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Difference between revisions of "If You're Injured in a Motor Vehicle Accident"

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{{Dial-A-Law TOC|expanded = autos}}
{{Dial-A-Law TOC|expanded = autos}}
This script describes making a personal injury claim, going to court, and dealing with the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, called ICBC.  
Getting injured in a motor vehicle accident is an awful experience. Learn your legal rights in the event you’re injured, and the steps involved in making a claim for “personal injury”.  
 
Understand your legal rights
==Accident victims may get compensation==
No-fault accident benefits are paid no matter who caused the accident
If you’re hurt in a motor vehicle accident, you may be able to get two types of compensation (payments):
If you’re injured in a motor vehicle accident, there are two sources of compensation:
*'''No-fault accident benefits''': everyone in BC who owns a vehicle must buy basic insurance from the [http://www.icbc.com/Pages/default.aspx Insurance Corporation of British Columbia], called '''ICBC'''. This insurance pays money, called “accident benefits,” to people hurt in a vehicle accident. Even if you caused the accident, ICBC will pay you these no-fault accident benefits, if you’ve met the conditions of this insurance. Generally, these benefits include temporary total disability benefits (disability benefits for lost income up to $300 a week while you are disabled due to your injuries) and medical and rehabilitation benefits.
no-fault accident benefits
*'''Damages''': if the accident wasn’t your fault (or only partly your fault), you can get '''damages''' for your pain and suffering, lost wages (past and future), future care, out-of-pocket expenses, and other losses. This is called a '''tort''' claim. These damages aim to put an injured person who didn’t cause the accident in the same position they would have been in if the accident had not happened (as far as money can do this).
damages for losses if another person was at fault
 
Everyone in BC who owns a vehicle must buy basic insurance from the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, called ICBC. This insurance pays no-fault accident benefits to almost everybody in BC who is injured in a motor vehicle accident — no matter who caused the accident.
:ICBC will typically offer you money to settle or resolve your claim—if it decides you were not totally at fault for the accident. Normally you won’t want to settle a personal injury claim until your medical condition is stable and your doctor can say when your injury will probably be resolved and whether you will have any lasting effects. Then, if you agree with ICBC’s offer, you can settle your claim. Once you settle your claim, you can’t make any further claims related to that accident. That’s true even if you later suffer new effects from your injuries, which you hadn’t expected. You will also have to sign a “full and final release of all claims” before receiving the settlement money.
Eligibility for accident benefits
 
Anyone who is in a vehicle licensed and insured in BC is eligible for accident benefits. So is a pedestrian or cyclist hit by a vehicle, if they or a member of their household has a BC driver’s licence or an Autoplan policy. The accident could occur in BC, elsewhere in Canada, or in the United States. 
==How do you make a claim?==
You must meet the conditions of the insurance to get accident benefits. For example, if you were injured while driving without a valid driver’s licence, or while racing your car, ICBC will not pay you any accident benefits.
You make a claim to ICBC. Report the accident by calling ICBC’s Dial-A-Claim at 604.520.8222 in the lower mainland and 1.800.910.4222 elsewhere in BC. You can also [http://www.icbc.com/claims/Pages/default.aspx make a claim online]. An ICBC adjuster will investigate the accident and decide who caused it. The adjuster will also review your medical information and expenses, so keep all your receipts.
Accident benefits are limited
 
No-fault accident benefits help with medical care and wage loss. They include rehabilitation and medical expenses, as well as disability benefits for workers and homemakers. For more details, see our information on insurance benefits and compensation for accident victims (no. 185).
==See your doctor==
Accident benefits only provide limited coverage. You may also be entitled to additional damages for losses caused by the negligence of others, explained in the next section.
If you’re injured, see your doctor as soon as possible, as your doctor is in the best position to prescribe treatment, such as medication and physiotherapy. ICBC will then consider funding the treatment.
Damages for losses if another person was at fault
 
If another person was legally at fault for (or caused) the accident, you can also be paid damages for your losses. There are several types of damages. These include:
==Report the accident promptly==
damages for your pain and suffering (called “non-pecuniary” damages)
damages for your lost wages
damages for the loss of your future earnings if you can’t work because of the accident
damages for your future care  
Your claim for damages is called a tort claim. A tort is a civil wrong committed by one person against another for which the law will give a remedy. The damages aim to put an injured person who didn’t cause the accident in the same position they would have been in if the accident had not happened (as far as money can do this).
ICBC will typically offer an amount to resolve your claim
ICBC will typically offer you money to settle or resolve your claim — if it decides you were not at fault for the accident.  
It is best not to settle your claim until your medical condition is stable and your doctor can say when your injury will probably be resolved and whether you will have any lasting effects. Then, if you agree with ICBC’s offer, you can settle your claim.  
Once you settle your claim, you can’t make any further claims related to that accident. That’s true even if you later suffer new effects from your injuries, which you hadn’t expected. You will also have to sign a release of claims before receiving the settlement money.
Deal with the problem
Step 1. Make a claim to ICBC
To make a claim to ICBC, report the accident by calling ICBC’s Dial-A-Claim at 604-520-8222 in the Lower Mainland and 1-800-910-4222 elsewhere in BC. You can also report a claim online.  
Tip
You must report the accident promptly to ICBC. Some people prefer to see a lawyer before talking with ICBC. If you do that, your lawyer can report the claim to ICBC for you.   
You must report the accident promptly to ICBC. Some people prefer to see a lawyer before talking with ICBC. If you do that, your lawyer can report the claim to ICBC for you.   
 
==What if you disagree with ICBC’s decision about your case?==
Step 2. See your doctor
If you disagree with ICBC’s offer or its decision about who is at fault, or if you don’t know if the offer is fair, you should see a lawyer for advice. If you or your lawyer can’t reach an agreement with ICBC, you may sue the owner and driver of the other vehicle in the accident. ICBC’s decision on who is at fault or what amount is fair for tort damages does not bind a court. A judge can decide the matter without considering what ICBC decided.  
If you’re injured, see a doctor as soon as possible. A doctor is in the best position to prescribe treatment, such as medication and physiotherapy. ICBC will then consider funding the treatment. (Be sure to keep all your medical receipts.)
 
Step 3. Consider ICBC’s offer on your claim
You also have two options with ICBC. First, it has an [http://www.icbc.com/claims/feedback/Pages/default.aspx appeal process]. You can appeal ICBC’s decisions on who is at fault, its settlement offer, its denial of your claim, and its treatment of you. ICBC also has a [http://www.icbc.com/about-icbc/contact-us/Pages/Raising-your-complaints.aspx Fairness Process] that you can try if you’re not satisfied.
An ICBC adjuster will investigate the accident. They will make a decision about who caused it. The adjuster will also review your medical information and expenses.
 
ICBC will give you its decision about who is at fault. They may offer you money to settle or resolve your claim. 
==What about suing?==
Take time to consider ICBC’s decision and its offer. You can negotiate with ICBC, making a counteroffer. You could do this yourself or have a lawyer do it on your behalf.
Tip
If you want an opinion about whether ICBC’s decision about who caused the accident or their offer is fair, see a lawyer for advice.  
Step 4. Appeal ICBC’s decision or offer
If you are not happy with ICBC’s decision or their offer, you can use ICBC’s internal appeal process. You can appeal ICBC’s decisions on who is at fault, its settlement offer, its denial of your claim, or its treatment of you.
ICBC also has a fairness process you can try if you’re not satisfied with how they have treated you.
Step 5. Bring a legal action
If you can’t reach an agreement with ICBC, you may sue the owner and driver of the other vehicle in the accident. ICBC’s decision on who is at fault or what amount is fair for tort damages does not bind a court. A judge can decide the matter without considering what ICBC decided.  
You may want to sue the owner and driver of the other vehicle if ICBC:
You may want to sue the owner and driver of the other vehicle if ICBC:
*'''refuses to pay damages''': ICBC may refuse to pay damages. Or it may pay less than you think is fair.  
offers less than you think is fair
*'''decides that you’re at fault for the accident, partly or totally''': ICBC may decide that you caused the accident and refuse to pay damages. Or it may decide you’re partly at fault and reduce the damages by the proportion you’re at fault.  
decides you caused the accident and refuses to pay any damages
decides you’re partly at fault for the accident and reduces the damages by the proportion you’re at fault
You may also decide to sue ICBC if it refuses to pay you the accident benefits you are entitled to.
Tip
See a lawyer before you make a personal injury claim. It’s critical to know all your rights and be prepared. Insurance companies, however fair they may be in assessing your claim, are not looking out for your interests.
Common questions
What are the deadlines to sue?
The law in BC creates a time window to bring a legal action. In the case of an injury claim, that window (or “limitation period”) is two years. Once two years have passed after a claim is “discovered”, it’s too late to start a lawsuit.
The two-year period to sue for damages starts when you knew or reasonably ought to have known you suffered an injury.
If you were under the age of 19 at the time of the accident, the two-year period to sue for damages does not start to run until you turn 19. 
In some cases, if you think a municipality is at least partly at fault for your losses from an accident, you must give them notice of your claim much sooner — sometimes within just two months of the accident date. 
Where do I sue?
The amount you are seeking affects the choice of court you would sue in.
Up to $5,000
If you are seeking up to $5,000, you can file a claim with the Civil Resolution Tribunal. The tribunal is an online system designed for people to represent themselves.
Between $5,000 and $35,000
For amounts between $5,000 and $35,000, you would sue in Small Claims Court. Many people represent themselves in this court. It’s less expensive and less risky than going to Supreme Court. See our information on Small Claims Court (no. 165 to 169).
Over $35,000
For amounts over $35,000, you would sue in BC Supreme Court.
How much does it cost to sue?
If you’re suing for damages, you must pay your own lawyer. Most lawyers who handle personal injury claims accept cases on a contingency fee agreement. This means you pay your lawyer’s fees only if you win damages at the end of your lawsuit, based on a percentage of what you recover. But you must still pay expenses, even if you lose.
ICBC pays the lawyer for the people you are suing. If you win your lawsuit, the court may order the other side to pay some of your legal fees. 
Lawsuits in BC Supreme Court often don't go to trial because the parties settle the case before trial, but not always. Sometimes, cases go to mediation and an independent person acts as a mediator to help you and the other party reach a settlement agreement.
Can ICBC sue me?
Yes, ICBC can sue you in some cases. For example, if you drink and drive or text and drive and cause an accident that injures a person, that person may sue you. ICBC can pay the injured person and then demand you pay it back. The various situations in which ICBC can collect that money from you are quite complex. So if you’re involved in such a situation, you should get legal advice.


You may also want to sue ICBC if it refuses to pay you the accident benefits you are entitled to.


In all these cases, you should get legal advice before you decide what to do.


==What are the deadlines to sue?==
[updated March 2018]
If you decide to sue, you must start to sue within 2 years from the accident date, or you lose the right to sue. If you received no-fault benefits, then the 2-year deadline to sue runs from the date of the last benefit payment (not the accident date).
 
If you were under the age of 19 at the time of the accident, the 2-year deadline to sue for damages does not start to run until you turn 19. But if you’re under 19 at the time of the accident, the 2-year deadline to sue for accident benefits still runs from the date of the last benefit payment (it’s not delayed until you turn 19).
 
In some cases, if you think a municipality is at least partly at fault for your losses from an accident, you must give them notice of your claim much sooner—sometimes within just 2 months of the accident date. And you must start suing within 6 months of the accident date.
 
==Where do you sue?==
*'''[https://civilresolutionbc.ca/ Civil Resolution Tribunal]''' if you are suing for $5,000 or less.
 
*'''[http://www.smallclaimsbc.ca/ Small Claims Court]''' if you are suing for over $5,000 but under $35,000. You don’t need a lawyer in Small Claims Court, but you can have one. Scripts [http://www.cbabc.org/For-the-Public/Dial-A-Law/Scripts/Small-Claims-Court 165 to 169] explain Small Claims Court.
 
*'''[http://www.courts.gov.bc.ca/supreme_court/ BC Supreme Court]''' if you are suing for over $35,000. You should have a lawyer in Supreme Court because procedures are more complex.
 
==How much does it cost to sue?==
If you’re suing for damages, you must pay your own lawyer. Most lawyers in this area accept cases on a contingency fee agreement. This means that you pay your lawyer’s fees only if you win damages at the end of your lawsuit, based on a percentage of what you recover. But you must still pay expenses, even if you lose. Discuss it with your lawyer when you first see them. ICBC pays the lawyer for the people you are suing. If you win your lawsuit, the court may order the other side to pay some of your legal fees. 


Lawsuits in supreme court usually don't go to trial because both sides settle the case before trial, but not always. Sometimes, cases go to mediation and an independent person acts as a mediator to help you and the other side reach a settlement agreement.
'''The above was last reviewed for legal accuracy by [https://www.mclartywolf.com/who-we-are/murray-wolf/ Murray Wolf], McLarty Wolf, and Janet Mackinnon, ICBC.'''
 
==Can ICBC sue you?==
Yes, ICBC can sue you in some cases. For example, if you drink and drive or text and drive and cause an accident that injures a person, that person may sue you. ICBC can pay the injured person and then demand that you pay it back. The various situations in which ICBC can collect that money from you are quite complex. So if you’re involved in such a situation, you should get legal advice.
 
==Caution—get legal advice==
See a lawyer before you make a personal injury claim. It’s critical to know all your rights and be prepared. Insurance companies, however fair, are in a conflict of interest about what to do with your claim.
 
==Summary==
If you’re injured in a motor vehicle accident, you can claim accident benefits from ICBC. If the accident wasn’t your fault, or was only partly your fault, you can also claim damages for pain and suffering and other losses. The ICBC adjuster can settle your claim if you agree. Because that agreement will be binding, you may want to see a lawyer before you agree to a settlement to learn if the offer is fair. If you can’t agree on the value of your claim, or who is responsible for the accident, you may have to sue. There are strict time limits for suing, and if you miss the time limit, you lose your right to sue. So you should see a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident for legal advice.
 
==More information==
For more on accident benefits and damages for accident victims, check script [[Insurance Benefits and Compensation for Accident Victims (Script 185)|185]], “Insurance Benefits and Compensation for Accident Victims”.
Check the [http://www.icbc.com/ ICBC website].
 
 
[updated March 2018]


'''The above was last reviewed for accuracy by Murray Wolf and edited by John Blois.'''
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