(NC)-If you're injured in an automobile accident, you may be entitled to statutory accident benefits, whether or not the accident was your fault.
Generally, accident benefits are paid by your own insurance company. But if you don't have an automobile insurance policy, you can apply for benefits from the company that insures the automobile that hit you, or in which you were an occupant.
If you and the insurance company disagree about the claim, or about the amount, you can apply for dispute resolution through the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) - the regulator of the insurance industry in Ontario. FSCO's dispute resolution services provide a fair and cost-effective alternative to court.
To download the brochure: FSCO's Dispute Resolution Services: A Real Alternative, visit FSCO's website at www.fsco.gov.on.ca. Here's a snapshot of the brochure information:
Steps To Follow
Since an automobile insurance policy provides so many types of accident coverage -including income replacement benefits, caregiver expenses, non-earner benefits, medical and rehabilitation expenses, attendant care, funeral expenses, death benefits and more -there's a chance you and the insurance company may disagree about your accident benefits claim. If so, mediation may be of great help. In Ontario, mediation is a mandatory first step before options like arbitration, or going to court.
Mediation is an informal process in which a mediator helps you and the insurance company resolve the issues in dispute. Mediators are neutral - they do not provide legal advice and it's their job to work with you and the insurance company to reach a mutually agreeable solution. All mediation sessions are confidential, unrecorded, and none of the discussions can be used as evidence if the dispute goes to court.
If, after mediation, issues remain in dispute, individuals can either apply for arbitration with FSCO, start a civil proceeding in court, or try to get the dispute decided by a private arbitrator.
Credit: www.newscanada.com