TYPICAL QUESTIONS ABOUT CAR ACCIDENT LAWSUITS

Victims of automobile accidents in British Columbia may face financial difficulties due to unanticipated medical expenses and lost income. It would only be natural to have questions about the legal options available to a car accident victim. In any crash, a negligent driver might be held liable for the damages sustained by injured victims.

Regarding when a personal injury claim must be filed — the basic statute of limitations in British Columbia is two years from the date of the accident that caused the injuries. The question about the value of a claim is a complicated one. Medical expenses will depend on the severity of the injuries, and on whether ongoing treatment or surgical procedures will be necessary in the future. The claimable amount for lost income will depend on the plaintiff’s average earnings.

The next question will likely be who can be named as the defendant? Under normal circumstances, the drivers or drivers believed to have been at fault can be sued, but negligence may have to be established in civil court. Some victims deal with insurance companies who are typically not looking out for the injured person’s best interests, and insurers might try to get a quick settlement. Unsuspecting victims can fall for those tactics and end up with a much lower settlement than they might have received with the guidance of legal counsel.

Consulting with an experienced personal injury lawyer in British Columbia might be the most logical step to take before negotiating with an insurance company. A skilled lawyer can launch an independent investigation to document the facts regarding the car accident, and help with establishing negligence. He or she can present the claim in a civil court in a manner that may result in a monetary award to cover both economic and non-economic damages.

Source: FindLaw, “Car Accident Injury Lawsuit FAQ“, George Khoury, Accessed on March 3, 2017