You were in an accident that was the other person’s fault. You’re injured and suffering emotionally, physically, and financially. All you want is to get better so that you can get your life back, but your injuries are chronic and won’t get better. Nobody can take the pain away, so the only thing you can do is claim damages for your loss. At least there is some form of compensation, right?
Auto insurance is mandatory because the risk of getting in a car accident is high. If we get hurt by a negligent driver, our insurance should cover us so that we are in the same financial position had it not been for the accident. Of course, money cannot fix pain and suffering… but it’s the next best thing (and the only thing). Auto insurance is meant to ameliorate all loss an innocent person suffers at the hands of a negligent driver.
Unfortunately, it is in ICBC’s best interest to pay you the lowest amount possible. They deal with thousands of claims per year and if they can give you less than you deserve, they will. At the end of the day, the less money they give for each settlement means more revenue for them.
Let me get this straight. You’ve paid your insurance to cover you for the exact situation you are now in. ICBC tries to down-play all your injuries. They claim that your pain is really not that bad and that there is not much evidence that you have even suffered a loss. They want to undermine your entire claim so they can pay you a fraction of what you need.
Their tactic is to start off friendly and supportive. They imply that you don’t need to get a lawyer… it will take away from what they will give you. You believe them because they’ve told you they’re on your side. You think you’re being treated fairly and everything will resolve without hassle. Their role as “your adjuster” continues until ICBC decides it’s time to make an early settlement offer (after all, you’re really not that hurt, right?). If you question their offer and suggest involving a lawyer, they change from your advocate to treating you like you’re the enemy.
You’re hurt, by no fault of your own, and now you’re the bad guy. Think this is fair? You decide.
Contributed by Casey Trivett, Lawyer
Einfeld Law is a civil litigation law firm with a primary focus on personal injury. We do not represent ICBC or any insurance companies.
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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