ICBC Lawyer Chilliwack
Car accidents are major public safety problem across Canada, including in British Columbia. The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) reports that 330,000 motor vehicle accidents were reported in the province in 2016. 64,000 of these traffic accidents resulted in at least one injury, and tragically, there were 288 reported highway fatalities.
Auto accident victims must be able to receive full and fair compensation for their losses. After a major crash, victims are often left with a long road to recovery. The good news is that British Columbia motorists are entitled to medical coverage and compensation under their standard ICBC plans, regardless of who was at fault for the crash. However, in practice it can be difficult for victims to actually recover the full no-fault benefits that they are owed under the law.
At Preszler Injury Lawyers, our experienced Chilliwack ICBC lawyers are committed to protecting the legal rights and financial interests of injured car accident victims. We will carefully evaluate your auto accident claim and help you take whatever action is necessary to maximize your compensation. If you or a family member was hurt in an accident in Chilliwack, please do not hesitate to contact our law firm today for a free consultation.
ICBC Injury Benefits (Part 7 Benefits)
At Preszler Injury Lawyers, ICBC lawyers who practice in Chilliwack have extensive experience handling claims involving Part 7 benefits. These are the no-fault insurance benefits that are available to motorists, passengers, and pedestrians who are covered under ICBC insurance and who were injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident in the province of British Columbia. Notably, Part 7 benefits include:
- Medical coverage;
- Rehabilitation benefits;
- Wage loss coverage; and
- Death benefits.
Secure Your Benefits: Follow the Proper Claims Protocols
In order to be eligible to receive compensation under Part 7, you must follow the proper procedures after your motor vehicle accident. If you are unsure of exactly what you need to do after a crash, please contact an experienced Chilliwack ICBC lawyer immediately. Your legal representative will be able to guide you through the claims process. Even a relatively minor mistake early on in the process could jeopardize your ability to recover compensation. Among other things, you must take the following three steps:
- Report your accident to ICBC;
- Provide a written description of the accident and your injuries to an ICBC adjuster within 30 days of the motor vehicle crash; and,
- Submit your official proof of claim form within 90 days of the collison.
How to Handle ICBC Adjusters Following an Accident
The Insurance Company of British Columbia was created back in the 1970s. It was formed with the stated mission of providing universal and affordable compulsory public insurance to motorists in the province. In 2010 the structure of ICBC changed in an important way. The non-profit insurance company is now required to pay dividends to the province.
This is to say that ICBC does not simply approve all auto accident injury claims. Quite the contrary; ICBC adjusters can be aggressive. The company representatives are trained to collect evidence, and they will deny or underpay your claim unless it is carefully presented. You need to be sure that your claim is presented effectively. It is best to work with ICBC through a qualified personal injury lawyer. Your lawyer will be able to ensure that your medical records, wage loss documentation, and all other relevant evidence is assembled and presented in the proper manner.
When can You Hold a Third Party Liable for an Accident?
Our Chilliwack ICBC lawyers have deep experience handling third party liability claims. Beyond the Part 7 benefits available to you under your standard insurance policy, you may also hold a negligent third party driver (or manufacturer) legally responsible for your accident. If another driver was at fault for your accident, it is imperative that you consult with an experienced lawyer as soon possible. Some of the most common examples of driver negligence include:
- Speeding;
- Unsafe lane changes;
- Failure to yield;
- Following too closely;
- Distracted driving;
- Reckless driving;
- Drunk driving; and
- Drugged driving.
Contact Our Chilliwack ICBC Lawyers Today
At Preszler Injury Lawyers, our experienced Chilliwack ICBC lawyers have helped many injured auto accident victims recover full and fair financial compensation for their losses. If you or a family member was hurt in a motor vehicle accident in Chilliwack, BC, please contact us today at 1-844-373-8202 for a free consultation. Our firm handles all ICBC claims on contingency fee basis. There will never be an upfront cost for you — we only get paid if we win your case.
