When you are out on the road in British Columbia, it can be hard to control your surroundings at all times. While most people try to be safe and courteous drivers, there are the select few out there on the roads today who may not take the same safety precautions as you. Because of this, it is important to always be extremely careful when you are out on the road no matter where you are – even if you think no one is around.
In the unfortunate case that you are involved in an accident, it is important to keep a level head to allow the process to go as smooth as possible. First and foremost after an accident it’s crucial to make sure everyone is out of harms way and do not require immediate medical attention before getting on with the details of the accident. After you know everyone is as safe as can be, it’s time to get down to business. By having an idea of what steps to take related to your ICBC claim, you can cut down on confusion, costs, and anxiety related to your accident tremendously. For a brief overview on how to deal with your ICBC claim, consider the following key steps.
1. Keep Your Expenses Documented
For all the expenses you incur related to the accident, make sure you keep your receipts. This is especially important when it comes to your medical care expenses. Without receipts for these charges, it will become infinitely more difficult to receive reimbursement if you are entitled to it. Some common expenses you may incur include ambulance transportation, car rental expenses while your car is getting repaired, and the vehicle repair costs.
2. Keep the Details to Yourself
In today’s day and age it may be tempting to share your recent accident with your friends and family via social media. While it’s important to make sure your loved ones know you are okay, don’t overdo it with the use of social media. ICBC adjusters have been known to perform Internet searches related to accidents so your photos may end up having an impact on your investigation. To help reduce the chance of this occurring, consider tightening up your privacy settings on your social media profiles.
3. Be Sure to Get the Records
After your accident but before you part ways, be sure to get the information for all parties involved in the accident. While it’s unlikely you never hear from them again, it is much better to be safe and have all the contact information you need. This includes the driver and automobile owner’s (if different) names and contact information.
4. Be Thorough in Your Doctor Visits
If you have any symptoms at all that may be related to the accident, make sure to tell your doctor at the first visit. As your doctor records will be used when your incident is investigated by the ICBC, it’s important that those records are as thorough and accurate as possible. While you may think a symptom is not a big deal at the time, you never know what may develop a day or two after the accident.
5. Don’t Miss Your Limitation Dates
When it comes to claims submitted with the ICBC, there are different deadlines for things that need to be done after your accident. To ensure the greatest chance for a fair settlement, be sure to be in compliance with all the applicable deadlines related to your case. Failure to do so could result in your case being dismissed.
6. Get Legal Advice
While not all claims may require legal counsel, it is much better to know up front that you are doing all you can do to protect yourself and make sure the accident is rectified in a quick and fair manner. The most efficient and effective way to do this is to consult with a lawyer who knows the intricacies of dealing with the ICBC. When you have the professionals on your side, it will be much easier to know the situation is under control.
While no one typically wants to be involved in an accident, it does not have to be an only negative experience. By having some knowledge of how to manage the process beforehand, you can get through much more efficiently. For more legal advice on how to deal with ICBC claims, get in touch with the professionals at Nirwan Law Corporation today.
Stay In Touch