Car Accident Lawyer Maple Ridge

Do You Need A Car Accident Lawyer?

If you have been hurt in a car accident in the Maple Ridge area, put the legal team of Lofranco Corriero to work for you. Our team of experienced car accident lawyers have helped to resolve thousands of car accident claims throughout the years including truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, cycling accidents and others recreational vehicle accidents including snowmobile accidents, boating accidents and ATV accidents.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a motor vehicle or car accident involving serious injury or death in the Maple Ridge area, it is in your best interest to speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer who, beyond ensuring your rights are protected and your case is handled professionally, can help navigate insurance, medical and legal circumstances and issues surrounding the car accident. For over 35 years the personal injury law firm of Lofranco Corriero has successfully handled car accident claims or cases involving injury or death in Maple Ridge and throughout Southern British Columbia. Put our professional car accident lawyer team to work for you.

Car Accident Statistics

In 2016, according to Statistics Canada, over 115,000 motor vehicle accidents occurred across Canada including 1,898 motor vehicle fatalities with over 10,000 serious injuries. In British Columbia alone, there were over 33,000 car accidents. Among the most common car accidents causes are failing to stop at an intersection, failure to accurately respond to driving conditions, poor road conditions, distracted driving and speeding, with serious distracted driving accidents on the rise in British Columbia.

Unexpected and jarring, a serious car accident is often an incredibly traumatic, possibly debilitating experience for anyone. At personal injury law firm Lofranco Corriero, we're here to help and you'll always find us as close as a phone call away during this trying time.

The most common causes of a car accident include distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, reckless driving and weather conditions. In the Maple Ridge area, as with other urban centers throughout British Columbia, car accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists, resulting in injury or fatalities are on the rise.

Should you require a personal injury lawyer as a result of a traumatic or fatal car accident, or if you simply have questions, Lofranco Corriero is available to assist you. We provide a free, no obligation consultation and if you are unable to travel, we can come to you at a time and place of your convenience.

ICBC – Insurance Corporation of British Columbia

In British Columbia, ICBC Basic Autoplan insurance is a mandatory requirement for all motorists. ICBC coverage includes third party liability protection, accident benefits, underinsured motorist protection, hit-and-run and uninsured motorists protection and inverse liability.

You are entitled to benefits through ICBC regardless of who is at-fault when it comes to car accidents. Even if your case ultimately ends up going to court, you need to have attorneys and personal injury experts who are at your side, ready to fight the court battles for you. Most cases can be settled outside of court, but in the situation where the case does go to court, Lofranco Corriero lawyers are ready to fight for you.

ICBC Benefits (also known as Part 7 benefits) are available to most people injured in motor vehicle accidents in British Columbia. Part 7 benefits are “no fault” benefits, meaning that you are entitled to benefits even if the accident was your fault. The process for Part 7 benefits should generally be started within 2 years of the accident; any longer and you risk losing access to your benefits. It’s best to contact a personal injury lawyer immediately after an accident, or at your absolute earliest availability.

If you are injured in a car accident, slip and fall or other accident, you may claim accident benefits for the following things:

• Medical treatments not covered by your accident benefits
• Wages lost that are not covered by your accident benefits
• General pain and suffering, physical and emotional trauma.

ICBC – Insurance Corporation of British Columbia

The benefits that you are entitled to all depends on your particular accident and current situation. Each benefit has its limits that are predetermined and can give a rough estimate of your entitlement.

Medical Benefits covered by ICBC include reasonable and necessary medical expenses, therapy expenses, prosthesis and orthosis. Part 7 benefits for medical expenses provide up to $135,000 to pay for medical and rehabilitation expenses.

Rehabilitation Benefits cover various services and expenses that could assist and rehabilitate injured persons. Some services offered include one-time alterations to your home (if the injured person needs a more accessible home), attendant care at home, wheelchairs and various other equipment.

Lost Income Benefits contribute up to $300 per week in the first week after the car accident. These benefits do not begin however until after any EI benefits have been exhausted. Once EI benefits have finished, lost income benefits can take effect and you are entitled to these benefits for two years after an accident. If you are unable to work again these benefits will take effect.

Homemakers may also be entitled to benefits if they are unable to do their household work, generally at $145 per week.

Death Benefits may also be available to individuals who have lost loved one’s as a result of a car accident. ICBC may require a doctor of their choosing to assess your situation. Death benefits can include monetary benefits as well as coverage of funeral expenses etc.

We recommended consulting with a serious injury attorney immediately after your accident so that you can receive proper guidance and assistance. While the ICBC representatives may seem to be friendly and on your side, their ultimate goal is to find a flaw in your case and deny you the benefits that you are entitled to. Whether it comes down to checking your social media posts or some information you give them, they will undermine your case any way they can. ICBC has the right to send you to a doctor of their choice in order to assess your injuries and prepare an accident report. It’s important to meet with these doctors and follow up, as denying their medical aid can lead to you losing your ICBC benefits.

If You Have Been Hurt In A Car Accident

If you have been hurt in a car accident try to keep a comprehensive, written incident report of your own including the date, time and specific location of the car accident; who was involved, their address, license number, plate number, car owner and insurance company; any witness information including name, address, phone number email and license plate; and any statements made by the other driver at the scene. These data points with be required if the accident has to be reported to the collision center, for insurance companies of both drivers, and in the event a personal injury lawyer specializing in car accidents is a consideration.

Any digital documentation of the car accident scene and surrounding area, as well as the weather conditions may also prove helpful.

No-Obligation Car Accident Lawyer Consultation

Should you require the professional services of a personal injury lawyer regarding a car accident in southern British Columbia, including Coquitlam, Surrey, Burnaby, Maple Ridge, Delta, Langley or Abbotsford, contact personal injury law firm Lofranco Corriero. Please don’t hesitate to contact Lofranco Corriero at 604-235-3260 for a confidential, free, no-obligation car accident lawyer consultation in the Maple Ridge area today.