If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident in Alberta, the immediate aftermath is often a whirlwind of pain, stress, and confusion. Amidst medical appointments and vehicle repairs, you may be wondering how you are going to pay for your treatments, especially if you have to miss time away from work. Fortunately, Alberta auto insurance policies include a mandatory provision designed to provide immediate relief: Section B Accident Benefits. At Roberts Law (robertslawyyc.com), we frequently speak with clients who are entirely unaware of these benefits or are struggling to get their insurance company to approve them. Here is a breakdown of what Section B benefits are, what they cover, and how they apply to your Alberta personal injury claim.

What Are Section B Accident Benefits?

Section B benefits are mandatory “no-fault” benefits included in every standard automobile insurance policy in Alberta. “No-fault” means that regardless of who caused the collision—whether you were rear-ended on the Deerfoot, or you accidentally slipped on black ice and caused a single-vehicle crash—you are entitled to these benefits. These benefits are claimed through your own insurance company (or the insurance company of the vehicle you were a passenger in, or the vehicle that struck you if you were a pedestrian or cyclist). They are designed to cover your immediate, out-of-pocket expenses for medical treatment and income loss while you recover.

What Do Section B Benefits Cover in Alberta?

Section B is comprehensive and is typically divided into three main categories of coverage:  

1. Medical, Rehabilitation, and Treatment Expenses: This is the most frequently used portion of Section B. It provides up to $50,000 per person for necessary medical treatments incurred within two years of the accident. This covers a wide range of services, including chiropractic care, physiotherapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, dental work, and ambulance bills. There are specific limits for certain treatments (like a $1,000 limit for chiropractic care or massage therapy, unless extended), but your primary medical needs should be covered.
2. Income Replacement (Disability Benefits): If your injuries prevent you from performing the essential duties of your job, Section B provides a weekly stipend to help keep you afloat. If you qualify, you can receive 80% of your gross weekly income up to a maximum of $400 per week, for up to 104 weeks (two years).
3. Death and Grief Counseling Benefits: In the tragic event of a fatal accident, Section B provides a lump sum death benefit to the surviving household, along with coverage for funeral expenses (up to a specified limit) and grief counseling for family members.

 

How to Access Your Benefits

To access Section B benefits, strict deadlines apply. You must notify your insurance company of the accident within 30 days. You will need to complete a Notice of Loss and Proof of Claim form (the AB-1 form), which includes a section that must be filled out by your primary healthcare practitioner (like a doctor or physical therapist). It is crucial to understand that if you have private health insurance (such as through your employer, like Alberta Blue Cross or Sun Life), you must exhaust those benefits first. Section B acts as the secondary payer, covering whatever your primary insurance does not.

Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer

Because Section B is “no-fault,” many people assume the process will be automatic and hassle-free. Unfortunately, insurance companies often push back. They may abruptly cut off your treatment funding, insist you attend an Independent Medical Examination (IME) with their chosen doctor, or argue that your ongoing issues are “pre-existing” and not related to the crash. At Roberts Law, we ensure your Section B benefits are maximized and not unjustly terminated. Furthermore, Section B is only one part of the equation. If another driver was at fault for your accident, you also have the right to file a “tort claim” against them for pain and suffering, future loss of income, and future care costs—things Section B does not fully cover.

Protecting Your Recovery Journey

Dealing with insurance adjusters while trying to heal is a heavy burden. Let our experienced team manage the paperwork, fight for your treatment approvals, and build a comprehensive case for your long-term recovery. If you have been injured in an auto accident in Alberta, do not navigate the complexities of Section B alone. Visit robertslawyyc.com to schedule a consultation with Roberts Law. We are here to guide you through the process, protect your rights, and secure the compensation you deserve.