YOU AND THE LAW NO-FAULT ACCIDENT BENEFITS WHAT'S NEW You probably know that on April 1, 2019 our provincial government brought in a slew of changes concerning compensation for car accident injuries. The insurance scheme run by ICBC was given a major overhaul. registered letter or delivering the report to an ICBC claims centre.) And you must give ICBC an ICBC authorized proof of claim form within 90 days after the accident What additional types of health care treatments are now reimbursed? They include treatments by physiotherapists, psychologists, chiropractors and kinesiologists, registered massage therapists, clinical counsellors and acupuncturists One goal of the changes was to put ICBC in a better financial position. This was mainly done by imposing a $5,500 cap or limit on the "pain and suffering" component you can recover for so-called "minor injuries" in a car accident occurring on or after April 1, 2019 Some of the specific increased no-fault benefit amounts now available since the new rules took etffect are: Another significant goal of the overhaul was to shift the focus of the insurance system. The aim is to help you recover more quickly, regardless of whether you caused the accident or were an innocent victim. This was done by allowing you to get reimbursement for more types of rehabilitation treatments and by increasing the amounts of some of the accident benefits you can recover Wage replacement amounts are now up to $740 per week, instead of $300. Doctor-supported housekeeping amounts have been increased up to $280 per week instead of $145 (for things like cooking, cleaning and shopping) Funeral benefits and death benefits have also been These accident benefits are sometimes called no-fault increased benefits or Part 7 benefits, as they are dealt with in Part 7 of the relevant statutory regulation. Most importantly, keep in mind that you can still get compensation for things like cost of future care or reduced income earning ability -just like before - if you're injured and aren't at fault for the accident The $5,500 cap does not apply to these things One welcome change to the no-fault benefits is that the overall policy limit for all kinds of medical and other qualifying health care treatments has doubled. You used to only be able to recover $150,000. Now you can get up to a maximum of $300,000. (This is different from the wage replacement benefits, mentioned below) You should see a lawyer to deal promptly with ICBC to help you through the maze and protect your accident benefit and full compensation rights. But beware: There are strict time limits you must meet and procedures you have to follow to collect any no- fault accident benefits, whether they are medical/health care benefits or other qualifying benefits. This column provides information only and must not be relied on for legal advice. Please call Marvin Geekie at 250-861-5678 (for your free, no obligation, initial consultation) You must promptly notify ICBC of the accident. You must give a written report on the accident with details of the accident circumstances and its consequences within 30 days of the accident. (This has to be done by Written by Janice and George Mucalor, L.B.s with contribution by Marvin Geekie. "You and the Lau" is a registered trademark. OJanice and George Mucaloe. MARVIN GEEKIE DAVID YEREMA sw SalloumWatts 200 1455 Ellis Street Kelowna, BC, V1Y 2A3 Ph: (250) 861-5678 ext.111 mgeekie@swylaw.com, www.salloumwatts.com Personal injury Law YOU AND THE LAW NO-FAULT ACCIDENT BENEFITS WHAT'S NEW You probably know that on April 1, 2019 our provincial government brought in a slew of changes concerning compensation for car accident injuries. The insurance scheme run by ICBC was given a major overhaul. registered letter or delivering the report to an ICBC claims centre.) And you must give ICBC an ICBC authorized proof of claim form within 90 days after the accident What additional types of health care treatments are now reimbursed? They include treatments by physiotherapists, psychologists, chiropractors and kinesiologists, registered massage therapists, clinical counsellors and acupuncturists One goal of the changes was to put ICBC in a better financial position. This was mainly done by imposing a $5,500 cap or limit on the "pain and suffering" component you can recover for so-called "minor injuries" in a car accident occurring on or after April 1, 2019 Some of the specific increased no-fault benefit amounts now available since the new rules took etffect are: Another significant goal of the overhaul was to shift the focus of the insurance system. The aim is to help you recover more quickly, regardless of whether you caused the accident or were an innocent victim. This was done by allowing you to get reimbursement for more types of rehabilitation treatments and by increasing the amounts of some of the accident benefits you can recover Wage replacement amounts are now up to $740 per week, instead of $300. Doctor-supported housekeeping amounts have been increased up to $280 per week instead of $145 (for things like cooking, cleaning and shopping) Funeral benefits and death benefits have also been These accident benefits are sometimes called no-fault increased benefits or Part 7 benefits, as they are dealt with in Part 7 of the relevant statutory regulation. Most importantly, keep in mind that you can still get compensation for things like cost of future care or reduced income earning ability -just like before - if you're injured and aren't at fault for the accident The $5,500 cap does not apply to these things One welcome change to the no-fault benefits is that the overall policy limit for all kinds of medical and other qualifying health care treatments has doubled. You used to only be able to recover $150,000. Now you can get up to a maximum of $300,000. (This is different from the wage replacement benefits, mentioned below) You should see a lawyer to deal promptly with ICBC to help you through the maze and protect your accident benefit and full compensation rights. But beware: There are strict time limits you must meet and procedures you have to follow to collect any no- fault accident benefits, whether they are medical/health care benefits or other qualifying benefits. This column provides information only and must not be relied on for legal advice. Please call Marvin Geekie at 250-861-5678 (for your free, no obligation, initial consultation) You must promptly notify ICBC of the accident. You must give a written report on the accident with details of the accident circumstances and its consequences within 30 days of the accident. (This has to be done by Written by Janice and George Mucalor, L.B.s with contribution by Marvin Geekie. "You and the Lau" is a registered trademark. OJanice and George Mucaloe. MARVIN GEEKIE DAVID YEREMA sw SalloumWatts 200 1455 Ellis Street Kelowna, BC, V1Y 2A3 Ph: (250) 861-5678 ext.111 mgeekie@swylaw.com, www.salloumwatts.com Personal injury Law