If you were injured in a car accident in British Columbia, you may be entitled to compensation. The benefits you can claim vary depending on the circumstances of your accident.
No-Fault Benefits Claim
You can file a no-fault benefits claim (also known as a Part 7 benefits claim) no matter who caused your accident. No-fault benefits will cover up to $300,000 in medical and rehabilitative expenses as well as lost income due to total disability. If you were the primary homemaker in your family and you are now unable to complete household tasks due to your injuries, the ICBC may compensate you for homemaking expenses such as a cleaning or laundry service. The ICBC limits homemaker benefits to no more than $280 per week.
If a family member died in an accident, you may also access death benefits through a no-fault benefit claim. Death benefits are paid to a surviving spouse, dependent child or dependent parent. The amount that will be paid out for death benefits varies depending on your relationship to the deceased person. In addition to death benefits, you may receive supplemental death benefits, additional death benefits and survivor’s death benefits.
You have 30 days following a car accident to file a no-fault benefits claim with the ICBC.
Tort Claim
If you were injured in an accident caused by the negligence of another driver, you can file a tort claim. A tort claim allows you access compensation through the other driver’s third-party liability insurance. By submitting a tort claim, you may be compensated for your pain and suffering, lost wages, loss of your future earnings and the cost of future care. However, for a tort claim to be successful, you will need a car accident lawyer to help you gather evidence to establish the other party’s fault. Your lawyer will demonstrate how the accident has impacted your life and outline how much you should receive.
The ICBC may challenge your tort claim, but if that happens, your lawyer can file the matter with the Supreme Court of British Columbia. If you are to file a claim with the Supreme Court, this must be done no later than two years after your accident.
Are you searching for a Surrey car accident to help with a claim?
If you were injured in a car accident in Surrey, contact us at Nirwan Law Corporation. At Nirwan Law Corporation, you will find an experienced Surrey car accident lawyer who has won millions in compensation for victims of personal injury. Our legal team will handle all aspects of your claim, including negotiating with ICBC and referring you to appropriate specialists to prove your claim. We understand that post-accident treatment costs can add up while you wait for compensation. That is why we have a network of doctors, physiotherapists, registered massage therapists and chiropractors who will treat you without requiring you to pay immediately. If your injuries make it difficult for you to move around, we will even come to you.
ICBC claims adjusters aim to settle quickly, for a little as possible, but we will not rest until we have come to an agreement that is in your best interest. If we cannot reach a fair settlement in mediation, we will take your case to trial, where we will fight to get you the money you deserve. And we will only charge you legal fees if we win money on your behalf.
So, what are you waiting for? Give us a call today to schedule a free legal consultation with our experienced Surrey car accident lawyer. Let us show you how we can help with your personal injury claim.