| Q: |
Should I talk to a lawyer before I go to ICBC? |
| A: |
Absolutely. You only have one chance to settle your case. Don’t’ throw away your best chance for a fair settlement. |
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| Q: |
Will ICBC protect my rights? |
| A: |
ICBC’s job is to protect the person who hit you, the person who caused the injury. Their job is NOT to protect your interests. |
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| Q: |
Can I speak “off the record” to ICBC? |
| A: |
No. What you say to ICBC can be used against you. |
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| Q: |
How soon do I need to see Collins & Cullen after the accident? |
| A: |
The sooner the better. That’s why we are available 24/7 to take your phone calls (in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin). |
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| Q: |
Do I have to go to ICBC? |
| A: |
No. Collins & Cullen will report the accident and prepare all the necessary paperwork for you so that you do not have to face ICBC alone, by yourself. |
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| Q: |
Are there time limits to report and accident to ICBC and file an injury claim? |
| A: |
Yes. Collins & Cullen will make sure your case if filed within the time limits if you call us right away.
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| Q: |
Will I lose any chance of getting a settlement from ICBC if my injury is not reported in time? |
| A: |
Yes. You could lose some important benefits such as medical, rehabilitation, and disability benefits. |
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| Q: |
Why should I choose your firm? |
| A: |
We have over 40 years combined experience in dealing only with ICBC cases. That means we’ve seen it all. We have successfully handled all kinds of cases. |
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| Q: |
I know that at the large firms, files are often passed along to junior lawyers, case managers or adjusters. At Collins & Cullen, who will be handling my file? |
| A: |
This is an important question and we believe that your case is important. That’s why every case is handled by a senior lawyer. No exceptions. |
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| Q: |
How do I know if my case is too small for your law firm to handle? |
| A: |
No case is too small or too large. Often, what you think may be a minor case, could actually be larger. The only way to know is to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. |
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| Q: |
Do you only handle certain kinds of injuries? |
| A: |
No. We handle all kinds of injuries from whiplash to spinal cord injuries and brain injuries. |
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| Q: |
How long will my case take? |
| A: |
That depends on a number of factors like: a) how long it takes you to recover; b) how complicated your case is; and c) what your personal wishes are. |
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| Q: |
Who decides when my case should finish? |
| A: |
You do. Collins & Cullen is there to advise you every step of the way but ultimately, you are the decision maker. |
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| Q: |
How are cases resolved? |
| A: |
Cases are resolved in three ways: settlement negotiations; mediation; and court.
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| Q: |
How do I know which way to resolve my case is best? |
| A: |
Collins & Cullen’s 40 years of combined experience dealing will all kinds of injury cases will provide you with the professional advise you need to make the right decision for you. |
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| Q: |
Who decides if my case is handled through mediation or if it goes to court? |
| A: |
We will advise you but ultimately you decide. Collins & Cullen lawyers have defended clients’ cases right up to the Supreme Court of Canada. In other words, we know the system and the process. This is the important legal knowledge you need to resolve your case fairly. |
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| Q: |
If ICBC does not give me a fair offer, what can I do? |
| A: |
Collins & Cullen will first see if your case can be settled fairly. If not, we will take your case all the way to court. |
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| Q: |
I’m trying to decide between going with a large law firm and a “boutique” firm like Collins & Cullen. Are there real advantages of going with your firm? |
| A: |
Yes, absolutely. In addition to the guarantee that your case will be handled by a senior lawyer who is a partner in the firm (and not passed off to a junior lawyer or case manager), and besides the fact that we are accessible 24/7, and that we service our clients in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, we have been doing this work exclusively for over 20 years. |
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| Q: |
Do you ever represent ICBC against injury claimants? |
| A: |
An. No. Collins & Cullen has never and will never work on behalf of ICBC. |
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| Q: |
I’ve never hired a lawyer before and frankly, am a bit intimidated and nervous. |
| A: |
When you visit Collins & Cullen for your free, no-obligation consultation, you can relax. Our clients tell us that we are approachable and very easy to work with. We’re sure you will agree. |
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| Q: |
Do I have to come to your office? |
| A: |
If you are physically not able to meet in our office, we will come to your home or meet with you at the hospital. |
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| Q: |
How do I set up my free consultation? |
| A: |
Phone 604-730-2678. We are conveniently located in the BCAA building at: Suite 580. 999 West Broadway (and Oak), Vancouver. There is free parking below.
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