ICBC Lawyer Richmond
Driving remains a dangerous activity in Richmond and throughout the Metro Vancouver region. Last August, the Vancouver Sun reported that motor vehicle collisions in British Columbia actually increased by one-third between 2013 and 2016. This works out to approximately 875 car crashes every day in B.C., based on official accident reports to the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC), the crown corporation that holds a monopoly on basic insurance plans.
If you are one of these accident victims, you are more than a statistic. You are a person who has been through a serious trauma and likely has the injuries to prove it. In far too many cases, ICBC treats its policyholders as an inconvenience. An ICBC adjuster may pressure an accident victim to settle a claim quickly without even bothering to conduct a full investigation.
This is why you should contact a qualified Richmond ICBC lawyer before you talk to an adjuster or supervisor. At the Preszler Injury Lawyers, our skilled British Columbia car accident lawyers can help you deal with the legal aftermath of your crash. We will deal with ICBC on your behalf and fight for all of the benefits to which you are legally entitled.
What Kinds of Injuries Will ICBC Compensate You for?
The type of ICBC cases we handle generally fall into one of two categories – Part 7 claims for “no-fault” benefits and accidents caused by the negligence of another insured driver. The latter cases often require an extensive investigation that ICBC is unwilling to perform, considering that it is usually the insurer for both the victim and the wrongdoer.
Keep in mind that a driver is legally responsible for damages caused through his or her own negligence. This can be something as simple as speeding or ignoring a turn signal, or more flagrantly reckless behavior like driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Whatever the reason, a BC Supreme Court judge can order the negligent driver to compensate the victim for long-term medical care, pain and suffering, and other damages, though needing to attend a trial is still quite rare.
Some of the more common car accident injuries that give rise to ICBC claims include:
- Traumatic brain injuries: Often labeled as a “concussion,” about half of all traumatic brain injuries in Canada are the result of motor vehicle crashes. The sudden motion of your head forward-and-back at the moment of impact can lead to a significant, long-term brain damage. These are among the most difficult types of accident-related injuries to diagnose, as victims frequently do not experience or report all of their symptoms immediately after an accident.
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis: Even if the brain itself is undamaged, a car crash may cause a spinal cord injury, which can lead to partial or complete paralysis (quadriplegia). The surrounding soft-tissues, including muscles and ligaments, can also be injured leading to what is commonly called “whiplash”.
- Damage to limbs, bones, and organs: Any kind of sudden trauma can wreak havoc with the body. Many car accident victims sustain broken bones and even internal organ damage that requires surgery.
Whatever the nature and extent of your injuries, the lawyers at Preszler Injury Lawyers will handle your case with compassion and understanding. Our only goal is to help you get better by demanding that ICBC settle your claim in a fair and timely manner. We only handle cases on a contingency basis, so you pay us nothing unless we win your case.
Do You Really Need to Hire a Richmond ICBC Lawyer?
Hiring an experienced ICBC lawyer is still a good idea even if there is no third-party negligence involved. Dealing with ICBC itself is often no easy task.
ICBC adjusters are experts when it comes to undervaluing an accident victim’s claim. Even if you think you do not need a lawyer, consider that the adjuster has dealt with hundreds of cases, while this is probably your first time filing a claim. You begin the process at a disadvantage.
That is why the best way to protect your interests is to contact a reputable Richmond ICBC lawyer as soon as practicable following a car accident. Engaging a lawyer at the start of the process can help you avoid making a critical mistake that will undermine your claim. The Preszler proudly serves auto accident victims in Metro Vancouver and other parts of BC. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
