How Much Will I Get from a Car Accident Settlement in Ontario?

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, you’re likely wondering: “How much compensation am I entitled to in Ontario?” The short answer is that every settlement is different, but it depends heavily on the type of injury, insurance coverage, and long-term impact on your life.

At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, we help people like you every day secure fair compensation after motor vehicle accidents. Here’s how Ontario car accident settlements work—and what you can expect.

Ontario Car Accident Settlement Amounts: Minor, Non-Catastrophic, and Catastrophic Injuries

Under Ontario’s no-fault insurance system, car accident victims may receive accident benefits even if they were partly or entirely at fault. These benefits are divided by injury type:

1. Minor Injuries

• Maximum Settlement: $3,500
• Common Injuries: Whiplash, sprains, strains, soft tissue injuries
• Coverage: Medical and rehab costs only
• Note: Pain and suffering compensation is usually not available unless the injury exceeds a certain threshhold.

2. Non-Catastrophic Injuries

• Maximum Settlement: $65,000
• Common Injuries: Broken bones, long-term joint pain, mild brain injury
• Coverage Includes:
  • Medical & rehabilitation expenses
  • Attendant care (up to $3,000/month, capped at $36,000)
  • Income replacement benefits (up to $400/week)
  • Non-earner or caregiver benefits if applicable

3. Catastrophic Injuries

• Maximum Settlement: $1,000,000 (plus additional tort compensation)
• Examples: Spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injury, loss of limbs, blindness
• Coverage Includes:
  • Long-term attendant care (up to $6,000/month)
  • Ongoing medical treatment
  • Home modifications
  • Potential tort claims for pain and suffering, lost earning capacity, and more

Factors That Determine the Value of Your Car Accident Settlement

There is no exact formula for calculating a settlement amount. However, here are the main factors that affect your case:

✅ Severity of Injury

The more severe or permanent your injury, the higher your compensation will likely be.

✅ Medical Costs

Past, present, and future medical expenses (e.g. surgeries, rehab, prescriptions) are a major component.

✅ Loss of Income

If your injury prevents you from working, income replacement benefits may apply. You may also sue for loss of future earning capacity if your ability to work is permanently affected.

✅ Pain and Suffering

You may be eligible to sue for non-economic damages if your injuries are deemed serious and permanent. These include emotional distress, anxiety, PTSD, and loss of enjoyment of life.

✅ Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Reimbursement for any additional costs (transportation, assistive devices, home help) related to the injury.

What Accident Benefits Can You Claim in Ontario?

Whether your injury is minor or catastrophic, you may be eligible for several accident benefits under Ontario’s Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS):

💼 Income Replacement Benefits

• Up to 70% of gross weekly income, max $400/week
• For employed or recently self-employed individuals
• Optional upgrades may allow for higher coverage

👩‍⚕️ Attendant Care Benefits

• Up to $3,000/month for non-catastrophic injuries
• Up to $6,000/month for catastrophic injuries
• Covers paid personal support workers or informal caregivers

🏥 Medical and Rehabilitation Benefits

• Pays for health expenses not covered by OHIP or private insurance
• Includes physiotherapy, chiropractic, mental health therapy, assistive devices, etc.

🚫 Non-Earner Benefits

• $185/week if you’re 16+ and unable to perform your usual daily activities
• Increases to $320/week after 104 weeks in certain cases

👪 Caregiver Benefits (Optional)

• For those who were primary caregivers to a dependent person
• Only available for catastrophic injuries or with optional coverage

⚰️ Death and Funeral Benefits

• Funeral expenses: $6,000 to $8,000
• Spousal benefits: $25,000
• Dependent benefits: $10,000 per person

Can I Sue the At-Fault Driver?

Yes. In addition to no-fault benefits, you may be able to sue the at-fault party if your injuries meet Ontario’s “serious and permanent” threshold.

A tort claim allows you to pursue:

• Pain and suffering damages
• Loss of future income
• Future care costs
• Housekeeping and home maintenance losses

Most cases resolve through negotiated settlements, but having an experienced Ontario injury lawyer ensures you don’t settle for less than you deserve.

What’s the Average Car Accident Settlement in Ontario?

There is no official average because every case is unique. However:

• Note: These figures include both no-fault benefits and tort claim payouts.

Why Choose Samfiru Tumarkin LLP?

We’re not just any personal injury firm. Samfiru Tumarkin LLP has a national reputation for client advocacy and proven results. We take the time to understand your situation and build the strongest possible claim.

• 💰 No Win, No Fee — you don’t pay unless we succeed
• 👥 Personalized legal support throughout your case
• 📍 Deep local experience in Ontario courts, tribunals, and negotiations
• ⭐ Thousands of 5-star reviews from injury, disability, and employment law clients
• 🗺️ Serving clients across Ontario in-person and virtually, wherever you’re located

Free Consultation with a Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Wondering how much your car accident claim is worth? Don’t rely on estimates or insurance adjusters. Get real legal advice from a firm that’s on your side.

Call us at 1-855-821-5900 or request a callback through our online form.