The ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia) is a provincial crown corporation and provides automobile insurance policies to the licensed drivers in British Columbia. It has stopped operating on a non-profit basis since 2010. Hence, ICBC may try to reduce the amount of insurance benefits or compensatory damage similar to the other insurance companies.It is essential not to make any mistake after a car accident and to follow all the rules specified by the ICBC due to this reason. A single mistake/misstep is going to give an insurance adjuster the opportunity to lessen the amount of benefits that you are eligible to recover or to deny a claim for compensation.Therefore, it is prudent to hire a personal injury lawyer in Vancouver after an accident if you are a licensed driver in British Columbia.
Giving Redundant Data
It is essential to report the ICBC regarding any automobile accident that may take place within British Columbia. ICBC also needs to be informed if a licensed vehicle of British Columbia runs into an accident in any other province of Canada. A victim may notify the ICBC via e-mail or over the phone. It is important to remember that ICBC records every phone call and keeps a record of each e-mail. Therefore, it is important not to share the details of an accident without consulting with an expert injury lawyer in Vancouver, as you may inadvertently make a misstatement and an insurance adjuster may use this mistake against you.
Signed Statement in Lawyer’s Absence
It is also important not to give a signed statement to an insurance adjuster from ICBC without having a car accident lawyer in Vancouver to represent and protect your rights. An ICBC adjuster may insist on having a signed statement immediately after an accident without giving you the opportunity to hire a lawyer. It is important to remember that any misstatement, omitted fact or confusing statement may be used by an adjuster during the mediation to reduce the value of your claim. An experienced attorney can prevent you from making this type of mistake.
Not Understanding Adjuster’s Intentions
In British Columbia, ICBC is the insurer of all drivers. Therefore, an insurance adjuster represents the rights of both parties. The primary objective of an ICBC adjuster may be to close a claim as quickly as possible and to keep the insurance benefits as limited as possible.Therefore, hiring expert ICBC lawyers in Vancouver is a prudent idea even if you file a claim for part-7 benefits, as a lawyer can ensure that the insurance benefits are not unfairly reduced.
Mistakes Pertaining to Medical Care
It is important to seek proper medical care immediately after an accident. It is equally important not to receive any medical treatment at a walk-in clinic or by multiple general physicians. ICBC may not pay any insurance benefit if you make this mistake. However, the guidance of an accident lawyer in Vancouver can prevent you from making this type of mistake. To read more Click Here