Accident benefits and a liability claim are two different parts of the same story.

The SABS provides medical, rehabilitation and attendant-care benefits within its rules. Other benefits depend on the policy, the July 2026 optional-benefit framework and the person’s eligibility.1

The accident-benefits insurer decides applications, treatment plans and other benefit requests. Disputes are generally handled by the Licence Appeal Tribunal.3

A liability claim may seek compensation from an at-fault driver and applicable liability insurer. Fault can be shared. Ontario’s Negligence Act allows damages to be apportioned where more than one person contributed to the loss.4

Automobile claims are also affected by statutory thresholds, deductibles and collateral-benefit rules. The claim cannot be valued from a repair estimate or diagnosis alone.

Income benefits, treatment funding, disability coverage and tort damages can overlap. Insurer forms and medical reports should be accurate and consistent, while still answering the specific legal test for each claim.

The general limitation framework and tribunal timing questions should be tracked separately.5

General information explains the framework. Legal advice should connect that framework to the event, the people and insurers involved, the available records and the deadlines in the individual claim.

• Identify who may be responsible and which policies or benefits may respond.
• Build the medical, functional, financial and event evidence around disputed issues.
• Protect notices and deadlines and explain the available next steps.

See what to ask an Ottawa personal injury lawyer →