Ontario Canadian Resident Injured in Car Accident in the United States: Insurance Company Asking Me to Choose Between Ontario Accident Benefits and United States

Ontario residents and Canadians travel to the United States frequently for vacations and business. Unfortunately, accidents can happen anywhere and at any time.  Many Canadians and Ontario residents are injured each year in car accidents and motorcycle accidents in the United States.  A serious car accident is always a stressful and difficult event, and it is even more difficult when a Canadian or Ontario resident is involved in a serious car accident while in the United States. 

If you are a Canadian injured in a car accident in the United States, you could be facing expensive medical bills for treatment.   Although your Ontario automobile insurance provides benefits for medical and rehabilitation expenses, there are limits to the coverage available.  In addition, there are many forms that need to be completed and submitted to your auto insurance company.  In addition, your Ontario insurance company will ask you to make a choice between Ontario Statutory Accident Benefits and the benefits that would be available under the State law for the jurisdiction where the accident occurred.  If you are an Ontario resident with serious injuries due to an accident in the United States, your choice can have major consequences to the amount of insurance coverage available to you.  It is important to have an experienced Ontario personal injury lawyer explain the benefits available under Ontario law before making your selection.  

Cross-border claims involving Canadians injured in United States car accidents can be complex.  
If you are an Ontario resident, and were injured in a car accident in the United States, there is a chance that the at fault party may be uninsured or underinsured.  That is, the other driver's insurance limits may not be sufficient to pay for your claim.  Many States have lower minimun insurance requirements for drivers than Ontario.  In those situations, you may be able to advance a claim in Ontario, Canada for the uninsured and underinsured benefits that form part of your Ontario motor vehicle insurance policy.  

Cross border personal injury cases can be complex and you should not delay in consulting a Ontario personal injury lawyer to make sure your rights are fully protected.    Ontario injury lawyer, Andrew Iacobelli, obtained his law degree (cum laude) from Michigan State University and he is licensed to practice law in the province of Ontario and in the State of Michigan and State of Florida.  Andrew is also admitted to practice in the United States Federal Courts, and the United States Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeal.  Before returning to Ontario, Andrew litigated serious personal injury, wrongful death, and insurance bad faith claims in the United States.  Andrew has established a network of legal professionals in the United States with whom he is able to co-ordinate legal proceedings which must be conducted in the United States.

Lawyer Referrals and Affiliations for Canadians Injured in the United States
In personal injury cases where the legal proceedings must be commenced in the United States, our personal injury law firm can refer you to personal injury lawyers in the United States.  We have relationships with some of the leading personal injury law firms in the United States.  Iacobelli Law Firm will also be able to co-counsel in order to coordinate efforts in Canada.  

If you are unsure whether your claim needs to proceed in Ontario or the United States, contact Iacobelli Law Firm to speak with a personal injury lawyer. To request a free consultation with a lawyer call us at 416-900-1070 or 1-866-234-6093 or fill out our contact form here.

Connect with Andrew Iacobelli on Google+

---

Add to Flipboard Magazine.