What You Should Know About ICBC Process
If you are involved in an accident or an incident where you have sustained injuries, you are going to need to consider several things. These matters will consist of several things, but one of those matters in association with the accident would be to consider filing an injury claim. But before you file a claim immediately, there are a few things you need to do during this process.
Scene Of The Incident
The first thing that you need to know about the insurance claims process is the need to evaluate the accident site first. Whether it is automobile accidents involving a car, bike, or any other type of vehicle, the first thing you want to do is to determine the well being of everyone and see that everyone is safe. Check to see if you have any injuries and if others are hurt. You will then call emergency response and police services to address the accident scene.
Contact Lawyers And Legal Practitioners
An important step that you have to take during the ICBC process is contacting lawyers. This is crucial, according to the professionals from kazlaw.ca/icbc-lawyers/, to have an experienced and educated team of lawyers, as they will be tasked to represent you if the case cannot be resolved and must be taken to court. Even prior to any court dealings, lawyers can advise you on how to proceed, as well as assist in settlement negotiations. They can help you compile evidence and build your case, meanwhile keeping your privacy when it comes to what information you may provide. If you plan on taking legal action, filing a claim, and need to take matters to court, having a legal team or representative is essential to your process.
Medical Attention
If you have suffered any injuries during an accident, you need to go to the hospital and connect with medical professionals for a proper diagnosis. Even if you do not appear to have any injuries, you should always get a check as further damage may have taken place that you are not accounting for. Things like internal bleeding may occur after an accident and would prove to be severe. Other problems like muscle strain and general function may also be affected, and although not as critical, will still be long term problems that you have to deal with. It is also important that you make medical records of your health history prior to the accident and after it has occurred. These records may be essential in building a lawsuit claim, as well as important for filing any sort of medical and health insurance.
Witnesses And Evidence
When taking legal actions after being involved in an accident and filing for injury claims, you need to build a case with substantial evidence that reveals that the other party is responsible for the accident. If the responsibility of the accident is shared or it is determined that a single party is not responsible alone for causing the incident, the claim will be unwarranted and there will be no financial benefit for filing the claim. In order to present the evidence, you want to ensure that you take enough of it at the time of the accident. Utilize your smartphone to take pictures and videos of the surrounding scene, remembering to focus and highlight any potential risks, causes, and indicators of responsibility. In addition to gathering this evidence, you want to connect with others at the scene of the crime, gathering witness information like statements as well as contact information to be able to communicate with them at a later date. With your information gathered, you will be capable of building a credible case.
Settlements And Negotiations
When filing a claim or lawsuit, the other party will likely be doing the same, as well as communicating with their insurance companies and legal team. Before matters reach the courts, both parties will have an opportunity to communicate with each other in order to negotiate and come to a settlement. This can be the better solution, as court cases can require a lot of time and effort, as well as be costly for both parties when it comes to the price and expenses of their lawyers. If both parties agree and are able to settle out of court, you will sign a contract in regards to the settlement details and complete the matters.
Injury claims can be difficult to handle if you are unsure of how to approach the process. Having legal professionals to advise you is a good way to start, but understanding the entire process can also speed up the way you deal with everything. Having this understanding of the process will make it more efficient and less stressful.
