© 2018 Hammerberg Lawyers LLP. All Rights Reserved
Be stronger when accidents happen. Our app guides you through every step of the way.
know your rights. Helpforme wants you to be prepared if an accident happens.
Personal Injury & ICBC Claim Handbook
personal injury claims with ICBC
When there’s an accident, whether it’s your fault or not, you need to take certain steps to report it and claim compensation. However, ICBC, like most insurance companies, isn’t always working in your best interests. We want you to understand the implications of all your interactions ICBC, be legally protected, and get the best settlement possible. It’s important that you to make educated and informed decisions, so we’ve prepared this handbook to clarify what you need to know about ICBC and your personal injury claim.
PERSONAL INJURY &
ICBC CLAIM HANDBOOK
Chapters
Things you should know before an accident
ICBC does not work for you.
ICBC is first and foremost an insurance company. Moreover, it’s an insurance company with monopoly in British Columbia, owning close to 90% of the market share in auto-insurance. This means that ICBC’s primary intention is to keep settlement compensation as low as possible to benefit the corporation.
If there’s an accident, you don’t have to report it to ICBC right away.
It’s very important for you to know that if you’re in an accident, you don’t have to report it to ICBC right away. Remember, ICBC can use your answers against you in a dispute over liability. You’re only expected to call ICBC within a reasonable amount of time. We recommend you seek legal advice before calling them so you understand your rights. Your lawyer can help you provide a statement, and in some circumstances, your lawyer can report to ICBC on your behalf.
You do not have to sign your statement or disclose your medical records to ICBC.
When ICBC asks you to sign a statement following your report of the accident, you don’t have to sign the document. You are also not under any legal obligation to grant them access to your medical records by signing any medical authorization forms.
What is an ICBC Claim?
If you’re involved in an accident, regardless of whether you were driving, in the passenger seat, or a pedestrian or cyclist struck by a vehicle, you have a duty to notify ICBC to preserve your benefits and potentially claim compensation.
Can I File an ICBC Claim Myself?
While you can file a claim yourself online or through the 24 hour dial-a-claim service, note that your conversation with ICBC will be recorded and anything you say can be used to restrict or deny your claim. This is why it’s highly advisable to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible following the accident and ideally, even before calling ICBC.
Helpforme not only provides a free consultation, but also takes personal injury cases on contingency-basis, which means you control the cost—your risk is low. If you win a settlement from ICBC, we take a percentage of your compensation. We don’t get paid unless you do.
what's covered in this handbook?
In this handbook, we are covering the basics of an ICBC claim to equip you with the necessary knowledge to move forward following an accident. From what to do after an accident, your initial statement to ICBC, how to report your claim, the questions you may be asked, types of claims, medical care, time limitations, dealing with an ICBC adjuster, how to appeal an ICBC decision and more, we’ve covered the entire process. This handbook provides all the information you need to understand the process.
Step By Step
- INTRODUCTION TO ICBC PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS
- ICBC CLAIM PROCESS
- ICBC CLAIM TIME LIMIT
- WHAT TO DO AFTER AN ACCIDENT
- GET INITIAL MEDICAL CARE
- HOW TO REPORT & CLAIM YOUR ICBC INJURY
- DEALING WITH YOUR ICBC ADJUSTER
- HOW TO APPEAL ICBC’S DECISION
- SHOULD I HIRE AN ICBC LAWYER?
- WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN HIRING AN ICBC PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER?
- ICBC PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER FEES
By TYPE OF CLAIM
- OUT OF PROVINCE / COUNTRY CLAIMS
- HIT & RUN ACCIDENTS
- CLAIMS AGAINST A FAMILY MEMBER
- PEDESTRIAN & CYCLIST CLAIMS
- INFANT CLAIMS
- CLAIM AGAINST AN UNINSURED DRIVER
- WHEN YOU’RE AT FAULT
Personal Injury & ICBC Claim step by step
Introduction to ICBC Personal Injury Claims
ICBC Claim Process
ICBC Claim Time Limit
What to do After an Accident
Get Initial Medical Care
How to Report & Claim Your ICBC Injury
Dealing with Your ICBC Adjuster
How to Appeal ICBC’s Decision
Should I Hire an ICBC Lawyer?
What Should I Consider When Hiring an ICBC Personal Injury Lawyer?
ICBC Personal Injury Lawyer Fees
By Cases
Out of Province / Country Claims
Hit & Run Accidents
Claims against a Family Member
Pedestrian & Cyclist Claims
Infant Claims
Claim Against an Uninsured Driver
personal injury and ICBC: what you need to know.
A legal team with experience can help you.
Personal Injury Claims
Helpforme does more than just champion your rights, we work towards getting the best possible results. We deal with insurance companies, cut through red tape, secure income replacement and disability benefits, and arrange for the medical care and therapy you need to heal. Our goal is to help you focus on your recovery, while we work hard to ensure the best possible outcome for your future.
Insurance Denials
Your policy was intended to give you peace of mind, so when the insurance company fails to keep up their end of the bargain, it can be stressful. Helpforme will protect your rights and convince your insurer to put you first. We will support you to overcome any obstacles that come your way.
ESTATE LITIGATION
Disputes over Wills, Estates and Trusts are delicate matters, often occurring at an already emotional time in your life. Helpforme can support you through the process with both skill and sensitivity. We’ll be by your side, while expertly navigating you through your matter.
Product Liability
When you buy products, you assume they’re safe. If you suffer due to a defective product or an inadequate warning on a label, Helpforme will work to establish who is at legal fault. We’ll handle the process to get you the resolution you deserve and will partner with you to hold those at fault accountable.