As a driver, it’s your duty to report car accidents you were part of to the ICBC. This should be done immediately. The term “immediately” means in a day or two after the accident- if it’s humanly possible. It is a policy term with ICBC and your duty to offer a statement detailing the accident within a reasonable time. The statement needs to be signed.
Providing statements to ICBC
You must be very careful about the statement you give. Whatever you say could be used against you even if it’s at the reporting stage. In case ICBC identifies a way they can minimize coverage or compensation, they will count on it. If possible, they will use the information you offered to build a case showing how you breached the contract.
When an attorney is needed to deal with ICBC
ICBC isn’t in the business of making payments, but it’s an insurer focusing on the bottom line. In case ICBC collects evidence to prove that you breached the insurance contract, expect that they will deny you your insurance coverage. This begins at the accident reporting stage.
Is a lawyer really needed?
It’s not a must for you to have a lawyer so that you can claim compensation when injured or seek no-fault benefits. However, it’s strongly recommended that one gets an attorney depending on the circumstances at hand. The more serious the injuries and their impacts are, the more you’ll need to get legal assistance from an experienced BC lawyer.
Nothing in the law requires that you hire an attorney while dealing with ICBC, even while at the court. But if you don’t retain a lawyer, you need to make informed decisions so that ICBC doesn’t take advantage of your situation.
Essential things you need to know
ICBC can appoint an adjuster for your claim. This ICBC lawyer will be working for them, not you. Their job is to solve the claim for the ICBC. The adjusters are experienced and handle injury claims every day. They are sophisticated negotiators and know how valuable an injury claim is.
So when you decide to get a lawyer, he or she needs to do the following:
• Act on your best interests and not ICBC’s.
• Offer advice on how your rights should be protected.
• Do everything to get you fair ICBC settlements that aren’t based on the ICBC’s perspective.
• Get adequate medical information showing the full extent of the injuries.
• Gather evidence concerning the auto collision.
• Decide the compensation that is ideal for your case.
If your attorney can’t settle the case, he or she must take the case to court so that you can have a fair chance of obtaining a full and equitable compensation as per the law. Having a lawyer doesn’t mean you’ll go to court. Most ICBC claims never get to the courtroom. You may be able to learn more information at Preszler Law Firm.
