Accidents Tips Blog

The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia is a ubiquitous presence in Canada since it provides a whole host of insurance services to its customers. This insurer, better known as ICBC, is run by the government, having being set up in 1973 for the purpose of providing public auto insurance in the Canadian province of British Columbia. It has since diversified to offer customers a choice of basic and optional vehicle insurance in addition to driver licensing and vehicle registration services. If you drive a vehicle in British Columbia then you too are one of its many customers. It is therefore important for you to know how to make an ICBC injury claim so that you can do the right things when the need arises.

You would certainly have this company's basic insurance plan called 'Autoplan' because that is required by the law of the province. This is a fairly comprehensive plan that protects you from a range of accident benefits including third party liability, hit-and-run protection and inverse liability. Needless to say, you can exercise the option of taking additional insurance, either from the same company or from a private insurance firm in order to add to the basic insurance. Extended liability is one such insurance.

There is a correct method to be followed while making an ICBC injury claim. Sticking to this process will ensure that you get your money without too much delay. In fact, you can jeopardize your chances of getting a payout if you do not follow the correct method while making a claim.

It is extremely important for you to report the accident as soon as it occurs so that the correct process can be put in place. Of course, you have a period of 30 days after the collision in order to make a report in case you have reasons for the delay. You should contact your insurer on its Dial-A-Claim line which varies according to which part of the province you currently are in. You can contact them directly or get your lawyer to do so. You will be required to make a statement to ICBC directly or through your lawyer.

The next step of an ICBC injury claim is to meet with an adjuster from the company. The adjuster has the job of investigating all details of the accident in order to ascertain who was responsible for it. If you have been injured due to the collision you should share your medical reports to this person so that he or she can get an accurate picture of what transpired.

Most vehicular collisions result in injury. If you have been hurt then you should certainly go to a doctor because you might require medication in addition to physiotherapy. Depending on the nature of your accident and the extent of your injuries, you might also be able to include the costs in your ICBC injury claim. It is very important for you to keep track of all your expenses and you should also ensure that you do not lose any bills or other papers in connection with the accident.

There might be a few circumstances when you do not agree with your insurer regarding the damages you are liable for. You have up to 2 years from the date of the accident to dispute the award. You will need the services of a lawyer to help you get the amount you think you deserve as part of an ICBC injury claim. This is a reliable company to deal with and you will certainly get compensated for any physical or mental damage you suffer as a result of an accident that is not your fault.

This article was prepared by Paul Nerrad on behalf of Dhami Narang & Co. DNC Lawyers has offices in Abbotsford, Kelowna, Surrey and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and specializes in ICBC Injury Claim Cases.