Cote & Evans Trial Lawyers
#303 - 6321 King George Blvd. V3X 1G1 Surrey, BC, Canada

For anyone wondering why they would need a lawyer when dealing with ICBC, Madam Justice Iyer's closing comments in Khashei v. Pirro provide some insight: [127] Before concluding, I want to comment on the position taken by the defence in this case, particularly with respect to Mr. Khashei’s loss of earnings. A sophisticated party such as a public insurer, ought to take positions that in some way derive from the evidence. There was absolutely no foundation in this case for ...the defence position that Mr. Khashei would be completely recovered and back at his steel fabrication job in two years’ time, nor its position that he failed to mitigate his damages when he was let go in January 2019. No alternative arguments were advanced. Such a strategy deprives the court of helpful submissions and it runs counter to the goal of facilitating settlement. https://www.bccourts.ca/jdb-txt/sc/20/10/2020BCSC1048.htm

ICBC has announced that insurance premiums will be increased for drivers who have received certain traffic tickets. This is yet another hidden/surprise cost to motorists who receive traffic tickets. Drivers already face Driver Penalty Point premiums, potential prohibitions, remedial programs, and other consequences that are not disclosed on the face of the ticket. Before paying the ticket, we recommend you call us for advice about the true cost of the ticket, as well as your legal rights and options in responding to it. https://www.cbc.ca//more-change-at-icbc-driving-conviction

The BC Provincial Government has announced that the use of red-light cameras at intersections will be expanded to include speed enforcement, an already built-in but previously un-utilized function of the cameras. Although the details are vague at this point (i.e. at what speed/conditions will the cameras be triggered?), we have two preliminary observations based on what we do know: (1) the deterrent effect seems limited, since the tickets from the speed cameras will only ...be monetary, and not go against the owner/driver's record (because there will be no proof of who was driving); and, (2) it will disproportionately affect drivers in the Lower Mainland, where the vast majority of cameras are installed (as the map in the article demonstrates). https://www.cbc.ca//this-is-photo-radar-red-light-cameras-

Congratulations to the four excellent appointments to the Provincial Court announced yesterday. Both Paul Evans and Phil Cote began their careers working for David Albert, who taught them what it means to be a trial lawyer. We have also had the pleasure of working alongside Craig Sicotte and learning from Craig Sicotte at his offices in Whalley. ... All four appointees have longstanding connections to the Surrey legal community, have had distinguished careers, and will be very strong additions to the bench. We look forward to seeing them in court. https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2018AG0077-001939

In a recent decision handed down by the B.C. Supreme Court, ICBC was ordered to provide insurance coverage for a Cote & Evans client. It's unfortunate to think how many people in similar circumstances would have accepted ICBC's denial of coverage. This case illustrates why it's important to get legal advice about your rights if ICBC is refusing to cover a claim. http://canlii.ca/t/h6glb

Philip Cote was quoted in the Vancouver Sun regarding the adjournment of his client's case because of a lack of court availability, an all too common problem facing family and civil litigants: http://vancouversun.com//surrey-mom-fighting-for-child-sup

Creep catchers has received a great deal of media attention in recent months. A number of investigative pieces have questioned the group's tactics while supporters point to evidence obtained by the group that led to the conviction of a Chilliwack man and arrest of an off-duty Surrey RCMP officer. It will be interesting to see the results of the civil lawsuit launched against the group and whether it has any effect on how it conducts its operations. http://www.metronews.ca//surrey-creep-catchers-face-slande

The BC Government has announced tough new penalties for distracted driving. Particularly important is the classification of distracted driving tickets as a "high risk" driving offence, which means that drivers may be prohibited from driving for even one infraction. If you receive a ticket for distracted driving, it is important to contact our office immediately to get legal advice about your options. http://vancouversun.com//b-c-takes-hard-line-with-bigger-f

Cote & Evans clients acquitted of serious assault charges in "feud in Coalmont" case: http://www.pentictonwesternnews.com/news/372165371.html