If you are a passenger and injured in a car accident that is the driver’s fault, don’t be afraid to claim for your injuries. It doesn’t matter if the driver is your spouse, friend, or anyone else you know. I have heard so many times, “I don’t want to make a claim because I don’t want my friend (or whoever it is) to get in trouble.”
Remember what insurance is for? As long as the driver has adequate insurance, you don’t have to worry about it. You’re not “going after” them by claiming damages for your injuries. If they’re at fault, it doesn’t matter if the injured person is in their car or the car they hit. In fact, whether or not you make a claim makes no difference to the driver; their insurance will compensate you. Your friend or spouse has been paying money for insurance to ICBC for this reason, so why would you let ICBC get away for free? By not claiming for your injuries, you’re doing yourself a huge disservice and actually doing ICBC a favour.
You are entitled to compensation if you are injured. If the driver you were with is at fault for the accident, their insurance rate may increase regardless of whether you claim for your injuries.
In British Columbia, auto insurance is mandatory for good reason. Remember that these injuries can last a lifetime so speak to a lawyer.
Contributed by Casey Trivett
Lawyer
Einfeld Law is a civil litigation law firm with a primary focus on personal injury and motor vehicle accidents.
We do not represent ICBC or any insurance companies. Your adjuster works for ICBC. We work for you.
Don’t settle for less. Contact Einfeld Law for a free, initial consultation at (250) 712-0001, visit our website at www.kelownalaw.com, or find us on facebook.
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