Do’s and Don’ts

1.     Do get as much information as possible at the accident scene, especially the names and phone numbers of witnesses.

2.    Don’t say anything to anybody at the accident scene that may suggest that you are at fault.

3.    Don’t resist a ride in the ambulance to get checked out at the hospital – better safe than sorry.

4.    Do call us at Cowley & Company as soon as possible for the legal advice that you won’t get from the ICBC adjustor.

5.    Do see your family doctor as soon as possible after the accident.   If your family doctor is not immediately available, you can see a walk in clinic doctor.   If you must use a walk in clinic doctor, use the same doctor consistently.

6.    Do start your rehab programme as soon as possible.   Your primary care should be with either a chiropractor and/or physiotherapist. Secondary treatment may consist of massage or acupuncture.   You should do no active rehabilitation or exercise therapy in the first three months.   Starting your therapy does not mean not seeing your medical doctor.   You need to see your medical doctor regularly, weekly at first and then less often as time goes on but no less often than once a month.

7.    Do apply for wage loss benefits, if applicable, either through your employer or through medical EI. If neither applies, then you can apply through ICBC.

8.    Do shut down or render dormant your social network sites such as Facebook and don’t let anyone post pictures of you on their site.

9.    Do keep an eye out for ICBC surveillance and don’t do anything that you have told your doctors or anybody else that you can’t do.

10. Do keep a pain diary to record your medical appointments, symptoms, progress, and other relevant information with respect to your accident and claim.