How to Make an ICBC Claim

Notifying ICBC that the vehicle you own or were driving has been involved in an accident that has injured you or someone else or their property is considered to be a legal duty. Even in case you are not the driver or the owner, ICBC should still be notified fast. The reason is preserving your claim to the benefits of ICBC. If you are determined to pursue the claim, there are a lot of things to know before you do. Here are some advice that can be quite useful and can give you a clearer picture of how to make an ICBC claim.

Collect Evidence

If it is assumed that you do not need immediate medical attention, the first step you would need to take after any motor or car accident is to gather the names and contact information of everyone who was involved in the incident itself. Also, it would be wise to obtain the license plate number and to check if any of the vehicles are registered inside or outside of British Columbia. 

If any witnesses are available, it would be recommended to take their personal information as well, presuming they are willing to provide you with the information. Even though police would most probably do the same, sometimes it is better to take the statement and name of the witness in case they leave before the authorities arrive. If the accident was a hit and run, it would be best that you report that to the police as soon as you are able to. 

Contact Your Attorney

It would be advisable to speak to a  personal injury lawyer that is a specialist in ICBC claims as soon as you have recovered from the shock that the accident has caused. Of course, you have not obliged in taking that step, however, have in mind that a solicitor will be able to maximize your chances of making an ICBC claim that is successful. ICBC will try to keep their costs down. And as professionals at KazLaw.ca would agree, injured people should be helped to obtain full compensation and have their rights protected. While the accident may have not even been because of your fault, ICBC will take anything you may say and use it against you. As a result, your ability to claim damages, or any kind of benefits will be jeopardized. If you hire an attorney, he or she will be able to handle the process for you. 

One of the advantages is that you will leave all the hard work in their hands. Also, you do not have to deal with the ICBC adjuster by yourself, your lawyer will. 

Report the Accident

In case you are not using your lawyer, the next step would be to report the accident to ICBC. You can choose to report the accident in person, online, or over the phone and it should be done in the time span of 24 hours of the ancient. 

Once you have reported what has happened, you will be asked to give a detailed statement on exactly what has occurred. It is likely that you will provide ICBC with the statement as soon as you have reported it. Be careful what you say though in case you do not have a representative since ICBC can use all your communication as evidence which can end up costing you your claim. 

Additional Compensation

You might be eligible to get additional compensation alongside your additional benefits and potential medical cost. The reason is to reflect the pain which you have suffered through by being a part of the accident that was not your fault. 

Also, it is intended to repay you any finances you might have lost because of your injuries. This settlement should also be negotiated, usually with your ICBC adjuster.

Fix Your Damaged Vehicle

Usually, ICBC will ask that you bring your vehicle to examination in case that during the accident it was damaged. ICBC may repair your vehicle, depending on the coverage of your insurance. ICBC can also offer to pay you with the market value of the vehicle as soon as the accident has happened, which is determined by their opinion. 

Be aware that if you sign a release, which will be offered to you, you will agree not to make any future claims that are dealing with the damage of your vehicle, For that reason, the best solution would be to consult with your solicitor beforehand. 

Receiving the compensation would be the final step if you are entitled to the ICBC settlement. Typically, you will receive the sum which can be negotiated with another party through your representative. 

It is important to remember all these steps and to act accordingly with this advice, so you would be able to receive the benefits you deserve. Also, do not forget to consult with your lawyer.