Each year in Quebec, road accidents cause over 300 deaths and thousands of injuries—both minor and severe. These tragedies often lead to further challenges, such as losing a loved one, living with a disability, or struggling with daily activities.
The SAAQ has put a compensation program in place to support victims who are dealing with these types of difficulties and their related financial burdens.
This public insurance plan provides financial support to help victims through their recovery. To benefit, you need to understand how the system works and follow the right steps.
In this article, our road accident lawyers explain how to assert your rights, secure fair compensation, and deal effectively with the SAAQ.
Who compensates road accident victims in Quebec?
In Quebec, the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) handles compensation for road accident victims. The program covers drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists—regardless of who was at fault.
The SAAQ calculates compensation based on several factors:
- How serious the injuries are (fractures, trauma, disability, etc.);
- The victim’s age and employment status;
- Cost of medical care and rehabilitation;
- Any income lost due to the inability to work.
The SAAQ also potentially reimburses:
- Childcare expenses;
- Funeral costs (in case of death);
- Home care or specialized services;
- Up to 90% of lost net income, based on an indexed annual cap.
Who can receive compensation from the SAAQ after a road accident?
To qualify for compensation from the SAAQ after a road accident, you must meet specific eligibility criteria. Quebec’s public auto insurance plan only applies in certain situations.
Main eligibility requirements:
- You must reside in Quebec at the time of the accident.
- You must have suffered a physical or psychological injury directly related to the accident.
- The accident must involve a motor vehicle, such as a car, bus, motorcycle, or truck.
Important exceptions:
- Accidents involving vehicles not covered under the law—such as unregistered motocross bikes, bicycles, or vehicles not registered in Quebec—generally do not qualify for SAAQ compensation.
- The same applies to certain recreational (e.g., off-road trail riding) or professional activities that the plan doesn’t cover.
Thanks to Quebec’s no-fault insurance model, the SAAQ may still provide compensation even if the victim is partially or fully responsible for the accident. This policy applies to accidents in Quebec and, under certain conditions, to those that occur abroad.
If the accident results in death, the victim’s family members may also receive compensation. This may include reimbursement of funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and moral damages.
How to file a compensation claim with the SAAQ after a road accident
Acting quickly after an accident is vital for obtaining SAAQ compensation. A poorly prepared or incomplete claim can cause delays—or be refused altogether.
1. See a healthcare professional
Start by seeing a doctor as soon as possible after the accident. This step allows you to:
- Get the medical care you need;
- Officially record your physical or psychological injuries;
- Obtain the initial medical report required by the SAAQ.
Tip: Tell your doctor that your injuries are the result of a road accident. This helps clearly establish the link between the incident and your condition.
2. Gather the documents the SAAQ requires
After your initial treatment, you can start your compensation claim. This will involve preparing several key documents:
- Initial medical report;
- Proof of the accident, such as a police report or car accident report;
- Receipts for your expenses (medical care, transport, medications, etc.);
- Ff needed, a medical certificate confirming your inability to work.
Depending on your situation, the SAAQ may also ask for additional documents, such as an employer’s statement, insurance records, or a valid ID.
3. Submit Your Claim to the SAAQ
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary documents, you can submit your compensation claim to the SAAQ in one of two ways:
- Online, by visiting the official website at saaq.gouv.qc.ca and navigating to the “Accident Claim” section. There, you can fill out interactive forms and upload your supporting documents directly.
- By mail, by downloading and completing the PDF forms available on the SAAQ’s website. Once completed, you must send all required documents to the address provided on the form.
- With the assistance of a lawyer who specializes in SAAQ claims. This option is especially helpful if your case is complex or if you’re not sure how to proceed.
No matter which option you choose, make sure your file includes all required documents: medical report, accident report, receipts, official proof that you are unable to work, and any other supporting evidence. Missing documents may delay the processing of your claim.
4. Challenge the decision if needed
Did you receive an incomplete or negative response from the SAAQ? You have 60 days to challenge the decision.
You can submit your request in writing directly to the SAAQ or bring your case before the Tribunal administratif du Québec (TAQ), depending on how far along the process is.
A lawyer can help you:
- Prepare a solid argument;
- Gather the right documents;
- Defend your rights effectively.
What types of compensation does the SAAQ offer after a road accident?
The SAAQ offers different forms of compensation to cover the physical, psychological, and financial repercussions of road accidents. The exact benefits a victim or their family receives depends on their unique circumstances, which are determined through a detailed review of their claim.
Here are the main types of compensation available:
1. Income replacement benefits
If a road accident prevents you from working—temporarily or permanently—the SAAQ may provide income replacement benefits to reduce the financial impact of lost wages.
You may receive up to 90% of your net income, based on your declared gross annual income. The amount is determined by your job type, your reference income, and your age at the time of the accident.
How long can you receive payments?
In most cases, the SAAQ pays these benefits until you’re medically fit to return to work.
If the disability is permanent and confirmed by a doctor, the payments may continue until you reach retirement age.
Note: A seven-day waiting period applies before payments begin. No compensation is issued during this time.
2. Compensation for students
If your injuries prevent you from continuing your studies, the SAAQ may offer compensation for the loss of academic progress and future earning potential.
The amount depends on your level of education at the time of the accident and can reach up to $20,108 per year.
You may be eligible for:
- Compensation for an entire school year (elementary or high school);
- Compensation for a missed semester (college, university, or vocational training).
This benefit ensures fair treatment between students and workers injured in accidents and helps protect young people from long-term setbacks in their education or careers.
3. Childcare expense benefits
If you’re responsible for a child under 16 or a dependent adult and can no longer provide care due to your injuries, the SAAQ may reimburse the cost of hiring someone during your recovery.
You could receive:
- Up to $462 per week for one dependent, or
- Up to $630 per week for two or more dependents.
These amounts are indexed periodically. To qualify, you must submit supporting documents, including medical proof confirming your inability to fulfill caregiving responsibilities.
4. Compensation for permanent injuries
If the accident causes long-term physical or psychological damage—such as reduced mobility, loss of function, chronic anxiety, or PTSD—the SAAQ may grant a lump-sum payment.
This benefit recognizes the lasting impact on your quality of life, regardless of your income. The SAAQ uses its Permanent Impairment Guide, as outlined in the Regulation respecting non-pecuniary damages, to calculate the amount.
Injured in a road accident in Quebec? Let Bégin Avocat help with your SAAQ claim
Dealing with the SAAQ after a serious accident can be overwhelming—especially if you are facing lasting injuries, reduced income, or court decisions that you do not fully understand.
At Bégin Avocat, we will help you:
- Develop a strong and complete claim file from the outset;
- Work diligently to secure the fair and appropriate compensation you deserve;
- Represent you in challenging any negative rulings before the SAAQ or the Tribunal administratif du Québec.
Don’t face this process alone. If you’ve been injured in a road accident, call us or fill out the form below to tell us about your situation. We’ll get back to you promptly.
