A survivor of the Rivière-Éternité tragedy last July could not understand why the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) refused to recognize him as a road accident victim.
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Jean-Philippe Caty came close to death on July 1 when the ground gave way on Route 170 following heavy rain in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean.
ROGER GAGNON / QMI Agency
In an interview on “Salut Bonjour Weekend”, Mr. Katie regrets taking action to seek compensation.
The latter spent 76 days in hospital treating serious injuries and underwent lengthy surgery.
“If all the traffic isn’t going to rehab, I do physio three times a week. A lot of costs are attached when no insurance covers you,” he says, while the man can barely walk.
A citizen of the national capital is also considering returning to Quebec’s administrative tribunal to assert his rights.
“For now, SAAQ has rejected the concept of road accident, which is implemented with Me Bellemare. We must protect our rights, especially when they are legal,” he adds in a confident tone.
Two of his companions were swept away by the currents of the River Éternité.
Contacted by TVA Nouvelles, the SAAQ did not wish to comment on the matter so as not to prejudice the ongoing process.
*See explanations in video above*
Photos by Roger Gagnon/QMI Agency.
