Even if you don’t know what hit you, ICBC may have to compensate you but you have to act fast! Get your car fixed without it affecting your premium, or more importantly, be compensated for lost wages, pain and suffering and the cost of rehabilitation.
When ICBC came into existence in 1973 they not only took the place of private sector automobile insurers, they also took on the responsibilities of what was known then as the Traffic Victims Indemnity Fund. The TVIF was a pool of money that paid for property damage and bodily injury claims in cases where there was no insurer. These functions were written into Parts 8 and 10 of ICBC’S bible, which is known as the Regulations Pursuant to the Insurance (Vehicle) Act.
What does that mean for you?
Well, say you came out to your parked car and someone had backed into it and left a dent but no note. Even if you didn’t buy physical damage coverage on your own vehicle, ICBC may have to pay for getting your car fixed. To be eligible, you must report to ICBC within 48 hours and make out a police report as soon as possible after the accident. My advice it to call the police first and then report the police file number to ICBC within the reporting period. You will still have to pay a deductible but your rates won’t go up. NO PREMIUM INCREASE. You can take this free legal advice to the bank, or the claims centre in this case.
To ensure fair compensation on the more serious matter of a situation where you may have been injured because of an unidentified or uninsured motorist you again have some legal requirements to meet. What you must do to establish this claim isn’t always obvious. There is a body of case law around this issue which I can advise you on. Once your right to claim is firmly established I will then work with you to prepare and negotiate, and yes, if necessary, litigate your case for fair compensation. So if you’ve been struck as a pedestrian or hit and run in your vehicle, see me immediately and call 604-318-3838 to make an appointment. The first consultation is free. The Butler does it again!
