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Claiming the benefits owed you from an auto accident is essential to regaining some normalcy to life. But, it can be a confusing process for those who aren’t familiar with this part of the legal system in Ontario. Not knowing all that is available to those who have suffered injury because of a car accident can lead to less money claimed in congruence with it. This benefits the auto insurance company. But, it in no way benefits the injured party. The biggest mistake a person can make due to ignorance of the laws is choosing the wrong type of benefit for them. Most people may not be aware of this but there are three benefits that you can choose from.
Ontario offers an income replacement benefit (IRB) to individuals who have suffered a disabling injury because of their auto accident. If you were gainfully employed before your injury but as a result cannot work temporarily or permanently, the IRB is the best choice for you. This benefit allows a person to collect up to $400 per week in accident benefits. The amount to be collected is determined by your wages earned on previous tax returns before your accident. Someone who works full-time and receives steady pay can easily qualify for this maximum benefit.
Caregiver benefits
So, what about those who don’t work? There are options for them as well. If you didn’t work in the year prior to your car accident but you were the primary caregiver of someone, then you qualify for the caregiver benefit. With this benefit you can claim $250 per week plus an extra $50 for each dependent that you are in responsible for. Dependents can include the children, the disabled, and the elderly. Now, if you were unemployed or are not a primary caregiver there is still a benefit that you can claim. This is considered the non-earner benefit. This allows an injured party to claim up to $189 per week or more if you are a student.
Auto insurance companies don’t readily make this information available. Or, at least they don’t explain the importance of you making the choice and not giving them the responsibility of doing so. There is a specific form that you must fill out when electing which benefit you wish to claim. It is important that you choose specifically for your situation as this will ensure that you receive the most of what is due you. To help traverse the often confusing legalities of insurance benefits an attorney would be of great help. They will know exactly what is needed to be done in order for you to claim all that is available to you. It is important for you to get the most out of your accident benefits. Discuss your case with an injury lawyer in Kingston today to judge the merits of your case and how much compensation you are eligible for.