Car Accidents

Car Accident injuries: What You Need to Know

In 2019, ICBC reported 295,000 collisions in British Columbia, amounting to an average of 808 crashes a day. While a common occurrence on BC roads, the cause of each of these motor vehicle accidents is unique—however in most cases, one driver is more at fault than the other. In many cases, that driver has failed to follow the rules of the road by:

• Driving while distracted—ICBC estimates that over 9,500 drivers are using a hand-held device while driving at any given time, with 40% of those drivers texting behind the wheel (couldn’t find updated statistics);
• Disobeying traffic signs and failing to signal;
• Speeding or driving too slowly;
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
• Failing to adjust driving to weather or traffic conditions.

Car accidents can also be caused by factors such as malfunctioning or defective products, poorly repaired vehicles, improperly maintained roads, or malfunctioning traffic signals.

The injuries that can result from these accidents are as varied as the factors that cause them—and at Spraggs Law, we’ve been defending those unique cases for 50 years. Victims can sustain soft tissue, neck, back, or brain injuries, and may be entitled to out-of-pocket expenses or compensation, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. These Part 7 or “no-fault” benefits may be claimed through ICBC, and include:

• The cost of medication, medical treatment and rehabilitation (including transportation costs for appointments), up to maximum of $300,000;
• Wage loss benefits (to the extent that they exceed coverage under Employment Insurance), up to a maximum of $740/week for a maximum of 104 weeks and only to claimants who were totally disabled from employment within 20 days of the accident;
• Homemaker benefits for the help needed due to homemaker being injured (strict timelines apply);
• Personal property damage (e.g., damage to clothing, glasses, footwear) up to $1,000 and;
• Death benefits for a surviving spouse and/or children.

In order to collect these benefits as part of your ICBC claim, a victim needs to prove that they require the benefits as a result of the accident. This can be an area of dispute with ICBC, who can argue that an injured person can be blamed in part for an accident and that the damages should be reduced on a percentage basis. That’s why thousands of clients have retained a Spraggs Law personal injury lawyer to assist with their claims.

We understand the financial constraints accident victims face, including a reduced income and uncovered amounts of medical and rehabilitation expenses. That’s why our fee is a percentage of your settlement and is paid only when you collect. Contact us now for a free, no-obligation consultation.