After a motor vehicle collision in Vancouver, many people find it difficult to know what to do, how to file a proper ICBC claim, and how to effectively collect the necessary compensation for their medical bills and other losses. To help with this, here are a few suggestions regarding the different types of ICBC injury claims.
When it comes to car accidents in Vancouver, there are typically three main types of claims you can file:
No-Fault Benefits
This is typically referred to as Part 7 benefits. Much like a supplemental health insurance plan, these benefits are designed to cover your treatment costs and hospital and doctor bills following an accident. They can also cover income replacement. They are part of your ICBC insurance coverage, and they apply to you and other members of your household.
Property Damage Insurance
This coverage pays for any damages or losses involving property. Examples of property damage include damage to your vehicle from a collision or the cost of towing and roadside assistance.
For a complete listing of coverage benefits, you can visit the ICBC to review the details.
Third-Party Liability Insurance
All motorists in British Columbia are covered for up to $200,000. However, many drivers are insured for much higher amounts.
Underinsured Motorist Protection (UMP)
This coverage provides protection in the event the at-fault motorist does not carry sufficient liability coverage to fully compensate you for your injuries and other losses.
Tort and Part 7 Claims
Tort claims are essentially legal actions that can be filed in a court of law when the at-fault party is negligent or careless in some way. These claims can allow the victim to be compensated for:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income
- Medical expenses
- Household support benefits
- Much more
A Part 7 plan is a no-fault benefit. Even if you entirely caused the crash, some coverage is still available to help you meet your medical obligations, as well as reimburse other losses incurred in the crash.
Tort Claim Limitation Period
You only have two years to file your ICBC tort claim or else it will be forever excluded. Therefore, it’s important to get competent and experienced legal guidance early in the process to make sure you do not miss out on valuable compensation.
Part 7 Claim Limitation Period
Under ICBC Part 7 claim guidelines, there are two important deadlines for a Part 7 claim. First, there is a notice period. You must give notice to the insurance corporation within 30 days of the accident.
Next, there is an ICBC limitation period. You must initiate the action within two years of either:
- The date of the accident
- Last date that benefits were paid
- The date the insurance corporation receives your notice
How Can You Report Your ICBC Claim?
An ICBC claim should be reported via registered mail, but it can also be hand-delivered to a local claims center for the applicable corporation that issued the insurance policy.
Once reported, however, the claim does not end there. Often, there will be disputes about the valuation of the claim.
How Can an ICBC Claims Lawyer Help?
An experienced lawyer can help in a number of ways. First, your compensation will be more comprehensive if the other driver was at fault because you will have rights under an ICBC tort claim, as opposed to a Part 7 claim. A lawyer can help to investigate and prove your case. Likewise, a lawyer can help you navigate the complex claims process, especially if a legal action must be taken before the court system.
Contact Our Vancouver ICBC Claim Lawyers Now
After a Vancouver car accident, contact Klein Lawyers, LLP, to speak with one of our experienced auto accident lawyers about your case. An initial consultation is free, with no obligation to you.
