What Do I Do After a Car Accident?

ICBC What to Do After a Crash

One of the most unfortunate things about car accidents is that you can’t plan for them – they occur when you least expect them. In the event that you do find yourself in this type of stressful situation, it’s important to understand what essential steps you have to take next to not only make sure that you or your passengers are taken care of, but to prepare for any claims you may be filing in the future.

In addition to the tips below, you can print our one-page checklist and leave it in your glove compartment, so you have everything you need, when you need it.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

The most important thing for you to understand is that in the seconds after a car accident, literally, nothing matters beyond getting people the medical attention they need. Check yourself, your passengers and other affected drivers for injuries. If any are present, call for medical attention as soon as you can. Don’t worry about moving your car, don’t worry about contacting ICBC – all of that will come later. Make sure everyone is taken care of FIRST.

Photograph Everything

Next, you’ll want to take as many pictures as you can – likely with the camera built into the smartphone you probably already own. Don’t just photograph your car from every conceivable angle – focus on the other car, too. Focus on the road conditions. Take photographs of any obstacles that may have been in the road. Take pictures of the spacial relationship between your car and any other vehicle involved in the accident. All of this will be critical later on.

Gather Witnesses

Next, obtain contact information for any relevant parties – this can include any witnesses on the scene, other drivers, other vehicle passengers and more. Collect as much witness information as you can (including license plate numbers) as again, this will all be essential later on.

Report Your Accident to ICBC

Next, you’ll want to report your accident to ICBC as soon as you can. While you are under no legal obligation to file a claim with ICBC, you do have to report that the accident took place. Failure to do so could make it harder to file a claim later and could even result in a loss of your own coverage, even if you weren’t at fault. You should always contact a lawyer before you even report your accident.

Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident

The times after car crash can be scary and stressful. By talking to a Car accident lawyer about your rights, it can be safer to make the most effective judgments possible according to your personal circumstances. This experience can be very helpful to the case. The few minutes invested in an honest initial consultation can give you some knowledge to negotiate a more confident claim. It’s okay to call a doctor or lawyer before making a claim. Once you sign with a law firm you won’t have to concern yourselves with a legal adjuster because your personal injury lawyer filters all communications out for you.

Who decides who caused the accident?

The adjusters at ICBC will be responsible by analyzing all available evidence in relation to the accident. On auto accidents, claims of negligent action and other causes and remedies are governed and ruled by Motor Vehicle Act as well as cases of law in other state and federal instances. Fault is often assessed for collisions in some manner in an unpredictable manner. Courts will normally decide the case that a person who opens his car door into traffic is 100% liable for any resultant collision. Even if the car behind you suddenly slows down it will remain your fault. Even if you backed up another driver, ICBC investigators are likely going to prove you had an accident.

What happens if my car is too damaged to repair?

ICBC will calculate the cost of repairs according to your car’s market value or condition. The cost of acquiring a car is related to several factors like the make, model, age, condition upgrade and similar things. When the other driver is at fault, ICBC will pay you in such instances.

Do I have to accept the amount ICBC offers?

Regulation on insurance vehicles permits you to transfer a dispute to arbitration. The British Columbia Arbitration and Mediation Institute can appoint a mediator and the costs are shared. You’ll receive the written decision from the arbiter as a registered mail. This information should not be relied on without seeking arbitration within a time limit of two years after the accident. The ICBC cannot agree on the choice of the Arbitrator, the BC Arbitrator shall appoint an Arbitrator.

What about hiring a personal injury lawyer?

Attorneys help hurting people to recover the compensation they should receive from their attorney. The amount of compensation depends in part upon the damages received, medical problems caused in the accident as well as medical expenses. In some cases an injury attorney will handle cases where fault is in dispute. If you have been injured in an accident and have sustained significant trauma we highly suggest consulting a lawyer.

How can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help

Along the same lines, we recommend you don’t make an official statement to ICBC before contacting a lawyer. You may have reported your incident, but don’t go farther – let professionals handle the rest. Anything you say in an official statement can be used in an attempt to deny or diminish your claim later, which is a situation that you absolutely do not want to find yourself in.

Get Help After Your Auto Accident

The immediate aftermath of a car accident can be a stressful time for everyone involved, whether you were driving one of the vehicles involved in the event or you were just an innocent passenger. However, it’s important for you to understand that this is one road you do NOT have to travel alone. At Warnett Hallen LLP, our car accident lawyers have decades of experience helping people navigate the stress and complexities of collisions. Whether you’re looking for a one-on-one consultation, need help dealing with insurance agencies or just want to remove as much of the burden from your plate as possible so that you can deal with recovery, we’re here for you.

To find out more information about what to do after a car accident, or to speak to someone about your own personal situation in a little more detail, please don’t delay – contact Warnett Hallen LLP today.