ICBC Lawyer Campbell River

Located on the east coast of Vancouver Island, Campbell River is no doubt one of the most idyllic places to live in British Columbia. Campbell River is a small city of less than 50,000 people, and therefore maintains a near-constant state of peace and quiet.

Even small, tranquil places have vehicles and negligent drivers, which means that car accidents are a fact of life. If you have been involved in a car accident in Campbell River, our talented ICBC lawyers at the Preszler Injury Lawyers want to meet with you to discuss your case and your options for recovery today.

Filing a Claim with ICBC: Steps to Take Immediately

As a driver in BC, you are required to carry basic autoplan insurance, which is provided through ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia). In order to recover benefits under your basic auto insurance plan, it is important that you act quickly following a crash. Things you need to do as soon as possible after a collision include:

• Report your car accident to the authorities;
• Seek medical care for your injuries;
• Collect pertinent information for your ICBC claim, including the license plate number of each vehicle involved, the driver’s license information of each driver involved, and the insurance information of any vehicles not insured by ICBC; and
• File your claim. You can report your claim online or by phone.

Determining Fault After an Accident and Effect on Recovery

If you carry your required basic autoplan insurance, then you will be able to recover compensation for your injuries even if you were at fault for the accident. Your basic autoplan coverage provides:

• Third party liability coverage if you cause an accident and a claim is filed against you;
• Benefits for medical costs, rehabilitations costs, and lost wages; and
• Protection if the other driver does not have insurance.

However, just because you may be able to recover some compensation for your medical benefits and lost wages if you were at fault for the accident, this does not mean that fault will not have an impact on your claim. As explained on ICBC’s website, if you are not at fault for an accident, you may claim settlement payments for the benefits listed above and pain and suffering benefits and fullsome recovery for your income loss and medical expenses, which are not available to at-fault drivers. Furthermore, if you can prove that the other driver was at fault, you may be able to have your deductible waived or reimbursed. On the other hand, if you are at-fault for a crash, you will not only be barred from seeking most damages, but you may also face an increase in your insurance premiums.

Fault is determined by an adjuster for ICBC. The adjuster will review police reports, witness statements, drivers’ statements, and speak with an estimator and visit the crash scene to determine responsibility. If fault is shared or undetermined, both motorists may be required to share equal responsibility for a crash. You will pay a deductible in this case, and your insurance premium will still likely increase if you are found to be more than 25% to blame for a crash.

Appealing an ICBC Decision

While ICBC will do its best to make a fair and accurate determination about fault and the amount of damages you are entitled to after you make your claim, it is important to know that ICBC is not always right, and sometimes, they make settlement decisions that are unfair. If you disagree with an ICBC decision regarding fault or the settlement amount you are offered, you have the right to appeal. You should immediately talk to your adjuster or talk to your insurance adjuster’s manager, ask for a claims assessment review, and immediately hire an experienced ICBC lawyer in Campbell River. If necessary, your lawyer can help you to appeal your claim, and even take your case to court.

Call the Preszler Injury Lawyers Today for Representation You Can Trust

At the Preszler Injury Lawyers, we know that after a crash in Campbell River, your top priority is getting the compensation that you deserve for any injuries you have suffered and other costs you have incurred. We also know that ICBC isn not perfect and that sometimes legal counsel is necessary to get a fair settlement.

When you call our lawyers, we will review your case free of charge, and immediately get to work building your case. We encourage you to call us as soon as possible after a crash for optimal results. You can reach us online or by phone at your convenience.