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Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Recovery
Understanding Your Coverage
In Alberta, everyone involved in a car accident — regardless of who was at fault — is covered under Section B Medical Payments of the Automobile Accident Insurance Benefits Regulation (AAIBR) and the Diagnostic and Treatment Protocols Regulation (DTPR).
These programs ensure you can access timely physiotherapy and related care following a collision.
What To Do After a Collision
Step 1 — Contact your insurance company
Step 2 — Book a physiotherapy assessment within 10 days
Seeing a physiotherapist within 10 days of the accident is important because:
- It keeps you eligible for treatment under Alberta’s DTPR coverage.
- Early intervention leads to faster, better recovery outcomes.
You do not need to see a doctor first — a registered physiotherapist can assess your injuries, start your claim, and complete the required forms on your behalf.
At your first visit, your physiotherapist will help you complete the Notice of Loss and Proof of Claim (AB-1 Form) and send it to your insurance company.
After your assessment, we’ll prepare a Treatment Plan Form (AB-2 Form) outlining your diagnosis and recommended care, which is shared with your insurer and physician if needed.
Download the AB-1 Notice of Loss & Proof of Claim Form ›
What To Do After a Car Accident — Official Alberta Government Guide ›
How MVA Coverage Works
Coverage depends on how your injury is classified under the Whiplash-Associated Disorder (WAD) system.
Your physiotherapist will determine the classification during your assessment.
WAD I
- Minor muscle strain or stiffness without loss of movement
• Eligible for up to 10 treatments within 90 days
WAD II
- Strain or sprain with pain and measurable loss of range of motion
• Eligible for up to 21 treatments within 90 days
WAD III
- Nerve involvement such as tingling, weakness, or numbness
• Considered out of protocol; coverage begins with your extended health benefits, and once those are used, additional care may be funded under Section B of the AAIBR for up to two years (with insurer approval)
It’s common to have multiple injuries of varying severity — for example, a WAD I neck strain and a WAD II back strain. Your coverage is determined by the highest-rated classification.
Why There’s a 90-Day Window
Authorization for “in-protocol” care expires 90 days after your accident unless your insurer approves more visits.
Most WAD I and WAD II injuries resolve within this timeframe when active treatment begins early.
What To Bring To Your First Appointment
- Your insurance company name and claim number
- Your adjuster’s name and phone number
- The date of your accident
- Any letters or forms from your insurer
Your Recovery at Avenue Physio
At Avenue Physio, our role is to make your recovery and insurance process as smooth as possible.
Your physiotherapist will:
- Perform a detailed one-on-one assessment
- Communicate with your adjuster and physician as needed
- Develop an evidence-based plan to restore movement, confidence, and function
- Reassess regularly to track progress and adjust your care as you heal
Stories of Movement and Change
Real experiences from patients who have found relief, improved movement, and lasting confidence through hands-on physiotherapy at Avenue Physio.
560 plus five-star Google Reviews.
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