Knowing what to do, and how to deal with ICBC, after a motor vehicle accident, is difficult for most people. Dealing with adjusters when you are attempting to recover from injury and loss can be extremely stressful and confusing, at times.

There are certain steps that you can take that will help you and your lawyer achieve the best possible result for you. The following are some steps to take to ensure the best result:

If you are able, at the scene of the accident:

1. Take note of the date, time and location, weather and road conditions;
2. Take photos of the resting position of the vehicles and any debris on the road;
3. Get the names and contact information of everyone involved in the accident along with the contact information for any witnesses to the accident;
4. If the police attend, get the name of the attending officer and ask that you be provided with a copy of the police report;

Once you have dealt with the aftermath of the accident, itself:

1. Obtain regular medical treatment and make sure you follow the advice of your doctor; make sure you attend all recommended therapies and take all prescribed medications; try to follow your doctor’s advice with respect to returning to work and/or remaining off work;
2. Keep track of all days missed from work that are missed because of your injury– this will be of great assistance to your lawyer when comparing your employer’s records of absences against those that are related to the accident;
3. Keep track of all expenses you incur that relate to your injury and hang on to all receipts for those expenses, including receipts for over the counter medications; Submit those expenses and receipts to your lawyer on a regular basis;
4. If you have other insurance (i.e. extended medical benefits through an employer), make sure you use those benefits to pay for expenses that are not covered by ICBC. ICBC will pay for a portion of your treatment but there are often excess user fees associated with treatment that are not covered up front.  If you have other insurance and are able to submit those expenses to that insurer, it can ease the financial burden associated with your treatment until your case is settled.  We will, most often be able to recover those expenses for you or your insurer when we settle your claim;
5. Focus on your recovery and let your lawyer deal with the stress associated with an ICBC claim;
6. Make sure you communicate with your lawyer and that you are honest at all times.

Your lawyer will advise you on the process.  It is important that you listen and understand the process. Your case will be presented on the evidence that is obtained through your medical practitioners and other witnesses.  Your claim will be worth what a judge or jury would award you at trial. An experienced lawyer will guide you through the process and will provide you with advice on the value of your claim.

It is always in your best interests to retain a lawyer with experience in personal injury law to handle your ICBC claim. ICBC will usually provide you with an offer to settle your claim but, without good legal advice, you will never know if ICBC is offering you a fair settlement or not.