As a personal injury lawyer in Vancouver since 1995 I have always been open to providing a free initial consultation for people dealing with ICBC following a car crash . Getting no fee lawyer advice can be a lifeline and true asset at the beginning of an ICBC claim, just after the car accident.
Hiring an experienced lawyer for a personal injury is however not free and will require a claimant to sign a contract for fees, often referred to as a retainer agreement. The good news is that personal injury lawyers in British Columbia are permitted to take cases on a percentage arrangement and can fund the prosecution of the cases. Claimants that get this arrangement can walk out of the initial meeting with the lawyer having hired the lawyer without paying any up front fees.
As in any free professional commodity such as healthcare, education or financial management this advice will be limited by the lack of resources required to provide the service, hence why lawyers have to be paid for the professional advice they give to clients. “A Lawyer’s time and advice are his/her stock in trade”- Abrahan Lincoln.
There are time limits to report a car crash to ICBC but it is important to make time to call a lawyer before giving ICBC a statement or before signing documents for the insurance adjuster. What documents you should sign for ICBC or what forms must be signed by you will depend on the type of claim you have. How to make an ICBC claim for damage to a vehicle is different than making a personal injury claim. Remember that the free advice you get at the beginning of a injury case will be of limited benefit as the case moves forward.
Posted by Vancouver Personal Injury Lawyer Mr. Renn A. Holness, B.A. LL.B.
Vancouver Personal Injury Lawyers | Holness & Small Law Group
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I made a stolen vehicle claim with ICB.C.And they denied the claim, and told me that there wasn’t enough evidence to support that it was stolen. After they had Said that I had no other options except to get a criminal lawyer to represent me to go against icbc in court Could you please give me some light on this subject
The burden of proof is on the person claiming the stolen vehicle. If ICBC claims that you are making a false claim they also have the burden of proof. In Hughes v. Insurance Corp. of British Columbia, 2010 BCPC 222:
(a) You must tender evidence sufficient to prove, on a balance of probabilities and nothing less, that the alleged losses and damage fall within the scope of your policy coverage. then;
(b) ICBC must tender evidence sufficient to prove, on a balance of probabilities and nothing more, that you made wilfully false statements and misrepresentations in connection with your indemnity Claims in order to have its affirmative defences succeed.
I am watching to contact somebody to speak about ICBC I am apparently having to pay for insurance that was supposed to be paid by the principal driver as I had insured a vehicle in my name on a vehicle but was not the principal driver however as of now the principal driver has now since passed away and is no longer with us here I’d like to know my rights as an individual to the laws in BC on this in my responsible for money on the insurance because it was in my name as I was not the principal driver for the vehicle or what am I responsible for can you please get back to me at your earliest convenience and let me know how to go about this situation before I contact ICBC and make some sort of payment arrangements or even if I have to because if this can be null and voided and I don’t have to pay for any of it then I would rather go that route so I can get my license back I’m very eager to get it back and need it because it is hindering me from getting any sort of work employment that requires driving
I’m sorry to hear about your situation. In British Columbia, if you’re the registered owner of a vehicle, you’re generally responsible for its insurance, even if another person was the principal driver. With the passing of the principal driver, it’s important to address the insurance policy to avoid any complications. Here’s what you can do:
1. Contact ICBC Directly: Reach out to the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) to explain your circumstances. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation.
2. Visit an Autoplan Broker: Bring the vehicle’s license plates, your identification, and the insurance documents to a local Autoplan broker. They can assist with canceling or updating the insurance policy.
ICBC.COM
3. Discuss Outstanding Payments: Inquire about any outstanding insurance payments and whether you’re liable for them. Given the unique circumstances, there may be considerations or exceptions.
4. Address License Reinstatement: Inform ICBC about your need to reinstate your driver’s license for employment purposes. They can provide information on the necessary steps and any requirements you need to fulfill.