Tips and Considerations When Choosing a Cross-Border Injury Lawyer
If you are injured while travelling across the border, you may be eligible for financial compensation through a cross-border injury claim. When pursuing damages in such cases, it can be extremely helpful to choose a lawyer who is experienced in litigating on both sides of the border. Although a variety of law firms exist, there are certain actions you can take to make sure you find a lawyer who is a good fit for your case.
If you require assistance with your cross-border injury claim, our team at Border Solutions Law Group can be of assistance. With personal injury lawyers who are dual-licensed in both British Columbia and Washington State, we can help you navigate the legal complexities of multiple jurisdictions. Contact us today for advice on your personal injury matter, no matter what side of the border it occurred on.
Look For Lawyers Who are Licensed in Both Canada and the United States
Although many law firms in British Columbia advertise that they handle cross-border cases in the United States, their lawyers may only be licensed to practice in Canada. This can mean that they lack litigation experience and knowledge of laws and regulations in both jurisdictions. When your lawyers are not dual-licensed, you may have to work with a secondary American firm to pursue a cross-border injury claim. Because fee agreements in the United States can include up to 40-50% of your case winnings, working with two firms can be much more expensive and time-consuming.
Instead, it can be beneficial to examine your prospective law firm’s lawyers to determine whether any are dual-licensed in both jurisdictions. This way, you can be assured that the lawyer you work with has a complete understanding of both countries involved in your cross-border injury claim. You can also eliminate the need to work with two law firms at once. This may help you avoid hidden costs by paying only a single fee to one firm.
Does Your Lawyer Have Experience Litigating in the United States?
If your incident took place in the United States, you may have to file and litigate your claim there, too. When choosing a cross-border injury lawyer as a resident of Canada, their experience working in the United States may be an asset to you. Relevant experience to look for might include:
- Whether your lawyer has ever been to trial in the United States
- If your lawyer has knowledge of case law in the United States
- Whether your lawyer has ever settled a claim successfully in the United States
- And more
By reviewing your lawyer’s litigation experience in Canada and the United States, you can be assured that your cross-border injury claim will be handled appropriately.
Knowledge of Cross-Border Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage in Canada and the United States differs greatly and can play an important role in cross-border injury claims. Proficient knowledge of insurance interplay between jurisdictions allows a lawyer to more confidently understand what compensations you may be entitled to.
For example, your cross-border injury lawyer should have a thorough understanding of how ICBC may treat accidents that occur in the United States. In addition, does your lawyer understand what the mechanism for underinsured motorist protection is vis-à-vis a US claim? Do they understand how British Columbia’s no-fault regime may not apply to your claim if the accident occurred in the United States? The more of these questions your lawyer can answer, the better fit they may be for handling your cross-border injury claim.
How Long Has Your Lawyer Been Practicing Law?
Years of experience in law can significantly influence how your cross-border injury lawyer handles your claim. Law firms are aided by experience, especially when a lawyer has accumulated time litigating in both Canada and the United States. The longer your lawyer has been practicing law, the more cases they will have encountered and the more specific advice they may be able to provide you. This is especially important considering cross-border injury claims can be particularly complex due to the way regulations vary by jurisdiction.
Contact Our Cross-Border Injury Lawyers Today
In every circumstance, it is important that you feel comfortable with whichever team you choose to work with. With the help of an experienced cross-border injury lawyer that you like, you will not have to deal with the complications of a cross-border injury claim alone. Our dual-licensed lawyers at Border Solutions Law Group have handled thousands of immigration and cross-border injury claims in the United States and Canada. For insightful legal advice on your cross-border injury claim, schedule your consultation with us today.
Disclaimer: For specific legal advice on your cross-border personal injury matter, please consult with a personal injury lawyer. The content in this article is not intended to act as legal advice and is instead intended to act as a general overview of a legal topic.