumstances, Section B accident benefits may cover:

• physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment, massage therapy, counselling, and other treatments not covered by a public health plan;
• prescription medication;
• braces, medical devices, and mobility aids;
• income replacement benefits if your injuries prevent you from working;
• certain housekeeping, caregiving, or rehabilitation expenses; and
• funeral and death benefits in fatal accident claims.

Coverage varies across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island. It is important to review your policy and apply for benefits promptly.

Expenses You May Claim From the At-Fault Driver

Section B accident benefits have limits. They may not cover the full cost of your injuries or financial losses.

When another driver causes the accident, you may have a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. The claim is usually handled by the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

A car accident injury claim may include compensation for:

• past and future income loss;
• reduced earning capacity;
• future medical treatment and rehabilitation;
• travel, mileage, and parking expenses for medical appointments;
• paid housekeeping, caregiving, or home-maintenance assistance;
• other reasonable out-of-pocket expenses;
• pain and suffering;
• loss of enjoyment of life; and
• the effect of the injuries on your independence and daily activities.

Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Benefits

You may also have access to benefits through your employer or a private insurance policy, including:

• sick leave;
• short-term disability benefits;
• long-term disability benefits;
• Employment Insurance sickness benefits; and
• extended health benefits.

These benefits can interact with your car accident claim. In some cases, an insurer may seek repayment from a settlement. In other cases, benefits may reduce the amount payable under another insurance policy.

Because MacGillivray Injury & Insurance Law handles car accident claims, personal injury claims, insurance disputes, and long-term disability claims, we can review all available sources of compensation together.

Vehicle Damage and Transportation Costs

Vehicle repairs, towing, storage fees, and the cost of a rental vehicle are generally handled through the property damage portion of the insurance claim. The process may depend on your insurance coverage, who caused the accident, and whether your vehicle can be repaired or is considered a total loss.

Keep Every Receipt and Record

Insurance companies require proof of your expenses and financial losses.

Keep copies of:

• receipts and invoices;
• prescription records;
• treatment records;
• travel expenses;
• dates missed from work;
• pay stubs and income tax records; and
• notes about household tasks or personal care you can no longer manage.

You should also follow the treatment plan recommended by your doctor or other healthcare provider.

Long gaps in treatment may allow an insurance company to argue that the treatment was unnecessary or that your ongoing symptoms were not caused by the accident.

Strong documentation helps show how the car accident affected your health, employment, finances, and daily life.

Speak With a Car Accident Lawyer

MacGillivray Injury & Insurance Law represents people injured in car accidents throughout Atlantic Canada.

A car accident lawyer at our firm can:

• explain which accident benefits may apply;
• communicate with the insurance companies;
• help document your expenses and financial losses;
• identify possible short-term or long-term disability benefits;
• calculate the value of your losses; and
• advise you about a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.

We have recovered compensation for thousands of injured people.

Contact MacGillivray Injury & Insurance Law for a free consultation. You do not pay a legal fee unless your claim is successful.

This article provides general information only. Insurance coverage and legal rights vary depending on the province, insurance policy, and circumstances. It is not legal or financial advice.

About Angus Smith

Angus Smith is a Partner in the Moncton, New Brunswick office of MacGillivray Injury & Insurance Law. His work involves representing people injured in car accidents and other personal injury claims throughout New Brunswick and Atlantic Canada.