Can You Make a Claim to ICBC Through a Private Insurance Provider?

ICBC is the main insurance company used by people living in B.C. Whether or not you are responsible for the accident, you can get compensation. But one of the questions people ask when it comes to getting compensation is whether they can still get compensation from ICBC through their private insurance provider.

The answer to this is yes. You can first provide the evidence of your injuries to your private insurance provider who will be able to give you your primary coverage. After that, your private insurance provider will send the bills to ICBC. ICBC will provide coverage through its Accident Benefits program. This is a part of the Basic Insurance coverage of B.C. dwellers. They can provide coverage above what your private insurance company has provided. 

ICBC conducts their own investigations when it comes to insurance policies. They may send their insurance adjusters to determine the extent of the injures. However, how much ICBC will reimburse your private insurance provider will depend on the extent of the coverage. They might not provide reimbursement to wage loss benefits, for instance.

If you want maximum compensation to cover all your losses, talk to an injury lawyer in Coquitlam. Your injury lawyer in Coquitlam can help you negotiate your compensation. If ICBC will low-ball you, you can rely on your lawyer to negotiate on your behalf. Lawyers from Learn Zenk Barristers & Solicitors will know if you are not being compensated by your insurance company fairly and get ICBC to provide a fairer compensation.

To know more about ICBC lawyer Coquitlam BC please visit our website: learnzenk.com

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Should You Settle for Your Insurance Company’s First Personal Injury Offer?

Insurance companies will try to keep the costs down, so one of their tactics in dealing with personal injury claims is making a low first offer. Some claimants might accept the first offer because they are in need of money for their treatments and recovery, especially if they are not able to go to work or they are the breadwinners of their family.

But what if you think your case is worth more than what your insurance company is offering? Should you negotiate and drag it out or just accept the first offer? The thing about accepting the first offer is that hard and fast rules are nonexistent. Often times, the first offer is only 30-40% of the real value of your claim. However, taking things to court and going through a litigation battle can be stressful and time-consuming. When you need the money already to pay for your expenses and medical bills, it doesn’t seem good to wait. 

What you should do instead is talk to Coquitlam personal injury lawyers first. It is important to get legal advice from personal injury lawyers in Coquitlam who will be able to determine whether you should accept the first offer or negotiate further. Since your insurance company will also avoid a costly litigation battle, they would be more willing to negotiate if you have legal representation.

If you just received your insurance company’s first offer and you don’t think the offer is fair, you can talk to lawyers at Learn Zenk Barristers & Solicitors first.

To know more about Injury lawyer in Coquitlam BC please visit our website: learnzenk.com

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Can’t Perform Household Chores Due to Your Injuries? Here is What You Need to Know

Injuries from accidents can have a major impact on our ability to perform our day-to-day duties. One of them is being able to perform household chores. You should know that you can make a claim for your inability to provide household chores. This can also include inability to provide care to underage children.

When seeking a claim, there are different ways to prove that you do need to be compensated. First, you can provide detailed reports on the kinds of household chores that you did in the past but can no longer do because of your injuries. You can also hire a person to do the chores and then send the receipts as proof.

Keep in mind though that you have a duty to mitigate. That means you should not seek compensation for more than what you have been doing in the past. For instance, if you only have your lawn mowed once a week, you might not be given compensation if you exceed that, especially if ICBC can prove that it is not within your usual range of activities.

Receipts are not mandatory though. If someone you know volunteers to do some of the household chores such as friends and family, personal injury lawyers in Coquitlam will still be able to prove that you do need help with the chores.

The important thing here is to work with experienced personal injury lawyers in Coquitlam such as Learn Zenk Barristers & Solicitors. By having a legal representation, you will know how to defend yourself better.

To know more about Injury lawyer in Coquitlam BC please visit our website: learnzenk.com

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ICBC Might Not Give You the Offer You are Expecting

Often times, injured people make a claim against ICBC with high expectations. They expect ICBC to give them a high compensation for their injuries. But this isn’t the case all the time. If anything, ICBC might give you a low-ball offer. This is a tactic used by ICBC to reduce their expenses.

Expect the first offer to be nowhere near the amount you are expecting. The best thing to do is to decline the offer and ask how the insurance company came up with that amount and then also include your own computations on your expenses.

Of course, being new to the process, you probably have no idea where and how to start negotiating. This is where an ICBC lawyer in Coquitlam will come in. An ICBC lawyer in Coquitlam such as Learn Zenk Barristers & Solicitors have the expertise and knowledge when it comes to these cases, so they will know whether ICBC is low-balling you and what you should do when this happens. 

Your lawyer will negotiate on your behalf, to make sure you get the maximum value of your compensation. If you don’t have a lawyer yet, now is a good time to retain the services of one.

It is important to retain the services of a lawyer from the start of your claim. Many people only get the services of lawyers when they are already in a pinch and they have already started the negotiation process. Having a stronger voice when negotiating can actually help you strengthen your claim.

To know more about Personal injury lawyers Coquitlam BC please visit our website: learnzenk.com

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3 Frequently Asked Questions About Slip and Fall Accidents in the Workplace

Slip and fall accidents account for 17.7% of accidents that happen in the workplace. It’s actually more common than many people think. Unfortunately, employees often don’t know what to do if this happens to them.

To shed some light to some things about slip and fall accidents, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:

1. Who is liable when it comes to slip and fall accidents?

One of the important things to ask is who is liable. Establishing liability is important to understand who should be responsible in shouldering the costs of treatments and loss of wage. Often times, the liability falls in the hands of the employers, who have a responsibility to keep the workplace safe. If the slip and fall accident was caused by a problem in the structure of the building such as broken pavement or unsafe stairs, employers are the one at fault.

2. Are slip and fall accidents under worker’s compensation?

Most of the time, accidents that happen in the workplace are covered by the company’s worker’s compensation. However, it still depends on the company. It’s better to take a look at your employment contract to understand what is included.

3. Should I hire Coquitlam personal injury lawyers?

If you come to an agreement with your employer about compensation and this seems fair, you might not have to file a lawsuit. However, if you have sustained serious injuries and your employer refuses to pay, you might need to retain the services of personal injury lawyers in Coquitlam BC such as Learn Zenk Barristers & Solicitors.

If you are a victim, you should know that you have a right for a proper compensation. If your company refuses to give you one, you should get the legal help you need.

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What Information Should You Share to the At Fault Party in the Event of an Accident?

There is such a thing as oversharing when it comes to divulging information to the at fault party in the event of a car accident. What you say can be used against you. There are certain things you can share but there are also those you are better off just divulging to your Coquitlam personal injury lawyers. 

It is best to talk to personal injury lawyers in Coquitlam before meeting up with the at fault party. Do not meet up with the insurance adjuster of the at fault party without discussing it with your lawyer first. You can divulge details that are common knowledge such as those that are already found in the police report. 

Consistency is key when it comes to sharing information. What you have shared to the police who investigated the accident, should be the same information you share to the insurance company of the at fault party. Any inconsistencies to your testimonials can be used against you, especially if it has been recorded.

Also do not divulge personal thoughts. Avoid telling more than the insurance adjuster is asking. Do not voluntarily tell information that is not being asked of you. If there are things you are not sure of, don’t tell it to the insurance adjuster as if it is a fact. 

A lawyer from Learn Zenk Barristers & Solicitors can help you in preparing to meet with the at fault party and what to say in case they are fishing for more information that isn’t really necessary. 

To know more about Learn Zenk Barristers & Solicitors in Coquitlam please visit our website: learnzenk.com

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Recovering from a Whiplash Injury – What You Need to Know

Whiplash injury accounts for a big percentage of the injuries sustained in vehicle accidents, particularly rear-end accidents. It is an injury inflicted to the neck muscles and tendons. Due to an accident, these muscles and tendons stretches and then when they are stretched to their limit, the tear.

While whiplash injuries can’t be easily seen in tests, it can be determined through its symptoms such as limited neck motion, pain, stiffness in the neck area, swelling, headache that usually starts at the base of the head and then travels to the forehead.

The problem with whiplash injuries is that they might not manifest right away. That means there is a chance the symptoms will appear a few days, weeks and sometimes even months or years after the accident.

Most whiplash injuries heal overtime. But make sure you get the right medical treatments. Whiplash injuries can be very painful and the pain can also persist. Your doctor can prescribe you with painkillers to manage the pain.

Therapies may also help in healing the whiplash injuries. Limiting movements after the symptoms manifest with the use of a neck brace can also be done.

Since whiplash injuries can be debilitating and can sometimes have lasting and recurring pain, you need to make sure you are being fairly compensated. Talk to an ICBC lawyer in Coquitlam who will be able to help you in filing for an insurance claim and making sure you get the right value for your claim. Get the help of an ICBC lawyer in Coquitlam BC such as Learn Zenk Barristers & Solicitors.

To know more about Personal Injury Lawyer in Coquitlam BC please visit our website: learnzenk.com

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Dealing with Your Insurance Company: Is a Lawsuit the Best Way?

When it comes to dealing with your personal injury insurance company, the last thing you would want to do is file a lawsuit. This should be treated as a last resort because lawsuits are often expensive, exhausting and time-consuming. You also don’t know what the outcome is. If the court does not end up siding with you, you could lose a lot more and that includes paying your lawyer for professional fees out-of-pocket.

Lawsuits aren’t always the best ways to deal with an insurance claim. What you should do first is attempt to negotiate the insurance claim. You can get the help of Coquitlam personal injury lawyers such as Learn Zenk Barristers & Solicitors first to determine how much your claim is really worth. You might have some ideas on how much your claim is worth, but if you lack evidences to support these claims, you could be spending so much time and money in pursuing a fruitless task. Personal injury layers in Coquitlam will let you know if you have a valid claim. 

If your insurance company doesn’t budget and refuses to give you the compensation you deserve, only then will your lawyers negotiate on your behalf and put more pressure on them. This usually involves going back and forth. Your insurance company will also most likely want to avoid a lawsuit, so they are willing to cooperate. It is just that lowballing is often their first course of action.

For your sake, avoid a lawsuit but make sure you also fight for a fair compensation. 

To know more about Learn Zenk Barristers & Solicitors in Coquitlam please visit our website.

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Crossing the Streets – Safety Rules Pedestrians Should Know

Accidents involving pedestrians crossing the streets can happen. Both parties can be negligent in these cases. The drivers might not be exercising enough caution when driving past crosswalks and pedestrians might not be aware of their surroundings when crossing. 

 

Although drivers must yield to pedestrians, it is still important for pedestrians to follow safety rules in crossing in order to avoid accidents:

1. When walking down a pedestrian lane, face the side of the traffic.

That way, you can see whether there is oncoming traffic or inspect if a car is heading your way in a faster speed. This makes it easier to gauge if you can make it to the other side safely. Look both ways as well before crossing to make sure you won’t get stuck in the middle of the road as the other side still has a lot of oncoming vehicles.

2. Only walk when there are no vehicles or when the vehicles have yielded.

It may require communication between you and the driver. Once the driver has come to full stop or has yielded, that is the time you can cross the road. You can also communicate using gestures to let the driver know of your intention.

3. Watch out for bikers.

Motorists may have yielded to you, but bikers might not. It might be difficult to see bikers, especially at night, so be hyperaware of your surroundings.

If you are a pedestrian who was hit by a driver, know that you can get help. An Injury Lawyer in Coquitlam can help you in processing and negotiating your claim. An injury lawyer in Coquitlam from Learn Zenk Barristers & Solicitors can make sure you get the compensation that you deserve.

To know more about Personal Injury Lawyer in Coquitlam please visit our website: learnzenk.com/

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What to Do If Your Car Got Hit by a Distracted Driver?

During the first 4 months of 2018 alone, about 7,309 cases of distracted driving have been reported in BC. This is alarming considering the government hasn’t ben lax in their campaign against distracted driving, even increasing fines as well as insurance premiums to deter drivers.

But what if you are a victim of this incident? What should you do?

1. Get the help of Coquitlam personal injury lawyers to prove that it is a distracted driving case. 

The role of personal injury lawyers in Coquitlam to your case is indispensable. With the help of a personal injury lawyer, you will be able to submit the evidences you need and prove to your insurance company that the other party is at fault. This can help in getting your maximum compensation. Lawyers such as Learn Zenk Barristers & Solicitors will guide you on how to submit an insurance claim and whether or not to file for a lawsuit.

2. Submit all documents and evidences needed to prove your case. 

Prepare all documents that need to be submitted to your insurance company. You can submit videos, police report and other pertinent proofs that distracted driving was really the cause of the accident. 

3. Meet up with your insurance adjuster. 

Once your insurance company has scheduled a meeting with an insurance adjuster, make sure you talk things through with your lawyer, so you know what to say during the meeting. 

If you are a victim of distracted driving that led to catastrophic injuries, know that all hope isn’t lost. Get the help of a lawyer, so your insurance company will not low-ball you and will give you fair compensation. 

To know more about Personal injury lawyer in Coquitlam please visit our website: https://www.learnzenk.com/

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When You Should Look for Another Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal injury lawyers in Coquitlam are there to help you fight the big battles such as your battle against your insurance company when filing for a personal injury claim. You can rely on personal injury lawyers in Coquitlam to negotiate with the insurance company, so you are more likely to get the full value of your claim. 

It is important to work with the right Personal Injury Lawyers in Coquitlam. The success of your claim depends on the expertise of your personal injury lawyer.

If you think your personal injury lawyer no longer has your best interests at heart, you should consider looking for another lawyer. Here are the signs that say you should consider looking for new personal injury lawyers in Coquitlam:

1. If your lawyer isn’t updating you with the progress of the case.

You should always get updates on how well your case is progressing. Look for a lawyer who will be able to discuss any changes in the case, good or bad.

2. If your lawyer isn’t responsive.

Do you have to keep on sending messages to your lawyer before you can get a response? If it takes a long time before your lawyer responds to your questions, a change might be necessary. 

3. If your lawyer is always busy with other clients. 

If your lawyer is too busy with other clients, he might not be able to give your case enough time.

Look for a lawyer dedicated in personal injury cases such as Learn Zenk Barristers & Solicitors. Choose a lawyer who will listen to you and address your needs. 

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What is a Reasonable Offer from ICBC?

Before accepting ICBC’s offer, make sure it is reasonable. The problem is that most claimants don’t have an idea what is reasonable and what’s not. There have been a lot of instances in the past when claimants accepted a low-ball offer only to end up realizing it isn’t enough to cover the costs of all their losses. 

In order to know whether ICBC is making a reasonable offer, you have to first assess the extent of your losses. Don’t just take into consideration the visible damages that the accident might have inflicted on your life. Also take into consideration the invisible damages such as damages to your mental health and soft tissue damages.

Pain and suffering and all other non-pecuniary damages should be compensated by your insurance company. What you can do is consult with experienced Personal Injury Lawyers in Coquitlam such as Learn Zenk Barristers & Solicitors to determine how much your claim is worth.

Once ICBC makes an offer and it is far from your expected compensation, personal injury lawyers in Coquitlam can negotiate with your insurance company using your pain and suffering as an argument. Evidences to support your claims can be presented.

The goal of ICBC is to avoid a trial. This is costlier than negotiating off-court. They will expect you to negotiate the claim. If you are working with lawyers such as Learn Zenk Barristers & Solicitors, you can have a stronger and more knowledgeable voice when dealing with insurance adjusters. This will give you a better chance of receiving compensation that is closer to the real value of your claim.

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