In recent months, ICBC has been discussing the possibility of placing caps on their payouts for personal injuries related to auto vehicle accidents in British Columbia. Specifically, proposed payout caps for “minor injuries” will be $5,500 if this proposal becomes law. These changes are apparently being taken into consideration because of recent financial troubles that have been riddling ICBC. However, it’s important to understand the potential impact these injury caps could have on auto accident victims if imposed.
What ICBC Injury Caps Mean for Accident Victims
Imagine this: you’ve stopped a red light when suddenly, a distracted driver rear-ends your vehicle from behind. You think you’re okay, but the next day, you wake up with a stiff neck and severe pain. You doctor determines that you have whiplash. Fortunately, you don’t require any special treatment or time off work, and your whiplash symptoms dissipate within a week or so. Your life is back to normal.
But what if you’re not so lucky? Let’s say your whiplash is severe and you’re unable to work for two weeks as a result, and you end up suffering from lifelong consequences (such as debilitating headaches and migraines). You decide to file an ICBC claim seeking compensation for your injuries, and you’re approved—but your payment is maxed out at $5,500.
The Issue with ICBC Injury Caps
The main problem with these proposed ICBC injury caps is that no two accident injuries are exactly the same, yet these caps essentially impose a “one-size-fits-all” solution to minor injury claims in British Columbia. As a result, accident victims with two very different situations may receive the same settlement with no consideration of the lifelong consequences of a person’s injuries.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Many personal injury lawyers are currently petitioning to fight these changes proposed by ICBC, and one of the best ways you can help is to speak out and make your voice heard. Help others become aware of what ICBC is trying to do and what it could mean for accident victims, and support local organizations like R.O.A.D. BC (roadbc.ca) that have your best interests in mind.
Been Injured in an Auto Accident?
If you have recently been injured in an auto accident and are planning to file an ICBC claim, it’s in your best interest to schedule a consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney. He or she will be able to assist you through the often complex process of submitting your claim to ICBC, as well as any additional legal assistance that may be required. Ultimately, a personal injury attorney will represent and fight for your best interests so that you receive fair compensation you may be entitled to for your injuries. He or she can also take the time to answer any questions you may have along the way and ensure that you stay as informed and educated as possible throughout the process.
Contact Warnett Hallen Personal Injury Lawyers Today
Attorney Warnett Hallen LLP has years of experience in helping accident victims just like you optimize their claims and settlements with ICBC. Schedule a free consultation today by giving his office a call anytime (day or night!) at (604) 737-3300.
