The interpretation of witness evidence plays a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of many injury cases. Understanding the emotional states and intentions of witnesses can be a crucial factor in assessing the credibility of their testimony. Our discussion of the theory of constructed emotions provides valuable insights for lawyers when interpreting witness evidence.…
Dash Cam Footage in Your Injury Claim In an ICBC injury case dash cam footage can be the best evidence. When the fault for an accident is in question, video footage makes the difference. The issue of liability can largely be determined with strong evidence of video. Credibility and reliability are therefore very much ancillary…
Prior consistent statements are inadmissible to prove the truth of a statement. However, the use of such statements as narrative is allowed to show the fact or timing of a complaint. These statements may be of assistance in determining its truthfulness or credibility ( R. v. Dinardo, 2008 SCC 24, at para. 37). They may…
The claimant was a pedestrian injured in a car accident. She hired a medical doctor specializing in occupational medicine to assist at the personal injury trial. In that capacity, Dr. B. was qualified as an expert “capable of providing expert opinion evidence with respect to the diagnosis, prognosis, rehabilitation, and functional and occupational, vocational and…
In this unusual car accident case the claimant was driving west on Marine Way in Burnaby approaching Byrne Road when a vehicle driving east lost control of his car, went over the median and collided with the claimant’s vehicle. Another vehicle was travelling west on Marine Way behind the claimant and rear-ended the claimant’s vehicle. The claims…
This ICBC claimant sought compensation for brain injury which he said was caused after he was thrown from his bicycle with no contact with the vehicle. There were several statements given to ICBC both in writing and by email which the court had to consider in determining fault. The issue regarding liability was whether the driver caused the…
In this case study, the small business owners suffered neck injuries and soft tissue injury in a car accident that occurred at the intersection of 57th Avenue and Angus Drive in Vancouver. The claimants’ vehicle was knocked to the curb being hit on the left front corner. The vehicle’s two front seat airbags deployed and ICBC deemed the vehicle…
The Judge agreed to instruct the jury, in this personal injury case, that they can draw an adverse inference from the claimant’s failure to have her treating psychiatrist provide an opinion.(Brar v. Ismail, 2018 BCSC 1487) The claimant’s depression was a central factor in this personal injury lawsuit. She claimed the car accident significantly aggravated her…
The claimant boarded a city bus in Vancouver that accelerated suddenly causing her to lose her balance and fall. She sued, without a personal injury lawyer, and the trial judge dismissed her claim. The bus company cross examined the claimant using surveillance video in a subsequent bus incident to impeach her credibility claiming it was a…
ICBC will often require medical records before paying benefits or agreeing to settlement. However, when going to court records may not be admissible without the author being called to testify. Also, expert opinion must be delivered under the strict rules of the court. This post will discuss the admission of medical records in personal…