On a sunny August afternoon in 2021, 67-year-old lawyer Tim Schober was cycling down Douglas Street in Saanich, British Columbia, when a vehicle struck him. He was airlifted to Vancouver, where he spent nearly 7 months in hospital. Once an active commuter and tennis player, Schober is now paralyzed as a result, of a catastrophic spinal cord injury. He has lost not only his mobility, but also the independence that defined his life.
What followed was a second blow: under British Columbia’s new “no-fault” insurance system, Schober was barred from suing the at-fault driver. Instead, he was forced to submit every need—whether a hospital bed, sheets, or home renovations—to an ICBC adjuster. More than $130,000 of his own money is already gone, and he worries about fellow crash victims without his monetary resources.
This case matters for Albertans because our province is trying to adopt a no-fault model. Schober’s story is a cautionary tale of what that could mean.
How No-Fault Insurance Works—and Why Victims Lose Out
Under no-fault insurance, car crash victims cannot sue the negligent driver. Instead, they are restricted to set benefits, determined by the insurer. In theory, this is supposed to lower legal costs, and speed up payments. In reality, it places enormous power in the hands of insurance adjusters.
For someone with a spinal cord injury, that means every piece of equipment, home modification, and therapy session requires “approval.” Instead of fighting for fair compensation in court, victims are left appealing to the same insurer, responsible for controlling costs. In Schober’s case, that meant waiting, submitting paperwork, and still paying huge sums out-of-pocket.
If Alberta follows this path, crash survivors here, will face the same struggles: dependence on the insurers’ discretion, limited abilities to challenge unfair denials, and the loss of their rights to pursue a lump-sum settlement that reflects a lifetime of needs.
Why Alberta Should Be Wary
B.C.’s no-fault experiment shows how quickly injured people lose their voice. Schober, once a lawyer himself, is now challenging the constitutionality of ICBC’s scheme, arguing it discriminates against disabled people. His fight highlights what Albertans stand to lose, if similar laws take root here: fairness, independence, and the chance to rebuild life on their own terms.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, Pipella Law is here to help. We have fought for the rights of victims for over 60 years. Contact us today at (403) 265-8733 or www.pipellalaw.com, for a free consultation. You do not pay unless we win.
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If you or a loved one have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, you know how devastating the consequences can be. That's why having an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side is crucial to help you navigate the legal system and obtain the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care in Alberta.
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