Eron Zaltz

The applicant was injured in a single-vehicle collision when his car left the road and struck a rock face.

The respondent insurer denied accident benefits, arguing the incident was an intentional suicide attempt and therefore not an 'accident' under the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule.

The Tribunal found the applicant's testimony credible that he lost control of the vehicle and did not intend to commit suicide, despite his history of mental health issues and suicidal ideation.

The Tribunal concluded the incident met the purpose and causation tests for an accident, as the use or operation of the automobile was the direct cause of the injuries.

The applicant was injured when his vehicle left the road and struck a rock face.

The respondent insurer denied statutory accident benefits, arguing the incident was an intentional suicide attempt and therefore not an 'accident' under section 3 of the Schedule.

The Tribunal found the applicant's testimony credible that he lost control of the vehicle and did not intend to commit suicide, despite his history of mental health issues and police/hospital notes suggesting a suicide attempt.

The Tribunal concluded the incident met the purpose and causation tests for an accident, as the use or operation of the vehicle was the direct cause of the injuries.