As of May 1, 2021, ICBC insurance benefits for people injured in a car accident have fundamentally changed. Those who are not responsible for crashes will no longer be able to sue the person who is at fault and ICBC adjusters will be the ones to determine benefits and compensation. These changes effectively deny accident…

E-bikes and scooters have become popular transportation options for commuters and recreators alike. They get you from points A to B quickly, at a relatively low cost compared to a car, and without the same effort as a traditional bike. But when do they become vehicles under B.C.’s Motor Vehicle Act, and what are the…

The use of cell phones or other handheld electronic devices while driving has been banned in BC since 2010, but defining what constitutes “use”, especially with the advent of Bluetooth technology that allows for increased hands-free capabilities, has created a legal grey area that the courts have been left to clarify. A recent Supreme Court…

Unsurprisingly, Canadian courts have considered numerous personal injury claims over the years arising from hockey and other sports injuries. These cases can be difficult for plaintiffs to navigate due to the element of risk that is accepted as a fundamental aspect of all sport in general. Although an injury may be the foundation of a…

A recent decision of the BC Court of Appeal, Apps v Grouse Mountain Resorts Ltd., 2019 BCSC 855, will have significant effects for personal injury claimants on British Columbian ski hills. Waivers printed on signs and tickets may no longer apply. Most skiers and snowboarders, and sports enthusiasts generally, are familiar with the waiver of…

Dube v Dube, 2019 BCSC 687 On May 2, 2019, the Court released its reasons for judgment in Dube v Dube, 2019 BCSC 687.  The 12-day trial began on October 15, 2018, with counsel provided by partners Anastase Maragos and Janet De Vita of Watson Goepel LLP. This case illustrates how ICBC may attempt to…

In personal injury cases, evidence is frequently given by witnesses who have first-hand knowledge of facts or circumstances related to the case that can help the court understand post-accident changes in a plaintiff’s life. This “lay evidence” provides a broader context for the court to properly assess the true extent of the plaintiff’s injuries. This…

Are your injuries related to your recent car accident? Typically you will feel the onset of your injuries shortly after an accident occurs. You will likely seek medical attention and begin treatment for these injuries, but what if symptoms you initially ignored become much more of an issue months after the accident? The question then…

Our experienced Personal Injury Group will help you understand your rights when you’ve been injured in an accident, so you can focus on your recovery. Learn more in our recent video and reach out to our Personal Injury Group for a free consultation.

During the dark winter months it is important that drivers be extra vigilant when it comes to watching out for pedestrians and cyclists.  Poor visibility and wet roads can make it harder to see what’s in your path, and any amount of excessive speed makes drivers less able to stop suddenly if they have to.…