| Motor vehicle accidents happen every day in British | | | | such as: |
| Columbia. In fact, 78,000 people were injured in motor | | | | - Physical therapy |
| vehicle crashes and 459 were killed on the roadways | | | | - Chiropractor treatments |
| of British Columbia in 2005, according to the Insurance | | | | - Medications |
| Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC). On any given | | | | - Home support services |
| day, there are 695 crashes, injuring 215 people, the | | | | - Medical equipment or devices |
| ICBC also reports. Of these, at least one is fatal. | | | | Decision of fault |
| Determining liability | | | | The ICBC usually makes a quick decision when |
| Determining liability, or who is at fault, in a motor vehicle | | | | determining who is at fault. Often times, they do so |
| accident is essential for a personal injury claim. | | | | without fully investigating a motor vehicle accident. It is |
| Damages are awarded for injuries you suffered due | | | | important that witnesses are spoken to, police reports |
| to the negligence of another party. | | | | are analyzed, weather conditions are reviewed, driver |
| If it is determined that you are partially at fault for an | | | | statements obtained, and many other factors |
| automobile accident, you will only collect that | | | | regarding liability are closely examined before a |
| percentage of damages that were not your fault. For | | | | decision is made. |
| example, if it was found that you were 30 percent | | | | This is why it is important to consult an experienced |
| responsible for your accident, you will only be able to | | | | British Columbia automobile accident attorney who can |
| receive 70 percent of damages for your injury claim. | | | | investigate your accident and advise you as to |
| You can receive benefits for your injuries including: | | | | whether or not the crash was partially your fault. |
| - Pain and suffering | | | | If you are unsatisfied with the decision that the ICBC |
| - Special damages (out of pocket expenses) | | | | claims adjuster has made, there is an internal review |
| - Wage loss | | | | process that you can undergo. You may also pursue |
| - Cost of future care expenses | | | | your injury claim in small claims court or in the British |
| - Future loss of earning capacity | | | | Columbia Supreme Court. In this case, a jury or judge |
| If the accident is entirely your fault, you will not be able | | | | will determine who is at fault, and the ICBC must |
| to receive compensation for your injuries. However, | | | | accept and honor that decision. |
| you may still be able to collect no-fault benefits. | | | | If you are a passenger injured in a motor vehicle |
| No-fault benefits | | | | accident, fault will not be an issue. Other factors that |
| In general, if you are injured in an auto accident in | | | | may have contributed to your injuries can potentially |
| British Columbia, even if you are determined to be at | | | | reduce the amount of compensation you can collect. |
| fault, you can collect “no-fault” benefits. Also | | | | If you are injured |
| known as “Part 7 Benefits,” these accident | | | | If you have been injured in an automobile crash or |
| benefits are provided by the ICBC and cover medical | | | | SUV rollover accident you are probably looking for |
| and rehabilitation expenses up to a maximum of | | | | information on how to address your rights, |
| $150,000. These no-fault benefits can cover expenses | | | | responsibilities, and where to turn for help. A personal |
| in the categories of: | | | | injury lawyer can help you review your rights while |
| - Rehabilitation benefits | | | | making an ICBC claim and walk you through the claim |
| - Disability benefits | | | | process. An ICBC claims lawyer will fight for your |
| - Death expenses | | | | rights and work to obtain a fair settlement for your |
| These particular benefits can cover specific expenses | | | | personal injury claim. |
