Statistics provided by ICBC demonstrate that there are approximately 49,000 hit and run accidents in British Columbia every year. Chances are you or someone you know have been involved in an accident where the responsible party has left the scene of the accident.
What to do if a driver leaves the scene of an accident?
Section 24 of the Insurance (Vehicle) Act (“the Act”), creates a remedy where if an injury occurs in a motor vehicle accident at the fault of an unidentified motorist, the injured victim can commence a damage claim against ICBC. However, there are steps the victim must take immediately to meet conditions to prove the claim.
Step 1: Make every attempt possible to obtain the license plate number and description of the fleeing vehicle.
Step 2: Call 911. Immediately report the accident to the police and/or request medical help for injuries. The police may be able to locate the at-fault party and hold them responsible for the accident.
Step 3: Seek out witnesses. Someone in the area may have witnessed the accident and obtained the vehicle plate number or description. Obtain the witness name, contact information and write down what they saw and the information they obtained.
Step 4: Make detailed records of the accident and what happened. Include your direction of travel, circumstances, date, time, location, etc.
Step 5: Seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Your doctor will not only treat your injuries but will make a notation of the injuries you sustained.
Step 6: Contact an ICBC lawyer in Vancouver at Warnett Hallen LLP. We will ensure you have taken the proper steps to secure a claim under Section 24 of the Act. This may include, but is not limited to:
- Hiring an investigator to investigate the accident, seek out witnesses, and install signs around the accident scene to find witnesses;
- Report the claim to ICBC, prepare a statement and statutory declaration;
- Post ads in local newspapers seeking witnesses to the accident;
- Post ads on social media seeking witnesses; and
- Ensure steps have been taken to locate the responsible party or witnesses, which is a requirement for a hit and run claim under Section 24 of the Act.
Insurance Limits to a Hit and Run Claim
The mandatory autoplan insurance includes up to $200,000 in coverage for damages, death and injuries caused by a hit and run driver in British Columbia, subject to proof that every attempt possible was made to locate the responsible party(s).
Are there other issues that could affect a Hit and Run claim?
Yes, there are several issues that could affect an ICBC claim involving a hit and run accident that occurred in British Columbia. This is why it is essential to seek legal advice without delay and ensure that every attempt possible has been made to locate the responsible party(s).
Contact Our Hit and Run Accident Lawyers in Vancouver, BC
If you have been injured in a car accident because of a careless driver, the personal injury lawyers at Warnett Hallen LLP rated by Georgia Straight readers as the “best lawyer to call when an accident strikes” are here to help. Contact the car accident lawyers in Vancouver, BC at Warnett Hallen LLP. We can assess your situation, guide you through an injury claim and help you settle for more.
The Warnett Hallen LLP car accident lawyers in BC never defend ICBC or the insurance companies. We represent injured claimants only.
*Since May 1, 2021, British Columbia operates under a no-fault insurance system for motor vehicle accidents. Under this system, compensation for injuries and losses is handled through your own insurance provider (typically ICBC) regardless of who is at fault for the accident. Please note that the information on this page may not apply to your accident if it occurred after May 1, 2021. This disclaimer does not constitute legal advice.
