ICBC ACCIDENT BENEFITS VANCOUVER

At Preszler Injury Lawyers, our experienced Vancouver accident benefits lawyers have extensive experience in pursuing ICBC injury benefits, commonly referred to as “Part 7 Benefits.” Part 7 benefits provide:

• Medical benefits
• Rehabilitation benefits
• Income loss benefits
• Death benefits

In order to receive Part 7 benefits, you must do three things: promptly report your accident to ICBC, provide ICBC with a written report describing the accident and your injuries within 30 days of your accident, and provide ICBC with a proof of claim form within 90 days of your accident.

Since B.C. adopted strictly “no-fault” auto insurance in 2021, Part 7 benefits are now the only benefits that most car accident survivors can receive. Even if they hold no responsibility for the accident, survivors are no longer allowed to bring claims against at-fault drivers to court or recover damages from them, with very few exceptions (namely, if an at-fault driver has been convicted of a crime related to the accident). Preszler Injury Lawyers can still assist survivors in cases where the auto accident occurred before May 1, 2021.

Before you talk to ICBC about your car accident claim, it is important to know your rights before signing any documents or statements or giving ICBC access to your private information. Making a mistake could harm your chances of succeeding with a lawsuit. The lawyers of Preszler Injury Lawyers can teach you about your rights and handle all reporting steps to ensure that you are properly protected.

Who is entitled to Part 7 benefits? Generally speaking, anyone injured or killed in a car accident in BC is entitled to Part 7 benefits. BC residents travelling outside of BC may also be entitled to Part 7 benefits. Part 7 benefits are “no fault” benefits, meaning that you are entitled to benefits even if the accident was your fault.

What do Part 7 benefits cover? Part 7 benefits cover medical expenses, such as physiotherapy, medication, massage therapy, chiropractic care and counseling. They also cover rehabilitation expenses, such as attendant care, home modifications and occupational therapy. ICBC unfortunately does not generally pay for “user fees” charged by treatment facilities, which can cause some financial hardship.

What about lost income? Part 7 benefits cover some lost income after the first week of a car accident. This Income Replacement Benefit is based on 90 per cent of annual gross income, up to a maximum income of $113,000. Income loss benefits do not generally start until after EI benefits have been pursued and exhausted, so it is a good idea to apply for EI benefits soon after a car accident. You are entitled to income loss benefits for the first two years after an accident if you cannot do your job and beyond that if you cannot do any job that you are reasonably suited for. However, you will need to prove your need to ICBC’s adjusters. Homemakers may also be entitled to benefits if they are unable to do their household work, generally at $280 per week.

Part 7 benefits also provide death benefits, including funeral expenses and in some cases financial assistance.

ICBC has the right, generally speaking, to send you to a doctor of their choice in order to prepare a report on your injuries and entitlement to Part 7 benefits. A Preszler Injury Lawyers lawyer can explain to you what the doctor can and cannot ask you about. ICBC can also cut off your benefits if you do not pursue recommended treatments. A Preszler Injury Lawyers lawyer can explain to you what treatments you need to undertake and fight ICBC for any benefits they unfairly cut off.

Part 7 lawsuits should generally be started within two years of the accident or else you may lose access to your benefits, even in the case of children. Speak with a Preszler Injury Lawyers ICBC lawyer today to see if we can help make sure that your claim is protected.

Why Choose Preszler Injury Lawyers Vancouver Accident Benefit Lawyers?

• You don’t pay unless we win.
• We offer free, no-obligation consultations.
• When you want to speak to a lawyer, you will.

Our Vancouver accident benefit lawyers can serve you in the following languages:

• English
• Cantonese
• Mandarin
• Punjabi
• Hindi
• Farsi
• Urdu

If you would like to learn more about what Part 7 ICBC benefits you’re entitled to, or, if ICBC has denied your claim for Part 7 benefits, then call Preszler Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. One of our experienced lawyers will be more than happy to give you the legal guidance you need. Remember, you don’t pay unless we win!