Campbell River Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Even the most safety-conscious motorcycle rider could be severely injured or killed in a collision caused by a negligent driver. Because of the careless, reckless, or otherwise negligent actions of a complete stranger, vulnerable road-users could face shocking, life-changing, permanent repercussions.
Everyone who operates a motor vehicle in British Columbia is subject to provincial legislation. In accordance with the Motor Vehicle Act, drivers owe a duty of care to other road-users, including motorcyclists. Failure to uphold this duty of care might be considered negligence. Common examples of driver negligence that often leads to injury-causing motorcycle accidents in Campbell River include:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
- Texting while driving
- Changing lanes without signaling
- Ignoring traffic signs/signals
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued driving
- Reckless driving
- Street racing/stunt driving
- And more
Motorcycle riders are almost entirely unprotected from the dangers of the road and are, therefore, among the most vulnerable road-users. Because they have only wearable protective gear to help them avoid injuries in the event of a crash, they are susceptible to various types of injuries as the result of another driver’s negligence.
However, since ICBC implemented its new “enhanced care” model of insurance coverage province-wide, there is no longer any correlation between fault and the amount of compensation available to injured survivors of motor vehicle collisions. Before this new no-fault system was introduced on May 1, 2021, motorcycle accident victims who were injured as the result of another driver’s negligence were able to pursue compensation from the at-fault party by filing a civil claim. Unfortunately, ICBC has stripped away accident victims’ rights to do so, except in very specific circumstances. Now, most survivors of motorcycle accidents in Campbell River must rely exclusively on the ICBC accident benefits awarded to them by the insurance company. Furthermore, if an injured motorcycle accident victim’s ICBC claim has been denied, or if the settlement amount awarded to them is insufficient to cover their total losses, there are now fewer methods to appeal the company’s decision.
While these newly introduced changes may save the insurance company money (and, extension, lower policyholders’ monthly premiums), they make the challenge of recovering from accident-related injuries all the more difficult. Despite offering lump sum payments for various injuries, by switching to a no-fault insurance system, ICBC has essentially reduced the amount of compensation available to injured accident survivors. To voice your concerns about this new, so-called “enhanced care” insurance model, contact your MLA.
If you were injured in a collision that took place before May 1, 2021, you may be eligible to work with our Campbell River motorcycle accident lawyers to pursue a civil claim against the negligent driver whose wrongful actions on the road caused you to sustain your injuries. By doing so, our motorcycle accident lawyers serving Campbell River might be able to help you recover the maximum amount of damages to which you could be entitled. To learn more about options for financial recovery that might be available to you, contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation.
Call 1-800-JUSTICE for a Free Initial Consultation
In the days, weeks, and months following a traumatic collision, it can be difficult to know what to do or where to turn. Our Campbell River motorcycle accident lawyers offer a free initial consultation to all prospective clients. During this no-obligation, cost-free consultation, you will have the opportunity to ask questions to our motorcycle accident lawyers serving Campbell Rover, and receive case-specific legal advice.
To get started, schedule your free initial consultation with our Campbell River motorcycle accident lawyers today by calling 1-800-JUSTICE.
