A Surrey, BC senior who was seriously injured after being hit by a stolen car is now worried he won’t be getting the help he needs from ICBC.
Kieth Colpitts, 73, suffered six broken ribs, multiple contusions and other injuries when his car was hit by a stolen Mercedes last month.
He also has severe swelling in his ankles and feet. He cannot sleep in his bed and has to sleep in a deck chair due to his injuries. He also woke up and was shaking and experiencing tremors and he thinks it could be panic attacks.
Colpitts told Global News he was forced to delay some of his cancer treatments because he was in the hospital.
He said because of ICBC’s no-fault scheme, he was told he would cover medical expenses but no other compensation, including an attempt to have his car replaced.
“Well, I brought up the point, I said, ‘What do I get for all of this?'” Colpitts said.
“‘Well, it’s liability insurance, you know that,’ and she said we don’t allow for pain and suffering. I said it’s hardly normal to be hit by a driver in a stolen car. ‘Well, that’s true,’ and that’s the last I heard.”
In a statement to Global News, ICBC said the organization is doing everything it can to support Colpitts and ensure he has access to the care and recovery services available to him.
“We have been in regular contact with Mr Colpitts since he reported his claim to us last month – our recovery team has spoken to him five times in the last few weeks to explain the extended accident benefits he may be entitled to which includes the Immediate access to a range of treatments including physical therapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, counseling and more,” the statement said.
ICBC also said an occupational therapist will go to Colpitt’s house in a few days to assess what support he might need there.
“For anyone injured in an accident, we pay for medical treatment and other expenses (such as travel to treatment if necessary) that contribute to their recovery and rehabilitation. Mr. Colpitts has been reimbursed for transportation to visit his doctor and we will continue to pay for his transportation to doctor’s appointments if related to injuries sustained in the accident,” the statement continued.
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Mourning relatives of fatal crash victim question ICBC policy of no-fault failure to pay in the event of death
ICBC said that under the enhanced care model, anyone involved in an accident caused by a driver convicted of certain criminal code offenses still has the right to sue the driver in a civil claim for certain compensation to sue.
Surrey RCMP confirmed to Global News the driver of the stolen car has been charged with 11 charges and remains in custody pending his next court appearance.
Some of the charges include stealing a motor vehicle, possessing stolen property, operating a motor vehicle while it is prohibited, operating a motor vehicle dangerously that causes bodily harm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and multiple failures to comply with a probation order .
ICBC also said whether coverage was approved for repairs or a lump sum payment for Colpitts’ car.
“Because Mr. Colpitts did not have optional collision insurance with ICBC, we had to request a police report to confirm the identity of the other driver involved in the accident and that he was responsible for causing the accident so we could begin estimating damage to the.” Vehicle under Mr. Colbitt’s Basic Vehicle Damage Coverage,” the organization said.
“Now that we have received the police report and have confirmed the circumstances surrounding the crash, reporting has been approved and we will move forward with this aspect of Mr. Colpitt’s request.
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