Medical Issues and Your ICBC Claim
Medical evidence is the most important part of any motor vehicle accident claim.
Whether your claim is resolved by negotiation or trial, the amount you receive as compensation for your injuries is established by determining what the courts have previously awarded for similar injuries. Although many factors are involved in the evaluation of your accident injuries, it is essential to know exactly what injuries you suffered, how severe they were, and what treatment you received. We also need to know what the injuries prevented you from doing, and how long it took you to recover.
The medical evidence needed to prove your injury claim starts with your family doctor. He or she will provide appropriate treatment and make suitable referrals to other forms of treatment such as physiotherapy, massage therapy or chiropractic. Your treatment may involve a CT or MRI examination and your family doctor will be able to arrange these. Many motor vehicle accident injuries require the involvement of a specialist — an orthopedic surgeon or neurologist, for example. Your family doctor will be able to make these referrals.
Be sure to make clear that you have an insurance claim and be prepared to provide the ICBC claim number when talking with your family doctor about your motor vehicle accident injuries.
A family doctor with whom you have a long-standing relationship is ideally placed to comment on your injuries, recovery and level of disability. You may find, however, that your physician is uncomfortable dealing with a motor vehicle accident claim and may decline to treat you for your injuries. Although these cases are rare, it is essential to find another doctor as soon as possible. Ask your friends and family (or your lawyer) for a recommendation.
Once you have a physician who will work with you on your ICBC claim, be sure to attend regularly and follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations. Failure to do so can seriously harm your claim.
Contact Robert Carter for more information.
This Article is only intended to highlight legal information of a general nature which readers may find interesting. It is not intended to provide a comprehensive review nor is it intended to provide legal advice of any kind. Readers should not act on information in this article without seeking specific advice on the particular matter. GBC Law would be pleased to provide additional details or to discuss how this information is relevant to a specific situation.
Located in: Personal Injury & ICBC Claims
