After an accident, you could have to deal with endless paperwork, insurance companies, and the loss of a vehicle in addition to attempting to recuperate from your injuries. We can help because these are headaches that you didn’t ask for and don’t deserve.
Let us handle the legal and administrative tasks so you can focus on what’s most important: taking care of yourself, your loved ones, and your health.
If you were involved in an accident, you might have grounds for a claim, be eligible to accident benefits, and need help for yourself or your family during this trying time.
You won’t spend anything to speak with one of our skilled motor vehicle accident (MVA) attorneys, and you won’t be responsible for any expenses unless we successfully resolve your claim. Even better, we’ll pay for the costs of gathering the necessary evidence while managing your lawsuit and recoup those costs if your claim is settled.
Injured in a Motor Vehicle accident? Here’s what you need to know.
- The first and most important thing is your health – As soon as possible, get medical attention, and do everything your doctor and other medical professionals advise in order to hasten your recovery. These healthcare professionals will not only help you get back on the path to better health, but they will also document your injuries and create reports about them, which could be crucial in helping you collect the compensation you are due. Even if you feel good following an accident, get evaluated by a professional right away – visit your primary care physician.Have no family physician? Locate one here. Injury detection can take several hours or days, and internal injuries can go unnoticed. It may be more challenging to demonstrate that your injuries are a direct result of the event the longer you wait to see your doctor. Delaying medical care may also give the individual who damaged you’s insurance company the opportunity to imply that your wounds weren’t particularly severe or painful.
- Collecting information and gathering evidence – Exchange of contact and insurance details, taking pictures, speaking with witnesses, and making a police report are typically part of the conventional protocol for a minor fender collision. It’s alright if you were unable to acquire this information at the moment of the accident. Accident victims frequently find themselves hurt or in shock at the scene, making it difficult for them to collect essential information. The good news is that you can still file a claim for injuries because skilled Motor Vehicle Accident injury attorneys are pros at gathering information after the fact. The sooner you speak with a skilled auto accident attorney, the better. Practically speaking, it is far simpler to gather information and track down witnesses in the days and weeks immediately following an accident, when memories are still fresh. You can print the Crash Worksheet Form from the Government of Alberta website and keep it in your car, or you can download it and see it on your phone. It’s a fantastic tool for assisting you in understanding the kinds of information you must collect on the scene.
- Contact YOUR insurance company – Regardless of who is at fault, it is critical to contact your insurer as soon as possible to report the collision and obtain any benefits to which you are entitled. Some benefits may be withheld from you by your insurance provider if you miss some crucial deadlines. You are not need to speak to the at-fault driver’s insurance company straight away; they will likely contact you in an effort to settle the claim as soon as feasible and for the least amount possible. Contact a personal injury attorney to learn your exact rights to compensation before speaking with anyone from the at-fault party’s insurance company, especially their insurance adjusters. It is crucial to note that your buddy who is a lawyer or another attorney you have previously employed, such as a real estate or corporate attorney, may not have experience with personal injury claims or motor vehicle accidents. Be sure the attorney you select is familiar with the mechanics of Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries cases.
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.
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 be externally visible.
- Do not accept money from the driver or discuss settlement.
What type of compensation is available? What are Section B Benefits?
In Alberta, all vehicle insurance policies offer no-fault Section B Benefits, regardless of who was at fault, provided that the driver of the car had valid Alberta insurance. Put simply, if you have been hit by another vehicle and you were injured, you are entitled to have a portion of your medical treatments paid for as well as expenses related to disability and death, if applicable. The ultimate limit of Section B coverage for medical treatment in Alberta is $50,000 per person and you must notify the Section B insurance company within 30 days of the accident to qualify. IMPORTANT: if 30 days have passed, we may still be able to help you access these benefits; call us now for more information. The sooner you access Section B benefits, the sooner you get back on the road to better health. You can download Section B forms here. Section B Benefits are complex and confusing, so much so that even insurance adjusters at times misunderstand or misapply the law. If you need help filling out the forms, or if you have questions about Section B benefits, please call or email us, and our team will be happy to help you.
What if the driver fled the scene or was uninsured?
You might feel annoyed and upset if a car hit you and the driver sped away. You might also be unsure if you can file a claim to receive compensation for your injuries. If so, speaking with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible can be crucial because accident claims have crucial deadlines. The sooner a case is opened, the better the likelihood there is of finding the person who caused the accident. In the instance of a hit-and-run accident, it can be more challenging to obtain evidence as time passes. You might still be able to receive coverage under Section B benefits by taking an alternative path, according to an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney. You may still be eligible to file a claim with Alberta’s Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Program, or MVAC, for compensation even if the at-fault motorist cannot be located or does not have insurance. If there is a method to secure you financial recompense for your injuries, our Calgary motor vehicle accident attorneys will pursue it. We are familiar with the difficulties of handling hit-and-run accidents and uninsured drivers. We at Litco Law will do every effort to identify the at-fault driver. Call or email us for assistance and information; we will take legal action on your behalf and submit a claim for your injuries.
What is my accident claim worth?
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.
Speak to an expert motor vehicle accident lawyer to gain a comprehensive knowledge of the compensation to which you are entitled. The value of your claim will be determined by a number of criteria. A personal injury attorney will assess your claim’s particulars based on the seriousness of your injuries, how they affect your day-to-day life and capacity to work, and other factors. At Litco Law, we will work to get your claim as fully compensated as possible. Legal costs giving you pause? Our Calgary motor vehicle accident attorneys are free to work for you since we don’t get paid unless you do.
In nearly all cases, Alberta legislation for limitations on Personal Injury Claims gives you up to two years from the date of an accident to make a claim, or your right to claim is lost forever. But that does not mean you should wait. It’s important to act quickly, as there may be other important deadlines or circumstances that could affect your claim. And there are certain narrow exceptions to this limitation deadline. If you have any questions, call or email us to set up a free consultation with one of our Motor Vehicle Accident lawyers today.