Injured in a Motor Vehicle Accident? Here’s What You Need to Know.
Get medical treatment right away and follow the advice of your doctor and other medical specialists that are part of your recovery.
- Not only will these treatment providers get you back on the road to better health, they also write reports and take notes on your injuries which may be important in getting you the compensation you deserve.
- And even if you feel fine after an accident, get assessed by a professional right away – go see your family doctor.
- It may take a few hours or days to notice injuries, and internal injuries can go unnoticed. The longer you wait to see your doctor, the more difficult it can be to prove that your injuries are a direct result of the accident. Delaying treatment can also allow the insurance company of the person who injured you to suggest that your injuries weren't that serious or painful.
- Don't have a doctor? This site can help you find a family doctor in Alberta.
Collect information and gather evidence.
What information should I collect after an accident?
The standard protocol for a minor fender bender usually includes:
- The exchange of contact and insurance information between drivers,
- Taking photographs,
- Talking to eyewitnesses,
- And filing a police report.
The Government of Alberta website has aÂ
Collision Worksheet Form that you can download and view on your phone or print and put in your car. It's a great resource to help you know the types of information you need to gather at the scene.
What should I do if I didn't get the other driver's information after an accident?
It is common for accident victims to be injured or in shock at the scene and unable to gather this information. The good news is that most Motor Vehicle Accident injury lawyers are skilled at gathering information and evidence after the fact. Keep in mind that it is typically easier to find certain information in the days and weeks following an accident.Â
Need our help? Book a free consultation.
Contact YOUR insurance company.
It is important to get in touch with your insurer right away to report the collision and access any benefits you are entitled to, regardless of who is at fault. There are important deadlines that, if missed, may allow your insurance company to deny you certainÂ
benefits.
Be aware that the at-fault driver's insurance company will also likely contact you in the hopes of settling the claim quickly and for the lowest amount possible; you are under no obligation to speak to them right away.
Prior to talking with anyone from the insurance company of the person who injured you, especially theirÂ
insurance adjusters,
contact a personal injury lawyer to find out exactly what you are entitled to receive for compensation.
At Litco Law, it won't cost a thing to speak with a lawyer. Contact our Calgary personal injury lawyers for a free consultation. If you choose to pursue a claim, our fees are a percentage of your compensation and we'll cover all the costs of collecting evidence until your case is resolved, meaning we don't get paid unless and until you get paid. If we don't recover money for you, you won't owe us anything.
Even if you don't make a claim, by speaking with a Motor Vehicle Accident lawyer you may discover that you are legally entitled to accident benefits and compensation for lost wages, medical bills, physical therapy, loss of enjoyment of life, pain and suffering, or disability.Â
Learn more about what happens in a free consultation and questions to ask here.
What NOT to do immediately following an accident…
- Do not take responsibility for the accident, assume that you are liable, or sign any statements regarding who is at fault.
- Do not pay, or make any promises to pay, for vehicle damages at the scene of the collision.
- Do not agree to "let the accident go". Even in a minor accident, you may be in some shock and your adrenaline is likely running high, meaning you might not even be aware of your injuries. Although you may feel "okay" at the time, physical injuries are often not felt until later. And similarly, although your vehicle might "look fine" there could be damage to your vehicle that is not externally visible.
- Do not accept money from the driver or discuss settlement.
Rule #1. Do NOT accept a settlement offer or sign any documents before you speak to an experienced Motor Vehicle Accident lawyer.
Rule #2: Do NOT settle your claim before you have the right medical treatment providers assess the possible long-term effects of your injuries.
In the days and weeks following an accident, you may be contacted by the at-fault party’s insurance company and asked to sign various releases or liability documents. Always speak to a Motor Vehicle Accident lawyer before you sign anything. Although you might feel pressured by insurance adjusters, you are under no obligation to sign anything. Insurance companies are often quick to offer settlements to Motor Vehicle Accident victims in the hopes of:
- Resolving your claim quickly for the lowest amount possible,
- Getting you to agree to a settlement before you decide to consult a lawyer and realize the full amount you are entitled to, or
- Before you realize the full extent of your injuries and possible long-term implications from the accident.