When you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident through no fault of your own, dealing with ICBC claims adjusters can be stressful and confusing. Watson Goepel’s experienced Personal Injury Group can help you understand your rights, deal with ICBC claims adjusters on your behalf, coordinate your rehabilitation, and help you obtain fair compensation for your damages.
How does the claims process work?
The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) is a publicly-owned crown corporation that provides autoplan coverage to all owners of vehicles in British Columbia. Coverage through ICBC provides protection against third-party claims (claims made by someone who is neither the policy holder nor the insurance company, such as a vehicle passenger), hit and run accidents, uninsured and underinsured motorists, and other accident claims.
Once your accident is reported to ICBC, a representative will request accident and injury details. It is important that during this initial conversation you stick to the known facts only, as things you say could be used against you later in the claims process. After this general information gathering stage is completed, your matter will be assigned to an ICBC claims adjuster.
What is the role of the claims adjuster?
The claims adjuster’s duty is to confirm the details of your accident and the total value of your personal injury claim. Although it may seem like both you and ICBC have a similar goal in mind when working toward a settlement, it is important to note that the claims adjusters are employed by ICBC and are primarily focussed on settling personal injury matters for the least amount of money possible and as quickly as possible. It is also important to note that claims adjusters are under pressure to keep costs associated with a claim as low as possible.
If you receive an offer to settle your personal injury claim from ICBC before speaking with a personal injury lawyer, you may not be receiving what is equitable given the circumstances. You may feel pressured or be told by the claims adjuster that the settlement is fair and that it could be taken off the table if you do not agree to settle promptly.
How can a lawyer help me?
An experienced personal injury lawyer knows what is fair and will negotiate with the ICBC claims adjuster on your behalf. The Watson Geopel LLP Personal Injury Group has the knowledge and expertise to make sure that you are not settling for anything less than what your claim is worth. Hiring a personal injury lawyer can mean the difference between obtaining a fair or unfair settlement or, in some cases, your claim being denied altogether.
Why choose Watson Goepel LLP?
Our group of personal injury lawyers have been working together for over 15 years to bring justice to those who have been injured in an accident through no fault of their own. We come to know our clients personally throughout the claims and treatment process, and represent them every step of the way until the matter is resolved completely. This includes organizing their medical treatment and making sure the responsible party covers the costs.
If you have been injured in an accident, please reach out to the Watson Goepel LLP Personal Injury Group today.
Janet De Vita is a Partner in our Personal Injury Law Group.