How a Lawyer can Help if ICBC Begins to Investigate Your Claim
While you may believe that you are entitled to monetary compensation from ICBC after an accident, there is a possibility that a legitimate claim could be denied because ICBC adjusters are highly skilled in obtaining seemingly contradictory information about accident claims. For example, you may post pictures of yourself smiling at a party or holding a grandchild on Facebook, and this may be interpreted as you being dishonest about your injury claim even if everything you’ve submitted to ICBC is accurate.
It is widely known that social media is not the place to air negative information about how you are faring personally or physically. Similarly, ICBC can use evidence obtained from social media to try to discredit your character and your claim if you are posting positive information. Even answering to the ICBC adjuster on the phone, “I’m fine, thanks. How are you?” as part of your greeting could be later used against you. Hiring an ICBC lawyer in Surrey, Langley, or Coquitlam before filing your claim will ensure you take all steps necessary to protect your image and achieve a fair settlement.
Consequences of Misrepresentation in an ICBC Investigation
A consequence of misrepresentation is the denial of your insurance claim. If you don’t handle your case properly, such as making a wrong statement to ICBC about your injuries or failing to cooperate, your legitimate claim could be denied.
Should I Hire an ICBC Lawyer in Surrey or Langley to Represent my Case?
Meeting with a personal injury lawyer for an initial consultation will be critical to your case. He or she can review the facts, advise you about the strengths and weaknesses of your claim, and whether you could be found liable.
If your claim is one that the personal injury lawyer sees as viable, then one of the first ways he or she can help you is by contacting ICBC on your behalf. By notifying ICBC that you have retained a lawyer, they will stop calling you for information. In contrast, if you are unrepresented, then a claims adjuster may continue contacting you to collect information that could be used against you.
Another way in which a lawyer can help you is to seek to prevent ICBC from accessing irrelevant private information. Without an experienced lawyer on your side, ICBC may gain access to your medical records, without any consideration for your privacy. An experienced injury lawyer can take steps to ensure they only have access to relevant information about your case, instead of your entire medical and employment history.
A lawyer will also advise you on what to expect and how to proceed with your insurance claim, and provide assistance with the completion of accident claim forms. If you fail to hire an ICBC lawyer and reach an agreement with an adjuster without knowing your rights, you run the risk of receiving a lesser settlement than you are entitled to.
If an ICBC adjuster denies your claim because they determine that you breached your policy, you do not have to accept this decision. ICBC has an internal dispute process which your personal injury lawyer can represent you at in Surrey and surrounding areas of British Columbia.
There are strict time limits involved in disputing an ICBC contract breach, however, and you may not receive the accident benefits coverage you need in the interim. To avoid this issue altogether, consult a lawyer with experience in ICBC claims and view our resources for more information about filing your claim.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer at Spraggs & Co. Today
If ICBC begins to investigate your claim before you have a chance to speak to a lawyer, there are steps you can take to protect yourself.
A lawyer at our firm can review the facts of your case and advise you upon being retained. Our legal services include reviewing how to protect yourself from an ICBC investigation in addition to advocating for you. We can provide ICBC claim assistance and advise you on critical time limits in your case.
Our personal injury lawyers serve clients in Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam, Burnaby, Vancouver, and many other areas of British Columbia. We are here for you when you need us. If you are concerned that ICBC may be investigating your claim, contact us as soon as possible by booking a free, no-obligation consultation online or at 1-866-939-3339
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