Canadians’ Involved In USA Car Accidents - Snowbird Accidents (2024)

Canadianswho head south for the winter are commonly referred to as “snowbirds”. It is synonymous with all Northern residents (both in Canada and USA), who migrate south every year to avoid the cold winter weather. Who can blame them. The Sunny southern states provide fun, beaches, activities, and relaxation for every one.

So how many Canadian Snowbirds are there and where do they go?
The present estimate is approximately 4 million Canadians and 10 million Northern US residents head to Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Texas, Arizona and California during the winter. These states experience a tremendous influx of tourists, travellers and part time residents. For travel info go to SnowbirdTravelUSA.Com – 1n excellent resource for every family.

Travelling is not risk free.
Before going south, Canadians need to make sure they have extra medical & travel insurance.Private Medical coverage should be purchased for every family member prior to leaving Canada.It is also a very good idea to increase optional car insurance coverages. In particular we recommend you increase your liability limits; Statutory Accident Benefits; and, make sure you have Underinsured/Uninsured motorist protection. These optional benefits are relatively inexpensive. In a serious motor vehicle collision they can be invaluable to you and your family.

Check this article:https://snowbirdaccidents.com/cross-border-accidents-blog/

Canadians involved in US car accidents.

Every Canadian resident regardless of which province they reside in should contact their insurance Broker and advise them they are travelling outside of their home province. Check to make sure you have adequate third party liability coverage, uninsured coverage and most importantly optional underinsured motorist protection. It is suggested that 70% of the car accidents in the United States involve car drivers who are inadequately insured, if at all. If you are injured by an underinsured or an uninsured driver, you can claim any financial shortfall from your own car insurer up to the limit of your car’s liability policy.

Tort Rights:The law of the state or province where the accident happened dictates the rights and remedies you have. In most states you can sue (or be sued) for pain and suffering and any economic losses suffered. Furthermore, each state has different procedural rules as to when and how a claim can be made. You will need a lawyer/attorney in that state to provide legal advice and enforce your compensation rights.

• Most Canadians not at fault or partially at fault for a car accident and injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver – can claim the financial shortfall from their own car policy. This protection extends to family members. The claim must be brought in Canada.
• A Canadian involved in any car accident in North America, regardless of fault, is immediately eligible for their Provincial Statutory (PIP) Accident Benefits. If you are an Ontario resident, these contractual benefits are up $1,000,000 covering such need as medical, rehabilitation, attendant care, and limited Income replacement benefits.

Applying for Statutory Accident Benefits.Regardless of fault, Each Canadian province has a no-fault accident benefit scheme available to insured persons. Accidents need to be reported to your car insurance company. They in turn will send to you a Accident Claim Form. This form must be completed and returned to them as soon as practicable.

Please noteif you are involved in a car accident in any state or province outside of your normal place of residence, your car insurance policy is to comply with State or Provincial laws. For example if an American car driver is injured in Ontario, their US policy must provide Ontario statutory accident benefits and Ontario’s minimum liability limits. Conversly, as a Canadian, your car policy must comply with the laws of the jurisdiction where the accident happened. For example, if a Canadian is injured in Michigan, his or her Canadian car policy must provide Michigan catastrophic claims coverage.As an injured party you will have to elect what coverage you want to receive. This is tremendously complicated, since you need to compare the two insurance schemes and decide which is in your best interest to claim.

Property Damage Claims:Subject to the extent of the Property damage, claims are to be reported to your car insurer. Contact your insurer especially if your vehicle needs to be towed or returned to Canada.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR Quebec, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba RESIDENTS: These provinces are nowa pure ”no fault regime”. If you are involved in a car accident you are not allowed to sue. It is a great system if your are catastrophically injured and/or responsible for the accident. Residents of those provinces are allowed to sue for personal injuries outside of their province in jurisdictions which allow lawsuits.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR ONTARIO RESIDENTS:Ontario has one of the best Statutory Accident Benefit schemes in North America. If you are involved in a car accident, the SAB coverage will immediately assist you in the payment of hospital, medical, and rehabilitative expenses.These benefits allow Hospital Discharge Planners and Social Workers to immediately help facilitate your return home.

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Canadians involved in US car accidents need legal advice. Cross-border car accidents are exceptionally complicated. Don’t hesitate to call the Snowbird Helpline.