In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, the routine act of crossing provincial borders between Ontario and Quebec may seem trivial. Whether for work, leisure, or the simple joy of exploration, the interprovincial bridges that connect Ottawa and Gatineau weave a seamless tapestry of daily activities. Yet, in the blink of an eye, the tranquility of this routine can be disrupted by a motor vehicle accident.
Both Ontario and Quebec operate under no-fault accident benefits systems, ensuring that individuals involved in accidents can claim benefits for medical and attendant care, regardless of fault. In Ontario, the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS) outlines entitlements, while Quebec's Société de l'Assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) provides a similar framework. However, a crucial distinction lies in how these benefits are funded.
Ontario relies on private insurance policies, where each driver must hold coverage. Claims are then made through the individual's own insurer or the insurer of the other party involved. In contrast, Quebec boasts a public system, covering all provincial residents. Ontario residents injured in an accident in Quebec can choose to receive benefits as if they were Quebec residents, under Section 59 of Ontario's SABS regulations.
While both provinces provide no-fault benefits, the extent and nature of these benefits differ significantly. Ontario's recent reduction in SABS benefits, driven by efforts to lower insurance premiums, has left standard benefit recipients at a disadvantage compared to their Quebec counterparts.
For instance, Ontario's income replacement benefit provides a maximum of $400 weekly (or 70% of weekly lost wages, whichever is lower) for up to 104 weeks post-accident. In Quebec, the income replacement indemnity is based on 90% of a person's net annual income, with the maximum amount indexed yearly and paid until the SAAQ deems the claimant able to work.
Moreover, while Ontario's attendant care benefit is capped at $3,000 per month, Quebec's system offers double this amount. This stark contrast is primarily attributed to the difference in the ability to file a tort claim for damages.
In Ontario, residents can sue an at-fault driver for additional compensation, including non-pecuniary losses like pain and suffering. However, in Quebec, the SAAQ exclusively handles compensation matters, and the option to file a tort claim for damages is not available.
Beyond benefits, Quebec's system stands out by not relying on Ontario's three categories of injuries to determine benefit limits. While Ontario uses guidelines and assessments to categorize injuries as minor, non-catastrophic, or catastrophic, the SAAQ evaluates each person's injuries individually, ensuring a more tailored approach to compensation.
Understanding the intricate differences in motor vehicle accident claims between Ontario and Quebec is crucial for Ontarians navigating the aftermath of an accident in the latter province. Choosing the right path for claiming benefits is essential, and consulting with an experienced personal injury lawyer can make a significant difference, especially in cases of catastrophic injury. JEWELL RADIMISIS JORGE LL.P is here to guide you through this complex process, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve in the unfamiliar legal terrain of Quebec.