What Is No-Fault Insurance in British Columbia?
The launch of the no-fault auto insurance scheme on May 1 brought a number of changes to the process of filing a claim after a motor vehicle accident in British Columbia. Unfortunately, the majority of these changes are unfavourable for those who have been injured in accidents, including drivers and pedestrians. Motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists […]
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What Are ICBC Wage Loss (Total Temporary Disability) Benefits?
For accidents that occurred before April 1, 2019, the Insurance Company of British Columbia (ICBC) only compensated injured motorists for up to $300 in weekly wages they lost after an accident. Now, ICBC will pay up to $740 per week for lost wages if you have suffered injuries in a car accident that keep you […]
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How Much Does ICBC Pay for Injuries?
Any serious injury is accompanied by many different questions: What is my medical prognosis? How long will my recovery take? How long will I be out of work? What is my family going to do for money? What paperwork do I have to complete? According to the BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit, “transport-related” accidents […]
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When Should You Hire a Lawyer for a Car Accident?
If you are involved in a collision in Vancouver or anywhere in British Columbia, you will at some point be dealing with ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia). Coverage through ICBC is mandatory for drivers throughout the province, and you will need to file a claim with ICBC if you are injured in a car […]
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How Do Recent Changes to ICBC Auto Insurance Affect Me?
Major changes to Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) auto accident policies went into effect on April 1, 2019. These changes, for the most part, only apply to those who were injured in a crash on or after April 1, 2019. Those injured prior to that will not be adversely impacted. According to ICBC’s website, […]
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What Should I Do If My Car Is Deemed a Total Loss After a Car Accident?
Getting into a car accident that isn’t your fault is never fun. Finding out that your car is totaled because of the accident is even worse. A totaled car can leave you in a tough financial situation as you struggle to buy a new car. Often the amount you are offered by ICBC is much […]
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How to Respond to a Low Settlement Offer
If you have filed a claim against ICBC for injuries sustained in an accident, chances are that the first settlement offer you get will not be the amount that you expect or deserve. This is because ICBC is not looking out for you. Because you are making a claim against the liable motorist’s insurance policy, […]
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Do You Have to Pay Taxes on a Car Accident Lawsuit Settlement?
If you are pursuing a settlement from a car accident claim, you may be wondering if you must pay taxes the compensation you have secured. Perhaps you have already received a lawsuit settlement, and you are wondering why you haven’t had to pay any taxes on it. The answer is that if you receive a […]
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I Am At Fault: Can I File an ICBC Claim?
When you cause a motor vehicle accident, you are likely fearful about the repercussions. From being cited for the accident and having to pay a fine for your behavior to questions about if you have an ICBC accident claim for your damages, you face a lot of unknowns immediately after a crash. The good news […]
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Why Does ‘Fault’ Matter for an ICBC Claim?
Regardless of who is at fault in a car accident, you may still be entitled to benefits for medical expenses and lost wages when you file a claim with ICBC through your Basic Autoplan’s Accident Benefits provision. In fact, many people call these “no-fault” benefits. With that said, a determination of fault can still play […]
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Can You Still Get an ICBC Settlement for Minor Injuries?
If you are involved in a car accident or truck wreck Vancouver or elsewhere in British Columbia – even if you suffer what appear to be only minor injuries, such as a shoulder injury – you have the right to file a claim with the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, or ICBC. Many people wrongfully assume […]
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The Law Denies ICBC Compensation To Designated Driver In Car Accident
Being a designated driver is obviously a responsible thing to do and prevents countless injuries and deaths caused by car accidents. However, a recent B.C. Supreme Court judgment, Felix v. Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, 2014 BCSC 166, may discourage would-be designated drivers from offering a safe ride home to others. In that case, the […]
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Correctly Adjusted Headrest Can Prohibit Severe Whiplash In A Car Accident
We know how important our pillow is to preventing neck strain, but the proper use of a well- engineered headrest can dramatically reduce the injury caused from whiplash in a car accident. Whiplash, also known as neck sprain or strain, is an injury to the soft tissues of the neck. It is caused by sudden […]
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Senior Driving: Renewing Your License With ICBC
Driving is a life skill that requires preparation, practice, and precision. After years on the road, those of us reaching our golden years may feel as though we’re seasoned experts behind the wheel. But even a lifetime of driving and zero ICBC points can’t prepare you for the toll that aging takes on us. As […]
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Who Has The Right-Of-Way – Pedestrians Or Cars?
In the Vancouver 24 News (April 17, 2013) last week, there was an awesome observation by Keri Potipcoe regarding the rights of pedestrians. As she states, technically a pedestrian does have the right of way, but is it common sense to just step off the curb in front of a car? Of course not. But […]
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Five Essential Things NOT To Do At The Scene Of A Car Accident
It is always good to be prepared for an accident. Having a checklist of action steps can help you know what is most important to do at a car-accident scene. But just as important, it is what you don’t do at the scene that can be most beneficial. As I posted last week, if anyone […]
Read ArticleTop Five Things To Do After Leaving A Crash Site
Once the adrenaline that comes with being in a car accident dies down, a car-accident victim is left to deal with the realities of the situation: possible injuries, car repairs, medical attention and insurance. It can be very overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help you make it through the first 48 hours after […]
Read ArticleLeft Curb Parallel Parking Made Easy
My sister always marvels at my ability to parallel park. But being a big city driver I have had a lot of practice. What I still find awkward is the reverse left curb parallel park. Driving manuals and online instructions usually state to take the format of right curb parallel parking and just reverse the […]
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Right Parallel Parking Made Easy
Recently, I came across a good short video on how to parallel park. It seems like reverse parallel parking is one of those dreaded driving skills that many people do not like to practice. Like anything, practice makes perfect. One of the key factors to successful parallel parking is to know your vehicle and to […]
Read ArticleDo ICBC Driver Penalty Points Affect My ICBC Insurance Premium?
Last week we wrote about ICBC Driver Penalty points. But does getting penalty points and the payment premium affect my annual insurance premiums? The answer is yes and no. Confused yet? The actual points do not affect your insurance premiums as Driver Penalty Points and Driver Risk Premiums are separate from Autoplan insurance premiums, but […]
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