When you are involved in an accident, there can be a number of insurance companies involved in compensation. Sometimes, insurance companies will not recognize your legal rights. It is very important that you consult a lawyer about your legal rights after you are involved in an accident. Here is some important information to know:
Limitations on Legal Actions
In New Brunswick, there may be a two-year or one-year deadline for pursuing a legal action. It is important that you call a lawyer to discuss any potential claims as soon as possible.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
In motor vehicle accident claims there are two car insurance companies usually at play: we call these Section A and Section B.
Section B is the car insurance for your vehicle or the vehicle you were in at the time of the accident. Your Section B insurer is usually responsible for paying for lost wages, medication, treatment (such as for example, physiotherapy), and mileage to and from medical and treatment appointments. The benefits covered by the Section B insurer are clearly defined by the policy. Unless benefits are being unfairly denied, there is usually no reason to sue this insurer.
The insurance of the driver or car that caused the accident is called the Section A insurer. It is important that you talk to a lawyer before discussing your case with the Section A insurer. It is usually necessary to have legal representation to get a fair settlement with the Section A insurer.
Personal Injury
People or businesses may create situations on their property that can lead to an accident. This is called ‘negligence’. This could be the failure to remove snow or ice from steps or a walkway. It could be the failure to clean up water or a spill or failure to post a warning about the water or spill. It could be stairs in disrepair or another hazard that creates an accident. If you are injured as the result of an accident, it is important that you talk to a lawyer to determine what your legal rights are.
Denial of benefits
Your insurance company may deny you benefits. These could be health benefits, wage loss benefits, long term disability benefits or property benefits. These denials of benefits can sometimes be unfair. If you are denied benefits by your insurance provider, it is important that you talk to a lawyer about your legal rights.
