Working with a lawyer when you file an ICBC claim is a smart idea.
A lawyer can improve the chances of obtaining a full and fair settlement of your claim by:
- Understanding the law
- Knowing how to work with an insurance adjuster
- Gathering evidence for your claim
- Working with experts.
Even though hiring an experienced lawyer is almost always a smart move, many people fail to work with a legal professional. In some cases, this is because people assume that they do not need a lawyer.
In other cases, they would love to hire a lawyer but have fears about whether they can afford one. Many people are under the misconception that all lawyers charge astronomical fees for their services.
If you are involved in a car accident in BC, here is what you need to know about how an auto accident lawyer gets paid for helping you with your ICBC claim:
We Work on a Contingency Fee Basis
At Klein Lawyers, LLP, our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. A contingency fee system is one in which payment for services is contingent on the outcome of a case.
ICBC Claim Settlement
If we do not recover a settlement award for a client, the client does not have to pay for our services. If we do recover a settlement award for a client, the client owes us payment.
The fact that we charge our clients only if we are able to successfully negotiate or settle their case helps to keep us accountable. We have to work hard for you if we want to get paid.
It also provides you with the confidence that we are looking out for your best interests rather than charging you high hourly fees without any drive to deliver results.
The payment that is owed if a claim is successful is not based on hourly rates.
Instead, before you hire our law firm, we agree on a fair percentage of your financial recovery that will be paid at the conclusion of your case.
The Law Society of British Columbia states that in claims involving personal injury or wrongful death arising out of a motor vehicle accident, the maximum contingency fee allowed is one-third of the total recovered damages amount (40 percent is any other personal injury or wrongful death cases).
So, if you hire our law firm to represent you in a claim with ICBC, the maximum amount that we can recover is one-third of your financial recovery. We will collect nothing if your case is unsuccessful.
In the vast majority of cases, our clients end up with more money in their pocket after hiring us than they would have otherwise – even after accounting for the payment for our services.
We are able to do this by maximizing your full damages amount. Not only do we seek damages for basic economic losses such as the value of your medical expenses, but we work hard to pursue the money that you deserve for all of your losses.
For example, we consider things such as Part 7/Homemaker Benefits as well as many other non-economic damages.
We are also prepared to take your case to court if necessary and litigate on your behalf to get you the settlement you deserve.
Costs Our Law Firm Covers
We recognize that after you have been in a car accident, the last thing that you want to have to worry about is how you will afford the cost of pursuing an ICBC claim, including the costs of an investigation into your accident.
We handle the entire investigative process on your behalf as well as all associated costs. This includes the costs of the following activities:
- Traveling to the scene of the accident to collect evidence and photographs
- Traveling to meet witnesses and gather their statements
- Obtaining a police accident report
- Sending out spoliation letters (to prevent the destruction of evidence)
- Investigating the background and history of the other driver
- Consulting with experts, including medical experts, economists, financial experts, accident reconstruction experts and forensic experts. (Keep in mind that many experts charge hundreds or thousands of dollars for their services and testimony.)
If your case goes to court, we handle these costs as well.
A Consultation Is Free, Too
We want you to feel comfortable about working with our law firm. From the moment you call our offices, there will be no hidden or upfront fees.
We will never charge you for a consultation, which we believe is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and for you to learn more about your case, the process of filing a claim and how our law firm will work for you.
When you have been injured in a car accident and need help with seeking the compensation that you are owed, how you will afford legal help should be the last thing on your mind. We strive to make our services affordable for all people, regardless of their income or economic standing.
Contact an ICBC Claim Lawyer Vancouver
If you are involved in a car accident and have questions about whether you need a car accident lawyer for your ICBC accident claim, call us today. We can sit down with you to discuss our services as well as to learn more about your accident and damages.
We are a law firm comprised of individuals who care about our clients and members of our community. If you are in search of a law firm that you can trust, please contact us today. We will work hard for you, giving your car accident case the individualized attention it deserves.
