A Martime's View

No Fault Auto Insurance n QuebecHere in Québec, we have had "No Fault" Auto Insurance for a couple of decades. What is it.?? The insurance companies use to fight over whom was responsible for the accident and then the insurance company of the fault driver; would pay.

This required months of evaluations for auto repairs, so they agreed that the owner's company would pay the repairs immediately. Now after months of discussion the companies would find blame for the accident and increase the premiums of the guilty driver. Not so now. Noone to blame so quick insurance payment of repairs and the victim is left in the legal cold, unable to sue for damages.

For those poeple who are injured in the accident, it could take several years of discussion and even going to court to get money for the victim. I remember one friend whom was to get 25,000 settlement for her damage. When the lawyers got their fees and the other costs she had less than 15,000 and this was what was needed to pay the hospital bills not covered by Health Insurance. (Specialists and Consultation or other fees)

In the end, this friend got $6,500 send in a cheque 12 years after the accident.

This week, I saw a student hit by a car as she stepped of the curb to cross the street on a Green light. Yes, she had the right of way, with a green light, and also the driver had the right to turn right at the corner. Only problem, the student had the priority.

The student was hit and is in the hospital, A broken Hip I was told. The driver, whom I know because he plays the same sport as I do; said to someone "She just stepped out in front of me, I was not at fault."

Not any comment of guilt or regret, just how the insurance company will allocate blame. The student in the hospital is also telling someone she was not at fault; she had a green light. But what is the story. One person, injured and the other without any damage. Even with no fault insurance, the victim can not sue for damages. If they become handicap because of the accident, they can ask for the Motor Vechile Insurance Board to allocate an allowance. But again this can be a long fight and then the percentage of handicap. I once saw a vision impaired person being told that they could still work at such and such a job. So was not totally handicapped.

For you folks whom think that this is the great system, Remember... When it cost you something or you are afraid to be charged you drive carefully. When you are not at fault, (ture or not) you think nothing of the individual in the hospital. Just as long as you don't to pay something.