Applying for accident insurance benefits can be challenging. Even after filing motor vehicle accident claims, you can wait months to receive benefits. Your insurance company can even deny your claim, leaving you struggling financially while you recover from your injuries. Fortunately, an accident benefits lawyer at Feifel Gualazzi Personal Injury Law Firm can help you receive the benefits and treatments you’re entitled to.

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ACCIDENT BENEFIT LAWYERS IN SAULT STE. MARIE AREA

FINANCIAL HELP IS AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY AFTER AN ACCIDENT

In Ontario, regardless of fault, injured individuals are entitled to accident benefits through their automobile insurance policy. If you don’t own an automobile or have accident benefits coverage, you may be able to claim compensation through the province’s Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund in some cases, even if you were at fault.

Confusing, we know. But Feifel Gualazzi can assist you from the initial application process and ensure you get all the benefits and treatments you’re entitled to.

a room with warm light showing a whleenchair beside a rehab bed

WHAT IS AN ACCIDENT BENEFITS CLAIM?

The accident benefits claim is your first step after being involved in an accident, whether you’re a driver or pedestrian, and whether you’re at fault or not. Accident benefits cover out-of-pocket expenses, including ambulance fees, housekeeping, childcare and funeral expenses. You can claim for treatment and rehab of injuries like whiplash or broken bones on your insurance claim.

At a time when your income may be reduced or eliminated due to injury, added expenses can be overwhelming. Whether or not you’re at fault, accident benefits cover many out-of-pocket expenses, including:

Ambulance fees
Expenses related to a hospital stay (parking fees, meals if you’re out of town)
Expenses of visiting family members when you’re hospitalized out of town
Medication (not already covered by any private insurance plan)
Assistive devices (e.g., slings, crutches, braces)
Items damaged in the accident (e.g., clothing, hearing aids)
Housekeeping expenses
Childcare expenses
Attendant care and case manager expenses
Funeral expenses
Income replacement benefits
Caregiver benefits
Non-earner benefits

Of course, certain exceptions apply, but we have a proven track record of assuring our clients receive every benefit they’re entitled to.

WHAT TREATMENTS DO ACCIDENT BENEFITS COVER?

Treatments are a vital part of the long and often winding road to recovery. These may begin with a visit to the emergency department or your family physician. Medical treatments and rehabilitation may include but not be limited to psychological treatments, physiotherapy, chiropractic treatments, massage therapy, exercise therapy and programs, gym memberships and more.

You may or may not possess coverage through an extended medical benefit plan, but accident benefits may provide coverage for these types of treatments. Accident benefits may also provide a means for you to obtain specialized diagnostic testing or referrals to specialists not available through OHIP.

a physiotherpist treating a young man's leg injury

HOW TO SUBMIT AN ACCIDENT BENEFITS CLAIM

Applying for accident insurance benefits is fraught with tight deadlines. Numerous restrictions and strict time limitations are a very real part of Ontario’s accident benefits system. Failure to submit the proper paperwork may make you ineligible for accident benefits coverage.

Not sure how to make a claim under your accident insurance benefit plan? Here’s what you need to know.

24 hours: report the accident. If you’re injured, you must report the incident to the police or a collision centre within 24 hours.
7 days: open your claim. You must contact relevant insurance providers and open motor vehicle accident claims within a week of the incident. An insurance adjuster will ask you for accident details.
30 days: submit your claim. You have 30 days to submit your Accident Benefits Application Package, which includes five forms to ASAP: seek treatment. Seek medical treatment as soon as possible after you’ve been injured. If you went to a hospital emergency room, ensure all medical tests and notes are reported to your family doctor.

Unless you have prior experience, accident benefit claims can be unclear territory. Insurance companies aren’t always forthcoming about all the benefits available to you when you file an accident benefits claim.

If you’re fearful of missing a key step in the process, the accident benefit lawyers at Feifel Gualazzi are courteous and sympathetic to our clients’ needs and navigate you through it.

HAVE YOU WAITED TOO LONG FOR YOUR BENEFITS?

Many individuals who’ve been hurt in a motor vehicle accident have applied for accident benefits days, weeks, months or even years ago and have yet to achieve a resolution to their claim. Often, an injured person is met with a denial of benefits by their own insurance company. You trust your insurance company and believe them when they tell you you’re not entitled to the benefit.

The sad truth is that, in many cases, nothing could be further from the truth, and the insurance company’s denial may not be justified by law. You’re not on a level playing field with the insurance company. You may be unfamiliar with the voluminous and complex accident benefits legislation and regulations. You’re up against your insurance company, which has full-time representatives working to serve their own interests and often to your detriment.

Feifel Gualazzi will fight vigorously for you to dispute the insurance company’s wrongful denial. We’ll ensure you receive all the treatments and benefits you’re entitled to.

CONSULT AN ACCIDENT BENEFITS LAWYER IN SAULT STE. MARIE

DO I HAVE A CASE?

Wherever you may be in this overwhelming process, if you need an accident benefits lawyer to come to your rescue, Feifel Gualazzi is primed and ready to step in. We’ll dispute the insurance company's wrongful denial in at-fault accidents. We’ll take your case to court if the insurance company is unreasonable.