Getting into a motor vehicle accident can be an extremely traumatic event. Often the trauma of the injuries are compounded by fear and panic resulting from not understanding the ensuing process. Obviously your first thoughts turn to your insurance company after all you paid a lot of money for you coverage. However, all too often accident victims are inadequately compensated. I have been personally involved in a claim where the victim accepted a settlement of $450.00 only to find out later that his injuries were more serious. I managed to get the release he signed set aside at the Supreme Court level but the B.C. Court of Appeal overturned the ruling of the trial judge stating that the release was indeed binding and no further claim could be advanced by the injured victim. I know many accident victims try to settle their claims directly with the insurance company. This generally is a mistake because with few exceptions the injured party is not fully aware of the various forms of compensation they are entitled to. Personal injury law is a very complex, constantly changing area of the law that goes often goes well beyond a claim for general damages. Many claims involve no fault benefits (Part VIIs), past and future wage losses and loss of capacity claims for those who are less marketable in the employment arena even if they suffer no immediate loss of income. There are tax considerations, homemaker claims, claims for future care and special damage claims to mention just a few. Obviously many of these apply to the more seriously injured but it is unlikely that you will be provided with this information by your insurer in any event. That is why you should consult a lawyer, even if you try to settle the claim on your own. I will not charge you for such an initial consultation. Remember once you sign a release you cannot, with very few exceptions, reopen your claims.

Contingency fee arrangements are available and tend to range from 10% to 33.3% depending on whether liability (fault) is in issue, the size of the claim and the overall complexity . In most instances where liability is not an issue I will fund the disbursements which can be substantial. Then when the claim is settled or judgment is rendered at trial these advances are repaid from the costs you receive from the insurer.

I would be pleased to discuss your claim and provide you with a free evaluation at any time.