ICBC Lawyers Vancouver

What you need to know about the ICBC claims process

These are some of the questions that people often ask about the ICBC claims process. We’re always happy to answer. If you don’t see your question here feel free to ask – we may even add it to our list. We’re here to help and believe it’s always good to ask questions. After all, that is what we do for you.

How do I pay my lawyer?

KazLaw works on a contingency basis – which means we are paid a percentage of the money received at the conclusion of the claim. Different percentages may apply to certain types of cases, depending on the amount of the claim, and the risk of the injured person being found partially or fully responsible for the accident. We typically charge 25% for infant claims (anyone under the age of 19 is considered an infant) and 30% for adult injury claims. In addition, KazLaw will pay all expenses required to pursue your claim (these are called disbursements).

How am I compensated in a personal injury claim?

A person injured in British Columbia through the negligence of another person is entitled to the following types of compensation:

Pain and suffering

Past and future lost wages or income
Past and future cost of care, treatment, and expenses
The amount of compensation depends upon many things, including the severity of the injury, the degree of recovery, the disability and impairment resulting from the injury, the past and prospective loss of income and cost of care.

KazLaw retains the best experts in BC to clearly delineate the nature of your injuries and their impact on your functioning.

If I need a therapy, who pays for the cost of treatment?

There are a number of ways your accident-related medical bills can be paid. Every individual who is injured in a motor vehicle accident in BC is entitled to Part 7 benefits. These benefits can help pay your medical expenses. In addition, many people have private health insurance that will cover accident-related medical expenses.

In some cases, there is no insurance coverage and KazLaw will cover the cost of treatment – our goal is to help you get your life back on track. KazLaw will help you explore and understand which benefits are available to you, help you to collect them, and ensure the at-fault party’s insurance steps in to compensate you for your injuries.

Why shouldn’t I just settle my claim directly with the insurance company?

Insurance companies represent their own interests and the interests of the person who injured you – their goal is to minimize the compensation paid to you and they will utilize technical legal arguments to achieve this goal. KazLaw works for you and only you. We protect your rights to ensure that you get fair compensation for your injuries, harms, and losses.

Do I need a lawyer if I am injured?

You should always consult with a lawyer as soon as possible when you are injured in an accident. At KazLaw, we provide free legal consultation to injured individuals so you are fully aware of your legal rights and obligations under the laws of British Columbia.

If you fail to obtain timely legal advice, you could lose your rights forever and be prevented from receiving compensation for your injuries. Insurance companies have substantial resources at their disposal. These resources are used to control the claims process, and could affect your ability to make a claim, as well as the amount you can recover for your injuries.

Insurance companies often attempt to settle injury claims quickly. They will call trying to meet with you in the first 24 hours after an accident. They do this because they know that if they can reach an injured individual quickly, and before that person speaks with a lawyer, they have a better chance of settling cases for the least amount of money possible. Do not let this happen to you! Do not agree to settle anything until you speak with a lawyer and know your rights!

In addition, insurance companies may try to obtain written and/or oral statements from injured people following an accident. Then, they may attempt to use those statements to their own advantage to diminish the value of the injured person’s claim. Simply put, the best way to protect yourself and ensure that your interests are properly protected is to call KazLaw and speak with one of our injury lawyers immediately following an accident. Call us before you speak with any insurance companies.

How long do I have to make a claim?

In BC, most personal injury claims must be brought within two years. There are exceptions in certain types of cases which may make the period shorter (for example, claims against a municipality must be dealt with immediately). If you are injured in an accident, you should call KazLaw as soon as possible.