Things can get very complicated, very quickly when an Ontario resident is hurt in a car accident while on vacation. Foreign countries—and even other Canadian provinces—have different health care systems, laws, procedures, and levels of insurance coverage. It’s difficult to know what to do and how to get compensation for your injuries.
If you’ve been injured in a car crash outside of Ontario, you may be entitled to compensation from a number of sources. Read on for general information about out-of-province car accidents or reach out to our Sault Ste. Marie car accident lawyers to learn more about your rights and ensure you don’t miss the opportunity to make a claim.
Steps to take after a traffic accident while on vacation
Many of the steps you should take in the aftermath of a car accident outside of Ontario are identical to the steps following a crash in Ontario:
Contact emergency services if anyone is seriously injured.
Report the accident to the local police.
Exchange contact information and insurance information with the other parties involved.
Gather as much evidence as possible, including photos/videos of the accident scene, the vehicles, licence plates, and any visible injuries.
Write down the names and contact details of any eyewitnesses to the accident.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible, whether by ambulance, by driving to the emergency room of the nearest hospital, a walk-in clinic, etc.
Collect documents to substantiate the medical care you received, including proof of any treatments and receipts for any out-of-pocket payments.
Report the accident to your Ontario auto insurance company.
Seek legal assistance as soon as possible. You can contact our Sault Ste Marie motor vehicle accident lawyers toll free at 1-800-309-4445.
Depending on the circumstances, there may be additional steps to take after your out-of-province car accident. For example:
If you were in a rental car, report the accident to the car rental company.
If you purchased travel insurance or you have coverage through your credit card, etc. notify them and ask for their assistance.
You may want to contact the Canadian embassy, as their consular services can help you connect with local doctors and hospitals, contact your friends/family if you’ve been injured, etc.
It’s extremely important to report the accident to all necessary parties and to document as much as you can. Lack of notice and insufficient proof are two factors that can make or break a personal injury lawsuit. But getting proper medical care is the no.1 priority. If you have been seriously injured, focus on your health and well-being and reach out to one of our car accident lawyers in Sault Ste. Marie. We can handle the claims process and gather evidence on your behalf while you recover from your injuries.
Additional considerations for out-of-province car accidents
There are extra layers of complication that can bog down a traffic accident claim that occurs while you’re on vacation. If the car accident occurred in North America, you may be entitled to Statutory Accident Benefits (SABS) under your Ontario insurance policy to cover expenses such as medical and rehabilitation costs and income loss. But you may also have the right to choose between Ontario SABS and benefits in the jurisdiction where the accident occurred. There can be significant differences in the types of coverage and coverage limits. Electing between Ontario benefits and benefits elsewhere is a serious decision that should only be made after receiving legal advice.
Another major concern is whether the at-fault driver has sufficient third-party insurance coverage. There is a lot of variation from US state to US state, and country to country, with respect to the minimum insurance coverage a driver must purchase. If the driver responsible for your injuries is uninsured or underinsured, you will want to explore all options. All Ontario auto insurance policies include coverage for injuries caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers, so you have the option of claiming against your own auto insurance policy in Ontario.
There may also be jurisdictional issues when it comes to where you should start your lawsuit. Should you start your lawsuit in Ontario or in the place where the accident happened? There may be differences in procedure and substantive law that can significantly impact your legal rights and the amount and types of damages you can claim.
Ideally, you should consult with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible to learn about the differences so you can make an informed decision.
Get Advice From Our Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers
Sault Ste. Marie law firm Feifel Gualazzi specializes in motor vehicle accident claims. No matter what your injury or where the accident occurred, we can help you get the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.
Don’t wait to seek help. Our team of Sault Ste. Marie motor vehicle accident lawyers can review your case, determine what insurance coverage and benefits you are entitled to receive, and help you explore your legal options.
Contact the car accident lawyers at Feifel Gualazzi today for a free consultation to find out if you have a case.