Section B Accident Benefits for Pedestrians in Alberta
What Are Section B (Accident) Benefits?
Section B benefits, also referred to as accident benefits, are mandatory components of every standard automobile insurance policy in Alberta. They provide no-fault coverage for:
• Medical and rehabilitation expenses
• Disability or income replacement
• Death, funeral, and grief counselling benefits
As a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle, you are entitled to these benefits from the insurer of the vehicle that hit you, regardless of fault.
What Does Section B Cover and What Are the Limits?
Medical & Rehabilitation
• Covers all reasonable accident-related expenses incurred within 2 years of the accident, up to $50,000 per person.
• Eligible treatments include ambulance services, hospital care, physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, acupuncture, psychological treatment, dental care, medication, occupational therapy, and more.
• Sub-limits exist for specific treatments:
• Chiropractic: up to $1,000
• Massage Therapy: up to $350
• Acupuncture: up to $350
Disability or Income Replacement
• If you are working and become totally disabled (unable to perform any job duties within 60 days), you may receive:
• The lesser of $600/week or 80% of your gross weekly earnings, up to 104 weeks, after a 7-day waiting period.
• If not employed, but completely unable to perform household duties, you may get $200/week, typically for up to 26 weeks.
Death, Funeral & Grief Counselling
If the pedestrian dies from injuries, survivors may receive:
• A lump sum based on age and relation
• Funeral costs (approx. $5,000–$6,150)
• Grief counselling (up to $400–$500 per family)
Important Deadlines & Filing Steps
• Notify insurer within 30 days of accident
• Submit AB‑1 form within 90 days for medical benefits
• Submit disability claim forms (AB‑1A/AB‑2) within 60 days
• All claims must be filed within 2 years of the accident
Missed deadlines or coverage disputes (e.g., necessity of treatment, disability qualification) can jeopardize your claim.
Beyond Section B: Suing & MVAC
While Section B offers immediate relief, it does not cover damages such as pain and suffering or future care costs. To recover these, a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary.
If the driver who hit you is uninsured, underinsured, or unidentified (e.g., a hit-and-run), you may be eligible for compensation through Alberta’s Motor Vehicle Accident Claims (MVAC) program, which provides up to $200,000. MVAC must be notified within 90 days.
Navigating Section B claims, lawsuits, and MVAC all under tight deadlines and legal complexity is challenging—especially amid injuries and recovery. That’s where legal expertise becomes invaluable.
How WatchMaker Law & David Sowemimo Can Help
1. Deep Specialization & Compassionate Advocacy
• WatchMaker Law, based in Edmonton, specializes in pedestrian accident cases and personal injury law.
• Led by David Sowemimo, a seasoned personal injury lawyer, the firm is known for its client‑centred, empathetic approach and determination to restore control to victims.
• David has experience with complex and catastrophic injury cases—from fatal accidents to severe brain injuries—across Alberta.
2. Strategic & Thorough Process Management
• Maximize Section B benefits by ensuring timely filing (before 30-, 60-, 90-day deadlines) and properly documenting medical/disability claims.
• Challenge denials or insurer disputes, and appeal unfair outcomes on your behalf.
• Coordinate Section B and personal injury claims to avoid “double recovery” issues or breaches of contractual clauses.
• Skillfully handle MVAC claims for uninsured/unidentified driver cases, ensuring timely notification and pursuit of compensation.
3. Free, No‑Upfront Consultation & Fees‑On‑Success
• WatchMaker Law offers free initial consultations, ensuring you know your rights from day one.
• They operate under a no-win, no-fee arrangement—clients pay only if they recover compensation.
4. Local Reputation and Trust
• “They serve Edmonton and all of Alberta, with a reputation for result-oriented, empathic support.”Client testimonials affirm their professionalism, clarity, and dedication—”I felt confident… had my best interests at heart…”
Final Thoughts
Pedestrians injured in vehicle accidents in Alberta have access to vital Section B benefits, offering financial relief for medical care, income loss, and bereavement support—quickly, without waiting for fault to be determined. But these benefits are limited, time-sensitive, and don’t cover pain and suffering.
To protect your rights, meet filing deadlines, and pursue full compensation, the legal support of WatchMaker Law, led by David Sowemimo, can make a critical difference. The firm brings compassion, legal precision, and strategic advocacy to every case—helping you navigate Section B claims, lawsuits, or MVAC applications while you focus on recovery.
If you or someone you know has been injured as a pedestrian in Edmonton or elsewhere in Alberta, reach out to WatchMaker Law. They offer free consultations and stand ready to fight for your fair compensation and future well‑being.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified personal injury lawyer for advice tailored to your specific situation.
