After a car accident, it is common to feel overwhelmed by insurance paperwork, medical appointments, and recovery all happening at the same time. What should be a straightforward process can quickly feel confusing when you are trying to focus on getting better.
The Litco Law office in Lethbridge is a newer extension of our firm, but it is built on the same foundation of experience and care that our offices across Alberta have provided for decades.
Call us at (403) 736-0448 for a free consultation with our legal team.
Get answers to the following topics and questions:
- Why Choose Litco Law’s Lethbridge Legal Team for Your Bodily Injury Claim
- What Are Section B Benefits in Alberta?
- What Do Section B Benefits Cover in Lethbridge?
- Who Is Eligible for Section B Benefits in Lethbridge?
- Navigating Section B Benefits After a Car Accident in Lethbridge
- Key Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Lethbridge
- Understanding the Difference Between Section B Benefits and Injury Claims
- Time Limits for Pursuing Section B and Injury Claims in Lethbridge
- Lethbridge Section B Benefits—Frequently Asked Questions
- Our Lethbridge Legal Team Can Help You Today
- Find Out if You Have a Motor Vehicle Accident Claim in Under One Minute for Free
Watch The Video
Learn more about what to expect from our free consultation or speak with our legal team to book a free consultation today.
Why Choose Litco Law’s Lethbridge Legal Team for Your Bodily Injury Claim
Litco Law is a family-owned law firm that has helped Albertans with injury and benefits claims since 1976. Here’s what sets our team apart:
- Free consultations: We can arrange a free consult at your convenience, either in person at our Lethbridge office, by phone, or a virtual meeting.
- Cost structure: We never bill by the hour. We handle cases on a contingency-fee basis, and our fee is a percentage of any recovery we secure for you.
- 24/30 rule: We’ll get back to you within 24 hours, and you’ll hear from us every 30 days or less.
- Dedicated legal teams: You don’t just get a lawyer. You get your own personal legal team that will be with you throughout the course of your claim.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Our care and commitment to clients is reflected in the 800+ five-star Google reviews from clients we have supported, including:
- “The genuine people at this law firm is a breath of fresh air. I just started with them, and they are very impressive from a moral to a professional level. If you require any services they offer, don’t even bother going anywhere else. Just amazing the transparency and treatment this firm conducts themselves as.” – Shawn B.
- “They represented me during my car accident. They did absolutely amazing, and I’m so happy with their services and timely responses. I will definitely be using them again.” – Kaylum B.
What Are Section B Benefits in Alberta?
Section B benefits are included in all standard auto insurance policies in Alberta. They provide basic no-fault coverage to drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists for medical care following a motor vehicle accident, including car, truck, and motorcycle collisions. They may also include short-term income replacement if your injuries prevent you from working. If an accident results in a fatality, eligible family members may have access to survivor benefits and support for funeral expenses.
Section B is meant to provide early financial support after an accident so you can focus on recovery, regardless of who caused the collision. You access these benefits by filing a claim with your insurer.
What Do Section B Benefits Cover in Lethbridge?
Section B benefits can help address some of the immediate financial needs after a motor vehicle accident. While it has limits, Section B offers important support:
Medical & Rehabilitation Expenses
Section B medical benefits help cover essential treatment costs within two years after a motor vehicle accident, up to $50,000 per injured person. Covered expenses may include:
- Ambulance services
- Hospital care
- Physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and massage therapy
- Acupuncture and dental treatment
- Medication and psychological treatment
Some treatments have set coverage limits. Acupuncture is capped at $350, chiropractic care at $1,000, and massage therapy at $350. Certain services may require approval from your insurer or doctor. Insurers may also send you to a doctor of their choice to assess whether treatment is needed.
Disability & Income Replacement
Section B benefits may provide income support if your injuries prevent you from doing your essential job duties. A medical professional must confirm that you are unable to work. Benefits are paid at up to $600 per week or 80% of your pre-tax weekly income, whichever is lower. If you earned less than $500 per week before taxes, your benefit amount will be lower.
Section B does not cover the first seven days you are unable to work. If you have disability coverage through work or a private plan, you must use those benefits first. Your insurer determines the final amount, and exceptions may apply depending on your situation.
Support for Families After the Loss of a Loved One
Section B benefits can provide financial support to a family after a fatal motor vehicle accident. While no amount of compensation can make up for the loss of a loved one, this coverage may help ease some of the financial challenges families often face in the days and months that follow. Coverage includes:
- Death benefit: Paid based on the deceased person’s age and their relationship to the claimant
- Funeral costs: Up to $6,150 per person
- Grief counselling: Up to $500 per family, with separate claims available if multiple family members are deceased
Who Is Eligible for Section B Benefits in Lethbridge?
Most people injured in a motor vehicle accident in Lethbridge will be eligible for Section B benefits. They apply no matter who caused the accident and can cover different people involved in the collision, such as:
- Drivers: Their claim is generally handled through their own auto insurance policy
- Passengers: Submit their claim through the insurer of the vehicle they were riding in at the time of the accident
- Pedestrians & cyclists: If they do not have auto insurance, they typically claim through the insurer of the vehicle involved
Some benefits, such as income replacement, have additional requirements. A doctor must confirm that your injuries prevent you from doing the essential parts of your job before payments are approved.
If you are injured while working and qualify for a workers’ compensation claim, that claim usually takes priority. Workers’ compensation acts as the first payer, meaning it pays before other insurance coverage applies.
Navigating Section B Benefits After a Car Accident in Lethbridge
Section B claims involve forms, deadlines, and insurer communication that can feel overwhelming, especially if you are unsure of your options. Our Lethbridge team provides in-person consultations by appointment.
Although Section B is designed to provide support, the claims process can be more challenging than expected. We are here to make sure you are informed, supported, and not handling the process on your own.
Key Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Lethbridge
After a car accident in Lethbridge, taking the right steps early can help protect both your health and your claim. Key steps to take after a car accident include:
- Seek medical care: Get checked by a doctor as soon as possible, even for mild symptoms.
- Insurance reporting: Notify your insurance provider promptly about the accident.
- Practice caution with insurers: You are not obligated to give statements to the other driver’s insurance company or accept settlement offers before getting legal advice.
- Seek legal guidance: Contact our solutions team for a free consultation to learn more about your rights and options.
Understanding the Difference Between Section B Benefits and Injury Claims
Section B benefits and personal injury claims serve different roles after a motor vehicle accident. Section B is insurance coverage that provides immediate support, while an injury claim is a legal process that may provide compensation beyond what insurance covers.
Section B Benefits
Section B benefits can help cover immediate expenses after an accident, such as medical treatment, rehabilitation costs, and certain lost income. If you pursue a personal injury claim, some Section B payments may be included in your total compensation to avoid double recovery. You can still pursue both, but the payments are coordinated to ensure you are not compensated twice for the same loss.
Because there are notice requirements and deadlines, it is important to apply for available Section B benefits as soon as possible after an accident.
Personal Injury Claims
Personal injury claims may address long-term impacts, including ongoing treatment, and future financial losses. Early settlement offers should be considered carefully. It often takes time to identify and calculate the cost of future care and how your life may be impacted by your injuries.
These timing issues are especially important as Alberta prepares to introduce a “care-first” auto insurance system on January 1, 2027.
Time Limits for Pursuing Section B and Injury Claims in Lethbridge
Time limits apply to both Section B claims and personal injury claims after a motor vehicle accident. Since these claims follow different processes, it is important to understand the deadlines that apply to each one. Missing a deadline can affect your ability to access benefits or pursue compensation.
For Section B benefits, important deadlines include:
- 30 days: Report the accident to the appropriate insurer
- 60 days: Submit an AB-1A form for disability benefits
- 90 days: Submit an AB-1 form for medical benefits
- 2 years: The final deadline to access all Section B benefits before coverage expires
Personal injury claims have separate limitation periods. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit, although some rare exceptions can affect this timeline. Contacting a lawyer early can help you determine which deadlines apply.
Lethbridge Section B Benefits—Frequently Asked Questions
Every situation is different. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to our team at any time.
How Much Will Section B Pay for Medical Treatment After a Car Accident?
Section B can pay up to $50,000 per injured person for eligible medical and rehabilitation costs after a car accident. The exact amount you receive depends on factors such as your injuries and treatment needs.
How Long Do Disability Benefits Last Under Section B?
Section B disability benefits are generally available for up to 104 weeks (two years) after a car accident, as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements. Benefits may stop earlier if you are able to return to work.
Can Section B Benefits Affect My Personal Injury Claim?
Yes. Certain Section B benefits, such as disability payments and coverage for early medical expenses, may be factored into your overall compensation to prevent double recovery. However, accessing medical treatment through Section B can provide valuable evidence to support your personal injury claim.
Can I Access Section B Benefits if I Was a Pedestrian or Cyclist?
Yes. Pedestrians and cyclists can access Section B benefits if they are injured in an accident involving a motor vehicle. If you do not have your own auto insurance, your claim is usually made through the insurer of the vehicle involved in the collision.
What if My Section B Benefits Are Denied?
If your Section B claim is denied, other options may still be available. A personal injury claim can help you recover costs for medical treatment, lost income, and additional accident-related damages. If you have questions about either process, it costs nothing to speak with our legal team.
How Much Does It Cost to Work With Litco Law?
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means our fee is a percentage of the settlement we recover for you, and you’ll know that percentage before you hire us. You won’t pay us anything while your claim progresses.
Our Lethbridge Legal Team Can Help You Today
Dealing with Section B benefits after a car accident can feel stressful and confusing. Insurance paperwork, deadlines, and medical questions can quickly become overwhelming when you are already dealing with injuries.
At Litco Law, we bring the same trusted experience to Lethbridge that clients expect from our other offices, but with local, accessible support. There is no need to travel—we are here when you need us, including in-person appointments and virtual meetings. We’re Lawyers You’ll Love because we take the time to explain things clearly, answer your questions directly, and support you through every step of your claim.
Contact us online or call (587) 602-0514 today to speak with our Lethbridge Section B benefits legal team.
