The negative impact of the the Alberta ‘Minor Injury Regulation’
The Alberta Minor Injury Regulation (AMIR) is a policy that limits the amount of compensation that individuals can receive for certain types of injuries sustained in a car accident. Under AMIR, individuals who have sustained a “minor injury” – defined as a sprain, strain, or whiplash injury – are eligible for a maximum of $4,000 (adjusted for inflation) in compensation, regardless of the severity of their injury or the impact it has had on their lives.
While the AMIR was implemented with the intention of reducing the cost of car insurance in Alberta, it has had a number of negative impacts on accident victims.
One major negative impact of AMIR is that it can leave individuals with significant out-of-pocket costs for their medical treatment and lost wages. The $5,000 maximum compensation limit may not fully cover the costs of medical treatment and lost wages for those who have sustained more severe injuries, leaving them with significant financial burdens.
Another negative impact of AMIR is that it can discourage individuals from seeking medical treatment for their injuries. Some may avoid seeking treatment due to the costs that may not be covered by the $5,000 limit, or they may be uncertain about whether their injury will be considered “minor” under AMIR. This can lead to individuals suffering from untreated or under-treated injuries, which can have serious consequences for their health and well-being.
Additionally, some argue that AMIR can create incentives for insurance companies to classify injuries as “minor” in order to reduce their payouts. This can lead to disputes over the classification of injuries, causing further stress and frustration for accident victims.
Overall, while the AMIR may have been implemented with the intention of reducing car insurance costs in Alberta, it has had a number of negative impacts on accident victims, including financial burdens, discouragement of medical treatment, and potential disputes over the classification of injuries.