What to Do after a Car Accident in Vancouver
Assess Injuries
Check yourself and all other parties for injuries. Do not let shock allow you to downplay any injuries- they could be more severe than you think. Call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt.
If it's safe, move your car where it's okay to stop. Determine if it's safe to get out of the car.
Exchange Information With All Parties
Obtain names and contact information for the other people involved in the car accident and any witnesses. Take photos if possible and write down what happened. Be sure to include:
• Basics info: date, time, location
• Other driver(s)'s license number and province, contact information, car make and model, insurance details, license plate number
• Other people – any other people who may have been injured or involved in the accident, such as pedestrians or cyclists
• Witnesses – contact information for any witnesses
• Accident scenario – weather, speed limits, road signs, road conditions, what you were doing, what your car was doing and so on.
Cooperate with the Police
Communicate as many details as possible to the police. They may include these details in the police report. Make sure to contact the police later if you recall any other details or if you were to hurt to speak initially. Don't admit to any kind of liability on your part but just stick to the facts without expressing any opinion.
You May Have Additional Injuries…
?See a doctor to as soon as possible detect overlooked injuries and show that you have taken steps to mitigate your injuries. If you have a primary care doctor, you can certainly see him for his opinion. However, most primary care doctors cannot diagnose a spine, brain, knee, or shoulder injury like a specialist can.
Consider Seeking a Vancouver Car Accident Lawyer
Do not be afraid of legal fees, most car accident lawyers will provide a free consultation.
Lawyers will often work on a contingency basis, meaning you won't need to pay any fees upfront. Although legal fees may seem expensive, it is often worth it as it is in the best interest of your lawyer to get the highest payout possible. A lawyer may also find compensation for things that you may otherwise overlook, such as: compensation for ongoing medical costs, time off work, pain and suffering, loss of homemaking capacity and more.
Once you have decided on a Vancouver lawyer, you won't have to worry about negotiating directly with ICBC – the personal injury lawyer will filter all communications for you. Even if you choose not to hire a law firm, the few minutes invested in free consultations may give you the knowledge and clarity to more confidently negotiate your own claim.
Track Costs or Inconveniences Resulting from the Accident
Record all details on towing costs, transportation home, time off work, pain and discomfort, household management time lost and so on. Keep any receipts or e-mails- your lawyer will likely need them.
Check yourself and all other parties for injuries. Do not let shock allow you to downplay any injuries- they could be more severe than you think. Call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt.
If it's safe, move your car where it's okay to stop. Determine if it's safe to get out of the car.
Exchange Information With All Parties
Obtain names and contact information for the other people involved in the car accident and any witnesses. Take photos if possible and write down what happened. Be sure to include:
• Basics info: date, time, location
• Other driver(s)'s license number and province, contact information, car make and model, insurance details, license plate number
• Other people – any other people who may have been injured or involved in the accident, such as pedestrians or cyclists
• Witnesses – contact information for any witnesses
• Accident scenario – weather, speed limits, road signs, road conditions, what you were doing, what your car was doing and so on.
Cooperate with the Police
Communicate as many details as possible to the police. They may include these details in the police report. Make sure to contact the police later if you recall any other details or if you were to hurt to speak initially. Don't admit to any kind of liability on your part but just stick to the facts without expressing any opinion.
You May Have Additional Injuries…
?See a doctor to as soon as possible detect overlooked injuries and show that you have taken steps to mitigate your injuries. If you have a primary care doctor, you can certainly see him for his opinion. However, most primary care doctors cannot diagnose a spine, brain, knee, or shoulder injury like a specialist can.
Consider Seeking a Vancouver Car Accident Lawyer
Do not be afraid of legal fees, most car accident lawyers will provide a free consultation.
Lawyers will often work on a contingency basis, meaning you won't need to pay any fees upfront. Although legal fees may seem expensive, it is often worth it as it is in the best interest of your lawyer to get the highest payout possible. A lawyer may also find compensation for things that you may otherwise overlook, such as: compensation for ongoing medical costs, time off work, pain and suffering, loss of homemaking capacity and more.
Once you have decided on a Vancouver lawyer, you won't have to worry about negotiating directly with ICBC – the personal injury lawyer will filter all communications for you. Even if you choose not to hire a law firm, the few minutes invested in free consultations may give you the knowledge and clarity to more confidently negotiate your own claim.
Track Costs or Inconveniences Resulting from the Accident
Record all details on towing costs, transportation home, time off work, pain and discomfort, household management time lost and so on. Keep any receipts or e-mails- your lawyer will likely need them.