Vague Accident Descriptions: How Poor Wording Can Undermine Your OCF Claim
A Costly Mistake at the Insurance Office
Lisa filled out her OCF-1 form at an insurance office but kept her accident description short: "I was hit by a car." The adjuster later questioned her injuries, claiming her vague wording failed to prove the severity of the accident. As a result, her insurer offered minimal compensation, claiming there was no clear connection between her injuries and the accident.
How to Avoid This Mistake
Be clear and factual when describing your accident. Include details such as the location, type of collision, speed, weather conditions, and immediate symptoms. Avoid assumptions or excessive detail—stick to objective facts.
Technicalities & Case Law
In Aviva v. Pastore, 2012 ONCA 642, the Ontario Court of Appeal emphasized the importance of comprehensive evidence when determining accident-related injuries. A vague or incomplete account can weaken your case.
