If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you will get first-hand experience with dealing with the ICBC. That stands for the Insurance Corporation British Columbia and, if you have never navigated a claim with them before, you may find the experience challenging. In many cases, having the advice of an experienced Abbotsford personal injury lawyer can help take the mystery out of navigating the ICBC.
After An Accident
The first priority after any motor vehicle accident is to call the police and to make sure any injured party has gotten the medical attention they need. Once this has been done, reporting the accident to ICBC should be done as soon as possible.
Time Constraints
Once your claim has been reported, you have thirty days to provide them with a written account of your version of the accident and what injuries were sustained. Within sixty days of the accident, you are required to submit a proof of claim. With this information, ICBC will make a determination of who was at fault for the accident and the degree of which you were at fault.
Determination of Fault
Fault determination is where things can become crucial. If you were found 25% at fault, this means you will only receive that percentage of compensation of the determined amount. This is a partial recovery and can have a significant impact on whether you are able to pay for the medical and rehabilitative treatment you may need.
Get Experienced Help
When you are dealing with ICBC, an experienced Abbotsford personal injury lawyer can make a difference in the attribution of fault and the amount of your settlement. An experienced lawyer will know how to navigate the system and get the correct information and statements needed from all the parties and witnesses. A legal professional will often hire an accident reconstruction professional to determine fault or lack thereof. This kind of investigation can make or break the amount of your claim.
Taking Your Claim to Court
After ICBC makes their fault determination, it is still possible to challenge this within sixty days of the filing. You are also entitled to take your claim to court. This is when it is imperative to have an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side.
Expert Legal Representation
You will want a legal professional with a full understanding of your accident and all the injuries that were sustained. You will have little experience in knowing whether a settlement offered by ICBC is a fair one for your injuries and your ongoing recovery. A professional personal injury trial lawyer knows what can help or hinder you at these times. You will want a lawyer who works closely with medical professionals who are adept at assessing injuries and testifying in a court of law and understand what the long-term implications and effects will be on your future.
If you are looking for a skilled Abbottsville personal injury lawyer, call the professionals at BIL BC Personal Injury Lawyer for a free consultation.