While standard insurance is an obligation in Ontario, that does not mean that you cannot become involved in a motor vehicle collision with an underinsured, uninsured, or unidentified driver. Thus, what do you do when such an incident occurs? Who will compensate you for your injuries?
Motor Vehicle Collisions Involving Unidentified And Uninsured Parties
If an accident occurs in which the at-fault party is impossible to identify, i.e. if they left the scene before you could catch their license plate or obtain their contact information, or if the other party is completely uninsured, then you will obtain coverage from your own insurer.
The Insurance Act states that coverage provided by your own insurance company in such cases can reach up to $200,000. However, this is only if you are unable to obtain coverage from any other automobile policy. In short: your own insurer will take on the responsibilities of the liable party’s insurer.While better than nothing, this mandatory insurance amount is often not sufficient, especially not if multiple injured parties have been left to share the $200,000, or if the plaintiff’s injuries are too severe to be limited to $200,000 worth of treatments. Thus, it is important that you contact the personal injury lawyer in Cornwall before you take any step forward.
Motor Vehicle Collisions Involving Underinsured Parties
If the at-fault party is lacking coverage, then OPCF-44R coverage will kick in to protect you. Commonly referred to as Family Protection Coverage, this optional coverage can be purchased by every motorist through their regular auto insurance company.The height of coverage provided to you through Family Protection Coverage is determined by calculating the difference between the lacking coverage of the guilty party, and your own coverage. This effectively makes up for the liable party’s shortcomings in coverage and ensures you receive just compensation.Family Protection Coverage, as the name would suggest, extends to your family, your spouse, and any other relative who is dependent on either you or your spouse.
Motor vehicle collisions are a nightmare to deal with, even if you are not left to deal with legal issues in regards to obtaining coverage for your losses. A wrecked car, a series of injuries, hospital visits, and the frustrations of paperwork are a pain to deal with. However, you can make things easier for yourself by hiring a lawyer to take some of the burden off your shoulders. They will also be able to help you identify all options of recovering damages, even if the at fault party was unidentified, underinsured, or uninsured. Most of these lawyers have handled a variety of injury claims for damages sustained and will be able to help you with the required legal services.