In some parts of Canada, provinces use a no-fault insurance system to determine how much accident victims are entitled to for their injuries. Today in Alberta, there has been talk of switching to a no-fault insurance system. If you’re unfamiliar with how insurance works, it can be confusing to figure out which system is better, and what would happen if Alberta were to switch?
Keep reading to learn more about what no-fault insurance would mean for Albertans, as well as how James H. Brown and Associates supports accident victims and their families every step of the way.
What is No-Fault Insurance?
“No-fault insurance” is an insurance system where the victim’s insurance company pays for their clients’ damages regardless of who caused the accident. Instead of a victim making a settlement claim or suing the responsible party for pain and suffering, the victim’s own insurance company would pay a set amount according to a benefits schedule.
This “meat chart” (as the insurance industry refers to it) assigns non-negotiable dollar amounts to different kinds of injuries. For example, broken legs would always result in a victim receiving a certain amount, regardless of how severe the actual injury was. It doesn’t matter if they missed weeks of work or couldn’t look after their children at home; everyone with a broken leg gets the same amount of money, regardless of the pain and suffering the injury caused for them.
Currently, Alberta does not have a no-fault insurance system. Instead, we have an “at-fault” or “tort” system, where damages are paid for by the insurance company of the person deemed to be at fault for the accident. Additionally, Albertans currently have the right to sue the at-fault driver’s insurance company for a settlement. This means that bad drivers (and the companies that insure them) are held accountable for the damage they cause, and victims are free to make claims for complete, fair compensation for their injuries.
Will Alberta Switch to No-Fault Insurance?
The Government of Alberta is currently reviewing Alberta’s auto insurance system, with no-fault insurance being one of the options they are considering. As of this writing, the Alberta government has made no indication of how likely a switch to no-fault insurance may be.
The insurance industry strongly favours no-fault insurance because they believe that it will cost them less money. If the amount paid out for certain kinds of injuries is “one size fits all,” they won’t have to worry about paying additional pain and suffering damages, no matter how much accident victims and their families may deserve them.
What Should I Do?
If you are concerned about no-fault insurance coming to Alberta, visit FAIR Alberta to learn more about how you can help protect accident victims and their families from unfair insurance practices.
In Alberta’s current system, accident victims and their families still need reliable legal advice after being injured in an accident. An experienced injury lawyer is the best way to ensure your rights are protected and will be able to help you pursue complete, fair compensation for your injuries.
Accident Injury Law with James H. Brown and Associates
Even without the confusion of no-fault insurance, auto accident injury law in Alberta is still complicated. If you or a loved one are injured in a car accident, you need an experienced team of legal and medical professionals on your side to ensure you and your family get the compensation you deserve.
Since 1993, James H. Brown and Associates has remained committed to advocating for accident victims across Alberta. Today, our team of experienced, award-winning team of injury lawyers remains committed to standing up for your rights and attaining justice.
James H. Brown and Associates understands that no two accidents or injuries are alike. That’s why we offer complete legal services and support for Edmonton accident victims and their families, including:
- Over 200 years of combined injury law experience, including an unrivalled record of success in Alberta courts.
- Complete accident investigation services, including evidence preservation, accident reconstruction, and more.
- Multi-disciplinary experts and specialists to fully diagnose your injuries and determine long-term impacts.
- Strong relationships with Alberta organizations ready to assist with rehabilitation and recovery.
- And much more!
Have You Been Injured in an Auto Accident?
Sound legal advice is the first step on the road to justice. At James H. Brown and Associates, we make it fast and easy to access the legal advice you need, starting today.
Unlike many large law firms in Alberta, James H. Brown and Associates’ injury lawyers are ready to speak with you right away. No call centres, no intake teams, just the expert legal advice you and your family need.
Contact us today to speak with a lawyer and schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with James H. Brown and Associates.
