What To Do If You Live In British Columbia And Have Been Injured In A Car Accident In Washington

Motor vehicle collisions make up the majority of cross-border injury claims. From the impact of adverse weather to driver negligence, many factors can contribute to accident-causing conditions. It can be challenging, especially in light of the physical stress of a collision, to know what to do if you are involved in a collision while travelling across the border. This is where the support of our Cross-border car accident lawyers can come in.

Dually licensed to practise law in Canada and the United States, our team at Border Solutions Law Group may be able to assist you through the entire process of your cross-border claim. We prioritise efficient, transparent service, working hard to ensure our clients get the compensation they deserve.

Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation about your specific case, and learn what may be possible for you.

What to Do if You Have Been In an Accident in Washington State

Motor vehicle accidents are stressful and frightening no matter where they occur. If you live in British Columbia and have been injured in a car accident in Washington, however, there may be the added stress of navigating the US healthcare system as well as insurance policies with which you may not be familiar.

As with any accident, the first and most important thing to do is to ensure that you are out of harm’s way. If you have been injured, even mildly, seek medical attention as soon as you can. Some injuries take time to reveal their full scope, and some symptoms may not appear while your body is in shock. Not only may it be essential to your ongoing health to seek the guidance of a doctor, but a medical report may be vital in the completion of your personal injury claim.

While you are still at the scene of the accident, if it is safe to do so, try to take photos and videos of the area where the accident occurred. Photograph the vehicles involved in the collision, the road, and any environmental factors (e.g. ice on the road) that may have contributed to the crash.

Record the contact information of the other driver, as well as any witnesses who were present at the time of the accident. If the police are present, ensure they generate a police report, and write down the badge numbers of the officers involved.

As soon as you can, contact us at Border Solutions Law Group. We prioritise providing our clients with timely, dedicated support, and may be able to help you through your claim, every step of the way.

What Is the Claims Process for a British Columbian Injured in Washington State?

For Canadians who have been injured in the United States, the process of filing a motor vehicle collision claim typically involves two phases: a claim in the US, and a claim in Canada. In a case where you live in British Columbia and have been injured in a car accident in Washington, you might first file a tort claim in Washington State. This claim is known as a Summons and Complaint, and its goal is to seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance provider, to cover damages you have incurred as a result of the collision.

One potential problem that may arise is a cap in the at-fault driver’s insurance. Because many Washington State drivers carry policies that cap out at $25,000 in insurance for collisions, this amount might be the maximum you could receive through your Washington claim. If the costs of your damages exceed this amount, you may be eligible to file a second claim through a British Columbia Underinsured Motorist Protection Claim.

Our team of cross-border car accident lawyers may be able to guide you through this process, from your initial claim in Washington to serving a Notice of Arbitration on ICBC back in British Columbia, and beyond. Contact us today to discuss your particular situation, and learn how we might be of service to you.

The Role of Travel Insurance In a Cross-Border Car Accident

Should you require a hospital stay while in the United States, your travel insurance may cover the relevant bill. Likewise, travel insurance may cover the costs of your property if it has been lost or damaged in the collision. Following your claim, your travel insurance provider will have a right of recovery with the at-fault driver’s insurance provider, through which they will seek reimbursement.

While travel insurance can provide tremendous financial relief following an accident, it does not usually cover ongoing losses such as income you may lose as a result of your injuries, the costs of your future medical care and treatments, pain and suffering, and more. You may be eligible to receive compensation for these damages through your auto insurance. Contact us today to discuss the specifics of your case, and see how Border Solutions Law Group might help you.

Contact Border Solutions Law Group for a Free Initial Consultation

Being injured while travelling across the border can be a tremendously stressful event, particularly as you work to stabilise your physical condition and navigate a claim in an unfamiliar jurisdiction. You do not have to navigate your cross-border injury claim alone.

Our team of cross-border car accident lawyers are here to listen to your story and provide tailored guidance as to next steps that may best benefit you. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation and learn more about how we may be able to help.