6 things you need to do if you're in a car accident in BC

Vancouverites struggle with one thing above all else — the rain.

It means that the road conditions in Vancouver aren’t quite as nice as they might be during the rest of the year, and with that comes an increase in accidents on the road. While you can do everything you can to stay safe and avoid collisions, they’re always an unfortunate possibility.

So what are the steps to take after you’ve been in an accident? It can be a stressful and chaotic time, but don’t worry — we’ve asked Rick McMullan, Partner at CBM Lawyers, for some tips so you know exactly what to do if you ever find yourself walking away from an auto accident in BC.

Car accident/Shutterstock

Collect the necessary information from all parties

It’s very important to get the key information from all parties involved to support your claim, with the reality that the police don’t attend most accidents nowadays (unless there is serious injury or death).

This means you will need to do your own investigation — if you’re not the one at fault, you have to be able to prove that. Make sure you get the driver’s license information and vehicle registration for all parties involved in the collision, and if possible take photographs of any vehicles involved in the collision and the damage to each of the vehicles.

Seek any independent witnesses

Witnesses can be key to a successful claim, especially where it may not be clear who’s at fault. This means that seeking out independent witnesses that weren’t involved in the event is imperative, and if you can obtain the name and contact information of any witnesses, you can provide that information to ICBC.

If necessary, see a doctor

If you’re experiencing any symptoms at all, it is wise to see a doctor just as a precaution. You’ll want to do this ASAP for two reasons: 1) Any necessary treatment can be administered by a doctor, and 2) Your injuries will be documented in case you have to advance an injury claim to ICBC.

Report the accident to ICBC

One of the most important things to do after being involved in a car accident is reporting it to ICBC as soon as you can — the same day if possible. You are required by law to report the accident to ICBC, so make sure to get it done within the first day or two.

If applicable, seek legal support for any personal injuries

You should get legal advice at an early stage if you’re going to be pursuing a claim, particularly with the implementation of the new personal injury caps on minor injuries in April 2019. CBM Lawyers have six full-time personal injury lawyers offering free initial consultations, so they can get to work on your claim straight away.

Getting advice early on is crucial so that you know what evidence is required to advance your claim, and it won’t cost you anything to obtain some early legal advice about the accident and your injury claim.

Above all else, stay calm

As long as you know the steps to take following a road accident, there is no reason to panic. Stay calm, and feel empowered that you have the knowledge to protect yourself.

Slow down on the roads and drive safe, and if you would like more information about what to do after a road accident, you can visit CBM Lawyers’ website.