[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/warnetthallen.com\/icbc-determine-fault-car-accident-british-columbia\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/warnetthallen.com\/icbc-determine-fault-car-accident-british-columbia\/","headline":"How Does ICBC Determine Who is at Fault in a Car Accident in British Columbia?","name":"How Does ICBC Determine Who is at Fault in a Car Accident in British Columbia?","description":"Car accidents are on the rise in British Columbia, much to the dismay of drivers everywhere. There were 260,000 car accidents in British Columbia in 2011, according to a study conducted by ICBC. By 2015, that number had increased to 300,000 \u2013 bringing the 5-year average up to a harrowing 270,000 incidents annually. One of […]","datePublished":"2017-06-20","dateModified":"2025-02-12","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/warnetthallen.com\/author\/warnetthallen\/#Person","name":"Warnett Hallen LLP","url":"https:\/\/warnetthallen.com\/author\/warnetthallen\/","identifier":8,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/05de9a8db316c941221d843d580903732966b9f3f8c338734c57a8535aba495e?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/05de9a8db316c941221d843d580903732966b9f3f8c338734c57a8535aba495e?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Warnett Hallen LLP","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/warnetthallen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/logo.png","url":"https:\/\/warnetthallen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/logo.png","width":406,"height":65}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/warnetthallen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/light-car-inside-black.jpg","url":"https:\/\/warnetthallen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/light-car-inside-black.jpg","height":750,"width":1125},"url":"https:\/\/warnetthallen.com\/icbc-determine-fault-car-accident-british-columbia\/","about":["Car Accident Lawyer","Car Accidents","ICBC"],"wordCount":534,"keywords":["car accident fault","determining fault","ICBC","ICBC fault"],"articleBody":"Car accidents are on the rise in British Columbia, much to the dismay of drivers everywhere. There were 260,000 car accidents in British Columbia in 2011, according to a study conducted by ICBC. By 2015, that number had increased to 300,000 \u2013 bringing the 5-year average up to a harrowing 270,000 incidents annually.One of the most important things to understand about these situations is that ultimately, the party at fault for the accident will be determined by ICBC first. That decision can affect everything, from your eligibility for insurance benefits for any injuries you sustained to the future of your insurance status and more. Understanding how ICBC determines who is at fault is the key towards making sure you take the most appropriate course of action moving forward.Determining Who is at FaultICBC\u2019s process for determining who is at fault in an auto accident is outlined in great detail in a document called the Motor Vehicle Act. In the beginning of the process, an adjuster for ICBC will typically take statements from both you and any passengers, but also from other people involved in the accident and even eye-witnesses on the scene.That same adjuster will likely review any police reports related to the incident, and they can visit the scene to assess certain driving conditions. They will consult with an estimator to determine damages in terms of your car and the car of others and more.All of this information will then be compiled and the adjuster will make a good-faith effort to determine who caused the accident in the first place. Unfortunately, this can be a very challenging process and the party at fault isn\u2019t always obvious. This is especially true if people give conflicting statements or if all actionable information isn\u2019t readily available.Generally speaking, this determination will be made around 30 or so days after the accident \u2013 though this can take longer depending on the circumstances. Keep in mind that you should also never admit fault for a car accident while at the scene \u2013 especially if you know that you didn\u2019t actually cause it to take place. Though the Apology Act of British Columbia dictates that apologizing does NOT equate to legally admitting fault, it\u2019s still a good idea to contact a licensed and experienced legal professional BEFORE making any type of definitive statements one way or the other.We recommend you consult an ICBC lawyer before making a statement directly to ICBC.Warnett Hallen, LLPIf ICBC determines that you were not at fault for your auto accident, it is still essential for you to understand that you have rights that need to be protected by an experienced legal professional. At Warnett Hallen LLP, we have years of experience helping car accident victims all across British Columbia. Whether you\u2019re talking about preparing to take your case to trial, one-on-one consultations with our principals or any other essential matter, we\u2019ll be by your side every step of the way.If you\u2019d like to find out more information about car accidents in British Columbia, or if you\u2019ve got any additional questions that you\u2019d like to see answered, please don\u2019t delay \u2013 contact Warnett Hallen LLP today."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"How Does ICBC Determine Who is at Fault in a Car Accident in British Columbia?","item":"https:\/\/warnetthallen.com\/icbc-determine-fault-car-accident-british-columbia\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]