Can I sue the other driver in Quebec?

For bodily injury, generally no — Quebec's public no-fault scheme compensates injury regardless of fault and removes the right to sue for it. Property damage claims are handled by private insurers.

What if I disagree with an SAAQ decision?

Request an internal review within the deadline, then contest at the Tribunal administratif du Québec. Both periods are short and strictly applied.

Does the scheme apply if I was at fault?

Yes. Compensation for bodily injury is not dependent on fault, which is the defining feature of the Quebec regime.

Many claims proceed without one, but advice is valuable where permanent impairment, income replacement disputes or a contested review are involved.

SAAQ — Quebec Automobile Injury Compensation & No-Fault Scheme

Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ)

Quebec Automobile Insurance Corporation

The SAAQ administers Quebec's public no-fault automobile insurance scheme for bodily injury. This is the single most important thing to understand about a Quebec car accident: compensation for injury comes from the SAAQ regardless of fault, and the right to sue for bodily injury is generally removed. Property damage remains with private insurers.

What it does

Compensates bodily injury from automobile accidents on a no-fault basis
Pays income replacement, medical and rehabilitation benefits
Administers driver licensing and vehicle registration

Matters it hears

Income replacement indemnity determinations
Medical and rehabilitation benefit decisions
Permanent impairment assessments
Death benefits

Appeals & review

Appeals generally go to Tribunal administratif du Québec (TAQ).

SAAQ decisions are first reviewed internally, then contested at the Tribunal administratif du Québec. Deadlines are short.

Appeal and review deadlines are short and strictly applied. Treat the decision date as the start of a clock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue the other driver in Quebec?: For bodily injury, generally no — Quebec's public no-fault scheme compensates injury regardless of fault and removes the right to sue for it. Property damage claims are handled by private insurers.
What if I disagree with an SAAQ decision?: Request an internal review within the deadline, then contest at the Tribunal administratif du Québec. Both periods are short and strictly applied.
Does the scheme apply if I was at fault?: Yes. Compensation for bodily injury is not dependent on fault, which is the defining feature of the Quebec regime.
Do I need a lawyer?: Many claims proceed without one, but advice is valuable where permanent impairment, income replacement disputes or a contested review are involved.

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General information about jurisdiction and process, not legal advice. LegalCounselNearMe is not a law firm and is not affiliated with Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ). Procedures, forms and fees change — the official site is authoritative.