What to Do After a Car Accident in Alberta?

Most people do not plan on getting rear-ended or t-boned while driving out to buy groceries or pick up their kids from school.  Unfortunately, car accidents do happen.  Despite how careful and diligent someone might be, there is no way to predict or control someone else’s negligence behind the wheel.

So, what should you do (and not do) once you have gotten into a car accident?

Things to Do Immediately After a Car Accident

Please note that this list is not exhaustive and is not meant to be legal advice for your specific case.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Edmonton and require legal advice, please contact our personal injury lawyers and book a FREE consultation to discuss your car accident case.

These steps should be taken immediately after getting involved in a car accident in Alberta:

1. Call 911 if anyone has been seriously injured and seek immediate medical attention at a hospital;
2. Obtain the at-fault driver’s contact information and car insurance information (take pictures of their driver’s license, vehicle registration and insurance documents, if possible). If they refuse to exchange their information, document their license plate number and note the vehicle/driver description;
3. If possible, take pictures of the accident scene, the vehicles and any damages to the vehicles involved in the accident as well as any bodily injuries sustained;
4. Report the accident to the Collision Reporting Center and obtain a copy of the Collision Report Form and witness statements;
5. Contact your own insurance company and report the accident;
6. Contact our office to book a free consultation to discuss further steps.

Have you downloaded our Car Accident Checklist?

This guide provides a step-by-step outline of what to do if you’re involved in a car accident. Stay calm, collected, and in control with crucial information to collect, actions to take, and words to say (and not say) to protect your rights. Download our checklist today for peace of mind and preparedness in unexpected situations.

Please note that Safi Law Group only represents individuals who have been injured in car accidents through no fault of their own. As a result, this blog entry focuses only on victims of somebody else’s negligence.  If you caused the accident, you should contact your insurance company and report the accident. Your insurance company will be able to provide further assistance to you.

Things NOT to Do Immediately After You’ve Been Involved in a Collision

1. Do not voluntarily assume liability, take responsibility, or sign statements regarding fault;
2. Do not accept money or discuss any settlement with the at-fault driver;
3. Do not fail to report the accident to the police or your own insurance company;
4. Do not leave the scene of the accident without exchanging information with the driver of the other vehicle
5. Do not hesitate to contact our office to book a free consultation to discuss further steps.

What About My Ongoing Pain and Lost Income?

If you have sustained injuries in a car accident in Alberta, your own insurance company will provide you with certain accident benefits, regardless of who caused the accident.

These accident benefits are referred to as “Section B” benefits. Generally speaking, Section B benefits will cover the following:

1. medical payments for surgical, chiropractic, dental, hospital, psychological, physical therapy, occupational therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, professional nursing and ambulance services and, in addition, other services and supplies that are essential for the treatment or rehabilitation of the injured person (up to a limit of $50,000);
2. death, grief counselling and funeral benefits (in cases of fatal accidents);
3. disability income benefit (up to $400 per week).

In the days/weeks/months following a car accident, you should take advantage of these Section B benefits available to you, as the intention of these accident benefits are to help you recover from your injuries and help pay the bills.  In any event, you have been paying for these Section B benefits through your monthly insurance premiums.  As a result, you should not feel hesitant to utilize these benefits when you need them the most. Keep in mind that you only have 2 years after an accident to utilize these benefits.  More importantly, very strict deadlines need to be followed in order to take full advantage of these benefits.

It is important to book a FREE consultation as soon as possible after a car accident. We would be delighted to assist you with receiving Section B benefits through your own insurance company.

What About My Damaged Car?

If you have vehicle collision coverage through your own insurance company, you may be able to get your car repaired or replaced through them. The process is usually fairly straightforward, and your own insurance company’s adjuster will help you in this regard.

If you do not have coverage through your own insurance company, then you will need to deal with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.  It is generally best to let your lawyer handle your claim at this stage to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your property damage.

Determining fault in an accident can be difficult, especially for accidents that occur in parking lots or uncommon areas. Call us to discuss your car accident case.

What If My Injuries Do Not Resolve Soon or My Injuries Affect My Income Earning Capacity?

If you have sustained any injuries in a car accident through no fault of your own, contact our office to book a FREE consultation immediately. We would be happy to evaluate your case and refer you to the necessary experts.

It is very important to not take any advice from the at-fault party’s insurance company or sign any documents they give you.  Do not take their word that your injuries are “minor injuries”!

Our car accident lawyers can assist you with receiving fair compensation for pain and suffering, cost of future care, past and future loss of income, out-of-pocket expenses, loss of housekeeping capacity and loss of consortium.

Safi Law Group is a “No Win, No Fee” personal injury firm: we do not charge you any legal fees until you have received a fair settlement or judgment.

Get Help with Your Car Accident Claim

Time is absolutely of the essence when it comes to car accident cases in Alberta. 

If you have been injured in a car accident case in or around Edmonton, our law office would be happy to assist you with your case.  Reach out to us for a FREE consultation using our Contact Us page or by calling (780) 760-7234. We’re waiting to answer all of your questions and get you the compensation you deserve.