On Behalf of Porter Ramsay LLP | May, 12, 2022 | Personal Injury Law
When a pedestrian or cyclist is harmed on the road, the impact can be devastating. Not only can these individuals suffer serious injuries or even fatalities, but up until recently, British Columbia pedestrians and cyclists could face significant financial costs. Under the policy, individuals considered responsible, even partially, would be charged for damages in a motor vehicle accident, even if they themselves were not behind the wheel at the time. Why did the ICBC change its mind? The ICBC says it has revoked the policy in response to concerns raised by cyclists and consumer advocates. The policy has received recent... View Article
On Behalf of Porter Ramsay LLP | Apr, 01, 2022 | Personal Injury Law
Distracted driving is among the leading causes of serious car accidents in British Columbia. Increased use of mobile devices is making this issue into a more serious one. New polling data released by ICBC shows the extent of distracted driving in B.C., as well as some information on the awareness drivers have about this issue. Here are some of the main insights from the ICBC data: Occasional distracted driving is not uncommon: 42% of drivers polled say they use their phone once every 10 trips or more despite most of them knowing the risks. However, drivers are aware of the... View Article
On Behalf of Porter Ramsay LLP | Jan, 20, 2022 | Personal Injury Law
The holidays may be over, but winter still has many weeks to go. As unpredictable as British Columbia weather can be, it is best to be prepared for any possibility. This includes keeping your pantry well stocked, your vehicle in good working order and your emergency options open. However, even these proactive steps might not be enough if you encounter an icy sidewalk or untreated parking lot while you are out walking. Even if you are only taking a few steps from your vehicle to the store, it only takes a small patch of ice or a wet floor to... View Article
On Behalf of Porter Ramsay LLP | Dec, 30, 2021 | Personal Injury Law
Many people look forward to a range of recreational activities in the winter, from snowy sports to family visits. While these activities can bring a great deal of fun and joy, they are not without risks. Here are some of the most common ways people sustain injuries during the winter: Slip-and-fall: Snow and ice can make even the most routine walk more dangerous. The risk of a slip-and-fall accident in winter is especially high in locations that haven’t been properly maintained, such as unsalted walkways or uneven steps. Slip-and-fall injuries can include broken wrists, arms, hips or even head trauma,... View Article
On Behalf of Porter Ramsay LLP | Aug, 05, 2021 | Personal Injury Law
British Columbia is a beautiful place, with its natural sights and abundant wildlife. This can certainly attract residents and tourists to the province, but it can also come with some risks for drivers. One of these risks is the possibility of a collision with wildlife on the roads, such as a deer or even moose. Although some of these crashes are unavoidable, here are some tips on how to avoid hitting wildlife on the roads, or to minimize damage if a collision does happen: Keep an eye on the time: Dawn and the hours between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. are... View Article
On Behalf of Porter Ramsay LLP | Jul, 12, 2021 | Personal Injury Law
Recently, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia added a Fairness Officer to its team as part of its consumer protections. Individuals who have issues with their auto insurance, such as resolutions to payouts following an accident, may wonder whether writing to the Fairness Officer is a good idea. Here is some information about the scope of the Fairness Officer’s role that may be of interest to insured individuals in British Columbia. The credentials of the Fairness Officer The current Fairness Officer for ICBC is a former lawyer who began working for ICBC starting in 1982. He later served as an... View Article
On Behalf of Porter Ramsay LLP | May, 26, 2021 | Personal Injury Law
Trucks are an essential part of the British Columbia economy, and truck drivers work hard to move goods to all corners of the province. Despite their professional skill and vigilance, truck drivers and those around them do still contend with the risk of accidents like all motorists. There are some particular risk factors that make truck accidents more likely, and understanding these is key to understanding the accidents that happen as well as preventing future collisions. The most common causes of truck accidents include: Fatigue: Driving while tired is a risk for anyone on the road, especially someone driving a... View Article
On Behalf of Porter Ramsay LLP | May, 12, 2021 | Personal Injury Law
Motorcycling is a popular pastime for many in British Columbia. Although it can be a very relaxing and rewarding activity, it also comes with some risks should a collision occur. Here are some of the most common injuries experienced by motorcyclists, which may require short or long-term treatment. Legs: Injuries on legs typically include anything from minor bruises to burns and road rash. If there is an accident, muscle tears or broken bones can also be experienced. Arms: As with legs, bruising and road rash can happen on the upper limbs as well. More severe accidents can cause more serious... View Article
On Behalf of Porter Ramsay LLP | Apr, 14, 2021 | Personal Injury Law
Following a car accident, insurance claims can cover a range of things, including damage to the vehicle, medical costs and lost wages. For the latter benefits, claimants must remain honest about their working situation or risk having to pay back some of the money issued by the insurer. This matter recently went before in a civil tribunal, where a British Columbia man was ordered to pay back $9,595 to ICBC after being accused of providing misleading information about his work status to the insurer. What was the case? The incident began when the man responded to an email answering questions... View Article
On Behalf of Porter Ramsay LLP | Mar, 31, 2021 | Personal Injury Law
There are many factors that impact driving safety: weather, light, road conditions and the behaviour other drivers on the road to name a few. For this reason, it is understandable that certain times of year (and even certain times of day) may be higher risk than others for those on British Columbia roads. According to the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC), the winter months bring a heightened risk for drivers in the Southern Interior, with particular risk around Christmas and New Year’s. Specifically, the statistics during the holidays are as follows: An average of 110 crashes and 22 injuries... View Article
