ICBC Lawyer Penticton
British Columbia residents rely on motor vehicles for work, family, and personal travel; driving has become so routine that it is easy to forget the risk of car accidents. Statistics collected by the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia(ICBC) demonstrate the staggering frequency of crashes: on average, there were 290,000 reported collisions involving motor vehicles from 2012-2016 in BC; worse, these dangerous accidents are on the rise, increasing from 260,000 to 330,000 over the same five-year period. Victims who are injured in casualty crashes may experience significant pain and suffering, and many are unsure of what to do next.
Fortunately, if you were injured in a Penticton car accident, you do have rights under the law. Legally, all drivers are required to carry minimum insurance coverage from ICBC, so you can file a claim to recover compensation for your losses. However, the process can be daunting and adjusters are intimidating. The skilled ICBC lawyers at the Preszler Injury Lawyers take on these challenges and will pursue all benefits you deserve under the law, enabling you to focus on the healing process.
Penticton ICBC Lawyers Fight for Your Right to Compensation
Auto accident victims may file a claim for their injuries against the driver responsible for causing them. Crashes are usually caused by negligence, which means you must present evidence to the ICBC that proves four things:
- The responsible driver owed a duty of care to avoid placing others at risk of harm;
- That person breached the duty of care, causing an accident through careless actions;
- You were injured due to the responsible motorist’s negligence; and,
- You suffered damages as a result.
Damages is a legal term that refers to the losses you sustain from your injuries, and they are the basis of your claim for compensation from the ICBC. Your losses may include:
- Amounts you pay out-of-pocket for medical care, including emergency treatment, surgery and other medical procedures, long-term care, therapy, rehabilitation, and other expenses;
- Any income you lose if you are unable to work because of your injuries;
- The income gap that could result from your diminished ability to work;
- Pain and suffering; and,
- Other damages that depend upon the specifics of your case.
Filing a Claim with the ICBC
You should notify ICBC of your claim as soon as you are able after a car accident, but you are only expected to provide basic information in the immediate aftermath. The adjuster will request the names of all drivers, license plate information, and other details. However, you should exercise caution and avoid making any formal statements. In your initial communication, it is not necessary to present all evidence related to the four elements above.
After you notify ICBC about the crash, it is critical to speak with an ICBC lawyer who has extensive experience in car accident cases. While it is true that you pay premiums to cover your damages in the event of a crash, ICBC is a crown corporation motivated to protect its own interests. Providing too much information, without consulting with a lawyer, could give an adjuster grounds to deny your claim. An ICBC representative may contest the severity of your injuries, or even try to shift the blame to you.
How an ICBC Lawyer in Penticton can Help
Unlike ICBC adjusters, our experienced ICBC lawyers at the Preszler do have your best interests in mind. We have the knowledge of relevant laws and access to substantial resources to support each element of your claim. We retain medical experts to review your injuries, records, and other information that provides solid proof of how the accident impacts your physical and emotional well-being. Our lawyers also work with financial specialists and other professionals to prove the financial implications of your damages.
Always bear in mind that, though this may be your first accident, ICBC employees have faced many claims. Plus, ICBC positions their most knowledgeable, dedicated adjusters to handle claims for serious injuries. You are at a great disadvantage if you attempt to represent yourself when up against ICBC adjusters who have significant experience in these cases.
Talk to a Penticton ICBC Lawyer for FREE
When you retain Preszler Injury Lawyers ICBC lawyers who practice in Penticton, you can be sure that we go the distance to get the compensation you are entitled to by law, whether in settlement negotiations or in court. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to review your circumstances and explain your options. Please call us today at 1-844-373-8202 or visit us online to schedule an appointment.
