BC Deflated: Liberals drop out. What this means for your personal injury/ICBC rights.
The rumors were swirling. The party’s lack of popularity followed their candidates much like a fall Vancouver cloud. Their leader, similar to other BC party leaders, hoped to inspire but couldn’t even muster the charisma, charm, and confidence of a Cast Away character.
As the October 2024 BC election turns into a three-party race, the leader of this province (according to polls) will either be the NDP incumbent, David Eby, or the Conservative frontman, John Rustad. Each differs on policy—whether it’s on homelessness, housing affordability, or otherwise. But where does each stand with respect to your motor vehicle collision and personal injury rights?
What do Eby (& the NDP) and Rustad (& the Conservatives) say about your motor vehicle collision and personal injury rights?
Eby & the NDP, in brief, want to continue the status quo—that is, the NDP would like to keep restricting your injury rights in exchange for a nominal decrease in insurance premiums. Despite the NDP’s meretricious efforts, British Columbians continue to pay the highest car insurance costs in Canada while having no rights to sue the negligent for their catastrophic injuries. Some tragic cases (ahem, victims) of the NDP’s no-fault insurance scheme can be found here (about a lawyer becoming rendered a quadriplegic), here (about an elderly father suffering a disabling brain injury), and here (about a mother and two children killed in a collision).
Under Eby’s and the NDP’s no-fault system, the Gaudreau families would receive limited compensation for their loss of income.
A more recent example is the collision involving NHL stars Jonathan and Matthew Gaudreau, who were tragically killed by a negligent driver. Imagine the financial loss the families of these two hockey stars will endure. Their earning potential was limitless. They would have created generational wealth through the NHL salaries coupled with sponsorship deals. Now, two young stars have lost their lives; their wives have been left widowed, and their children fatherless—all because of a negligent driver. Under Eby’s and the NDP’s no-fault system, the Gaudreau families would not be adequately compensated for their loss of earnings. Instead, they would be forced to sue the driver personally who, in all likelihood, is worth little and therefore the Gaudreau’s would recover little to nothing. In other words, the law suit wouldn’t be worth its time.
The Conservative Party of BC, however, is challenging the status quo with its new stance on No-Fault Insurance. This policy isn’t just a minor tweak—it’s a bold step toward restoring justice and fairness for those who have suffered life-altering injuries in motor vehicle accidents. Under the current system, victims are often left with limited options, bound by the restrictive framework of ICBC’s no-fault insurance. The Conservative Party wants to change that by reintroducing the right for victims to seek proper compensation through the courts.
Conservatives want to keep the minor injury cap & increase compensation for victims who suffer chronic &/or catastrophic injuries.
This policy isn’t just about legal rights; it’s about recognizing the profound impact that serious injuries can have on individuals and their families. The party proposes keeping the existing cap on minor injuries but significantly increasing compensation when those injuries lead to chronic pain or are catastrophic. This nuanced approach ensures that while minor injuries remain manageable, those with severe, long-term consequences are justly compensated.
Moreover, the Conservative Party’s policy aims to introduce more competition into BC’s vehicle insurance market. By opening the door to private insurers, they believe it will drive down costs and improve service, ultimately benefiting all British Columbians.
Lets open the doors for private insurers thus increasing competition, decreasing insurance costs, and limiting ICBC’s monopoly.
This isn’t just a policy—it’s a commitment to fairness, competition, and the rights of every individual on the road. With these changes, the Conservative Party of BC is positioning itself as the defender of those who have been overlooked and a champion for a more just insurance system.
For more details about the Conservative’s policy, you can read the full announcement here.
For more details to fight no-fault, you may click here.
For more details about the NDP’s policy, you may click here.
If you want to contact Vic S. Maan, please email me at: vsm@vicmaan.com.
