| 1. |
Get information
Get names, addresses, and telephones numbers of all persons involved
in the accident as well as all witnesses to the accident. Report the
accident to the police and obtain a copy of the police/accident
report. |
| 2. |
Seek medical attention
as soon as possible after the accident and continue seeing your health
care providers on a regular basis until you have recovered from your
injuries. Make sure to give them a full and accurate description of
your injuries. Failure to take these steps could reduce the amount of
your claim. |
| 3. |
Consult a lawyer
Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer for legal advice prior
to meeting with an insurance adjuster. |
| 4. |
Take photographs of:
• the damage to your vehicle and, if possible, the damage to any other
vehicles involved in the accident.
• any visible injuries that you may have sustained in the accident.
• the scene of the accident as soon as possible after the accident |
| 5. |
In the event of a hit and run
If you were involved in a hit and run accident, you must make all
reasonable efforts to determine the identity of the driver who left
the scene. If you fail to do so at the earliest opportunity, you could
lose the right to claim compensation for your injuries. Simply
contacting the police may not be sufficient. You may be required to
make further inquiries such as posting notices at the scene of the
accident and in a local newspaper. |
| 6. |
Documentation
Keep copies of all documents that come into your possession and that
relate to the accident or your medical treatment. |
| 7. |
Apply for benefits
Make application at the earliest opportunity for ICBC no fault
benefits, employment insurance medical benefits, disability benefits
that you may have at your place of employment, and any other benefits
to which you may be entitled. Some benefits such as ICBC no fault
benefits can be deducted from the amount of your compensation even if
you don't apply for them.
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