The Quebec Automobile Insurance Act (the “Act”) is applicable in the event of an accident involving at least one automobile. However, the definition of the term “automobile” as employed by the legislator is very broad. Accordingly, the courts have, on numerous occasions, deemed that certain vehicles not meant to transport people or materials are indeed considered “automobiles” under the Act. For example, courts have ruled that a road roller, an excavator, a fork truck, and even a bulldozer could all be considered automobiles under the Act. It is therefore observable that the definition of the term “automobile” includes vehicle categories that do not always correspond to the meaning normally associated with the term.

Read more »