Vehicle Accidents
Motor Vehicle Accidents, Bicycle Accidents, Pedestrian Accidents
Motor vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents can cause significant physical, emotional, and financial hardship. Although British Columbia’s no-fault insurance model covers many aspects of injury claims, navigating the process and understanding entitlements can remain complex. Our Vancouver lawyers provide experienced guidance in all accident-related matters. We assist drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians in securing appropriate medical, rehabilitation, and income benefits, ensuring their rights are fully protected under the ICBC system.
- Motor Vehicle Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
Motor Vehicle Accidents
The complexity and pace of modern life make roadways and intersections increasingly dangerous. Accidents result from distracted driving, excessive speed, driving while under the influence, visibility issues, or simply a momentary lapse of attention. We represent drivers, passengers, cyclists, pedestrians, and others injured on our public thoroughfares.
Note: as of May 2021, the NDP government has brought in mandatory and extremely broad no-fault insurance for all car-accident-related claims in B.C.. This means that in virtually every circumstance in which a motor vehicle is involved in an injury or death, no civil claims are possible. S. 116 of the Insurance (Vehicle) Act provides for some exceptions to this rule, including for claims against vehicle manufacturers, vehicle salespeople, vehicle part manufacturers, garage service operators, those who have licenses to sell liquor on their premises, and drivers who are convicted of certain criminal offences – but these exceptions are very rare and only allow for very narrow types of claims.
Please contact a lawyer at Rice Harbut Elliott LLP to speak about any questions relating to these changes.
Bicycle Accidents
More and more British Columbians use a bicycle as their primary form of transportation. In Vancouver, the proliferation of bike lanes has encouraged more cyclists onto our roadways. However, as cars and bicycles learn to coexist, the actions of drivers can lead to devastating consequences for cyclists. We have represented hundreds of cyclists injured by the negligence of a motor vehicle driver, fellow cyclist, or pedestrian.
Pedestrian Accidents
No one is more vulnerable on or near a roadway than a pedestrian. Pedestrians are frequently harmed by drivers who do not follow the rules of the road, often leading to catastrophic consequences. We have represented hundreds of pedestrians injured by negligent drivers.
1. Check to see if everyone is okay.
2. Call 911 if anyone involved in the collision has injuries that require medical attention or if you require police involvement.
3. Obtain (in writing and/or through photographs) the names, contact information, and driver’s license numbers of the other people involved in the collision.
4. Note or photograph the license plate numbers, the insurance policy information, and the make and model of the other vehicles. You have an obligation to make your best effort to ascertain the identity of the other vehicles and their drivers.
5. Photograph all vehicle damage and the resting positions of the vehicles.
6. Obtain the names and contact information of any witnesses to the collision.
7. If your vehicle is too damaged to operate, call a tow truck. If there is gasoline or oil leaking from your vehicle, stand a safe distance away.
We strongly recommend that you talk to a lawyer before you call Dial-A-Claim and before you meet with ICBC. Make sure you are well informed about your rights before making any decisions. You are entitled to consult with a lawyer at any time. Getting preliminary legal advice will cost you nothing—and it could make a huge difference to your case.
You should, at the very least, speak to a lawyer to understand your legal rights and options. You can speak to one of our lawyers at no charge and with no obligation. Get the facts before you make any decisions that can have a profound impact on your life.
We focus on providing you exceptional legal service, while you focus on getting better.