WHAT ARE ACCIDENT BENEFITS?

If you are injured in an automobile accident, then you may be entitled to benefits from your own automobile insurance company, or from the automobile insurance policy of a vehicle involved in the accident, no matter who was at fault for the accident.

You may qualify for the following benefits:

Medical and Rehabilitation Benefits

Your accident benefits insurer may be required to pay for a wide range of medical and rehabilitation services up to a maximum of $25,000*, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, massage therapy, psychology, and chiropractic. Your insurer may also be required to pay for medical expenses related to the accident, such as corrective shoes, hand splints, drugs, gym memberships, and mobility aids (wheelchairs, canes, etc). If your injury prevents you from returning to work, then your insurer may be required to pay for vocational rehabilitation, work hardening programs, jobsite assessments, and modifications to your workstation or workspace.

Weekly Loss of Income Payments

If your injuries prevent you from working, you may qualify for weekly loss of income payments. These payments are 80% of your gross weekly income or $140* per week, which ever is less. Generally speaking, in order to qualify for weekly loss of income payments, you must meet the following criteria:

1. You were "employed" at the date of the accident;
2. During the 30 days after the accident you suffered a "substantial inability to perform the essential duties of your occupation or employment" for at least 7 days; and
3. You are unable to work because of injuries you suffered in accident.

Housekeeping Expenses

• $70 per week for not more than 12 weeks*

Funeral Expenses

• $1,000* for funeral expenses

Death Benefits

• $10,000* to the victim's spouse
• $2,000* to each of the victims dependants

* These figures are the most common amounts. However, you may be entitled to more benefits if you have "supplementary benefits" coverage. To determine if you have supplementary benefits coverage read your policy, or ask your insurance broker, your insurer, or your lawyer.

If you have questions about whether your right to automobile accident benefits, contact a Nova Scotia personal injury lawyer. He or she will explain your rights.