Dec 20, 2025
What To Do After A Car Accident in BC
What to Do After a Car Accident in BC: A Step-by-Step Guide to ICBC Claims
If you’ve been in a car accident in Richmond, BC, knowing what to do next can make a major difference in both your recovery and your ICBC claim. Even minor collisions can lead to lingering pain, stiffness, or mobility issues that don’t appear right away.
At Proactive Health in Richmond, we help patients navigate the entire post-accident process, from starting an ICBC claim to receiving physiotherapy, massage therapy, and active rehabilitation under the ICBC Recovery Network.
Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention
After a motor vehicle accident, your first priority is safety. If anyone is injured, call emergency services immediately.
Even if you feel “okay,” it’s important to get assessed early. Many common injuries, such as whiplash, soft tissue strains, or concussions, can take hours or days to fully appear.
Early assessment plays a crucial role in your recovery by helping identify injuries before they worsen or lead to long-term issues. It also ensures proper documentation is in place for your ICBC claim, which can make the process smoother and reduce delays.
Most importantly, starting treatment early allows your body to heal more efficiently, supporting a safer, faster, and more complete recovery.
Step 2: Submit Your ICBC Claim
To access ICBC-funded treatment, you’ll need to open an ICBC collision claim as soon as possible.
You can do this by:
Submitting an ICBC online claim
Calling ICBC directly
Reporting the crash at a designated ICBC claim centre if required
When submitting your ICBC collision claim, you’ll be asked for:
Driver and vehicle details
Date, time, and location of the accident
Description of what happened
Police file number (if applicable)
Once submitted, you’ll receive an ICBC claim number. This number allows clinics like Proactive Health in Richmond to begin treatment and bill ICBC directly on your behalf.
Step 3: Book an Assessment with an ICBC-Approved Clinic
After your claim is open, you’re eligible for treatment through the ICBC Recovery Network.
At Proactive Health, our Richmond-based team provides pre-approved ICBC treatments for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident:
No doctor’s referral is required to get started.
At Proactive Health, we are part of the ICBC Recovery Network, meaning we can directly bill ICBC for approved treatments and guide you through the recovery process.
Step 4: Active Rehabilitation Recovery
While rest can be helpful early on, long-term recovery requires movement. Active rehabilitation focuses on restoring function through guided exercise and progressive loading.
Your Richmond physiotherapist or active rehab professional will create a personalized ICBC treatment plan based on your injuries, goals, and lifestyle. This approach is especially important for:
Whiplash and neck injuries
Lower back and hip pain
Shoulder injuries
Post-concussion symptoms
Lingering stiffness or weakness after an accident
Our active rehab and kinesiology programs in Richmond are tailored to your injury, goals, and daily demands, helping reduce the risk of chronic pain or re-injury.
Step 5: Understand Your ICBC Treatment Coverage
Under ICBC’s Enhanced Care model, most people injured in a car accident are eligible for:
A set number of pre-approved physiotherapy or rehab sessions
Direct billing (no out-of-pocket costs for approved treatments)
Ongoing care is medically justified
Your provider will help submit the necessary documentation if additional sessions are required beyond the initial coverage.
If you’re unsure what your plan includes, clinics like Proactive Health can walk you through your ICBC treatment plan and explain what’s covered — and what isn’t.
Step 6: Focus on Long-Term Recovery, Not Just Pain Relief
One of the most common mistakes after an MVA is stopping treatment as soon as pain decreases. Many injuries appear “healed” before full strength, mobility, and neuromuscular control return.
A complete recovery plan should focus on:
Restoring full movement and strength
Preventing chronic pain or flare-ups
Returning safely to work, sport, and daily activities
This is where ongoing active rehab, movement retraining, and education play a critical role in long-term recovery.
Why Choose Proactive Health for ICBC Treatment?
At Proactive Health, we specialize in helping patients recover fully after motor vehicle accidents. Our team works closely with ICBC to ensure seamless care from start to finish.
What sets us apart:
ICBC-approved providers and direct billing
Personalized, movement-based rehab programs
Evidence-based physiotherapy and active rehab
Focus on long-term recovery, not just short-term relief
Whether you’re dealing with a recent collision or lingering symptoms from a past accident, our team can help you move forward safely and confidently.
Need Help After a Car Accident?
If you’ve been in a motor vehicle accident and aren’t sure what to do next, we’re here to help.
👉 Book an ICBC Assessment at Proactive Health
👉 Get guidance on your ICBC claim and recovery plan
👉 Start your path toward pain-free movement