Some Points to Ponder Regarding BC's Insurer

Author: Patrice B. Newman, Lawyer
First Posted: Feb. 9, 2010
Revised:

1. Your opinion and ICBC's opinion of what is "reasonable" or "fair" is likely not the same.
2. ICBC is your insurer, but at the same time that your adjuster is working for you, he is working for the person that hit you, too.
3. ICBC is a business with a bottom line – just like any other business. Businesses in the insurance game save money by settling early, and settling low.
4. ICBC is not under any obligation to give you unbiased, current legal advice regarding the risks of settling early.
5. If you don't have a lawyer, ICBC will gather initial statements from you that may hurt you in the future.
6. ICBC also has the right to obtain copies of all your doctor's records, sometimes dating back further than 5 years before the accident. These records may contain medical information that is embarrassing, but more importantly, unrelated to the accident.
7. ICBC may ask that you undergo medical examinations by an expert of their own choosing. Many of these experts make most of their money working for ICBC.
8. You are entitled to certain benefits, even if ICBC says the accident was your fault.
9. Even after paying your lawyer, it is likely that you will end up with more money for your losses at the end of the day than you would have without a lawyer.
10. Most personal injury lawyers represent their clients on a contingency basis. That is, you don't pay your lawyer until you get paid compensation for your losses.
11. The earlier you hire your lawyer, the better. Your lawyer will be in a position to manage your case from the ground up, and before ICBC has begun building your case " against you.

If you have been hurt in a motor vehicle accident or by the fault of another, contact Patrice B. Newman to obtain a free consult to discuss your rights.