What to do after a car accident?

Finding yourself in a car accident can be a very traumatic experience. However it is very important that after a collision, you follow the right steps to avoid any future predicaments. After being involved in an accident, law requires that you always stop your vehicle, and ensure the safety of yourself and your vehicle. Immediately notify the police of the incident, and call for an ambulance if there are any injured at the scene of the accident. Don’t forget to take pictures of the damages, and collect information from all the parties involved and any witnesses in the accident. Such information will become relevant when you make your claim with your insurer, or in any future litigation (should you chose to pursue one).  More details and what kind of information you need to collect, and on what to do after a car accident is provided by Alberta Treasury Board and Finance. 

What to do if you are injured in a car accident?

If you are involved in a car accident that results in injuries, seek medical assistance as soon as possible. You are entitled to accident benefits coverage, so make sure you file an injury accident report with the police and a claim with your insurer.  This is also a good time to consult with a lawyer to learn more about the benefits you are entitled to, and the claims process.

How does a car accident litigation works?

Should you decide to seek compensation from the liable parties of the accident and the resulting injuries, it is highly recommended that you seek professional advice. The process of injury claims is a fairly lengthy one, and you only get one chance to make a good convincing case. We will consult you on your rights, and will guide you through each step of the process.

Consultation

During your initial consultation we will ask you questions about the accident and the injuries sustained, in order to get an overview of the case. In addition we  will explain you the claims process, the deadlines, the costs, and will answer any questions you may have regarding the process.

Investigation

Following the initial consultation, we will start our own investigation on factual basis of the case, in order to gather enough information to make a final decision about whether the claim should be pursued. This may involve talking to witnesses, and experts, as well as gathering and reviewing reports and documents necessary to evaluate the claim.

Gathering evidence

Evidence gathering follows investigation.  During this phase we will collect information, testimonies, documents, medical forms and receipts, and any other evidence that will support your claim. In addition, once the claim is filed, we will have access to discovery, and can send written questions to the opposing party, and ask for depositions and documents that the opposing party plans to use in their case.

Pre-trial motions

During pre-trial motions lawyers from both sides can request the court to take some action such as dismissing claims or evidence, obtaining discovery that was not allowed previously, dismissing the case altogether etc.  Once the motions are heard in court, the case is ready to move forward to trial.

Negotiations (includes letters, phone calls, meetings, mediations, or judicial dispute resolution) generally take place at any stage during this process, however if a case is not settled before trial, the fate of your claim will be decided in court.

For more information on motor vehicles injury claims, feel free to send us your questions.