The purpose of this Blog is to assist people in understanding how to deal with a bodily injury claim and some of the workings of ICBC (the Insurance Company of British Columbia).
I have prepared an online guide on how to present a bodily injury claim to an adjuster for ICBC or another insurance company. This blog will give some information and understanding of how ICBC works and why you are entitled to make a claim.
In British Columbia, the person who causes the accident is responsible for the losses suffered by any people they injury or damage they cause. The claim is made against the person at fault though ICBC usually stands in their shoes, and pays for the losses suffered under that person s insurance.
If a collision occurs where the person at fault is injured, or where no one is at fault, there are some accident benefits that still may be available through ICBC.
In this Blog, I will set out the role of ICBC , or other insurance companies and their adjusters. Though ICBC is a Crown Corporation, their objective is to protect the person who caused the accident and the Corporation, not the claimant.
A claim is managed at ICBC by an adjuster or an examiner. The adjuster’s job isn’t to explain to the person injured what they are entitled to, but rather to get the information necessary to ensure they protect the interests of the person who caused the collision, and to protect ICBC.
This Blog is not meant to replace a lawyer. It may compliment the use of a lawyer by giving some understanding to how to deal with ICBC and other insurance companies.
Most lawyers who do a lot of ICBC work for claimants will usually offer a free consultation. I urge all claimants to at least consult with a lawyer prior to settling their matter.
Since it is usually not possible to re-open a claim, I urge claimants not to settle their claim until they’re doctor confirms that they have recovered, and they have been symptom free for at least three months. Relapses after full recovery are common.
If you have a lawyer assisting you with an ICBC claim, this blog should help you understand the issues faced by you and your lawyer, the the information your lawyer needs to put your case forward in a manner that you will obtain all the compensation you’re entitled to.
If you have suffered a minor injury and do not have a lawyer, I urge you to consider taking the course I developed at icbctips.ca.