Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers Camrose

Whether you are driving home from work or picking up your kids from daycare, accidents can occur at a moment’s notice. The average person doesn’t expect that their day will involve an accident. While some believe that rural areas are safer, statistics reveal that fatal accidents occur more often in rural areas in Alberta than in urban areas.

Car accidents can occur for many reasons. Dangerous operation of a vehicle, impaired driving, distracted driving, driving while tired, and poor weather can all increase the risk of a motor vehicle collision. In 2022, Camrose saw an overall increase in car collisions, impaired driving, and dangerous operations of a vehicle.

Often, accident victims are left unprepared for the emotional, physical, and financial aftermath. Healing from a motor vehicle accident can be daunting. Rest assured, our Camrose motor vehicle accident lawyers are here for you. You and your loved ones do not need to go through this process alone; contact our firm for a free initial consultation to learn more about how our team can assist you in your time of need.

Commonly Seen Injuries in an Accident

Motor vehicle accidents are routinely responsible for injuries seen in the emergency room. Certain factors can increase an accident’s seversity, for instance, speeding, failure to wear a seat belt, poor vehicle maintenance, and the accident location (such as an intersection). Injuries can occur in even minor accidents such as fender benders. Common injuries include:

• Whiplash-associated disorders;
• Psychological disorders (depression, anxiety, PTSD, insomnia);
• Brain and head trauma;
• Back injuries;
• Spinal cord injuries;
• Paralysis;
• Limb loss;
• Loss of motor function;
• Chronic pain;
• Broken and fractured bones;
• Deep cuts and lacerations;
• Internal bleeding; and
• Death.

These injuries require years of rehabilitation and medical intervention to heal. Therapies like counselling or acupuncture can rack up thousands of dollars in bills, some of which may not be covered by insurance. Such injuries can reduce the enjoyment of life and leave victims vulnerable. Accidents can also reduce productivity, cause pain and suffering, and reduce quality of life.

You shouldn’t bear the cost of recovery alone. You may have options to recover the cost of treatment. Speak to our Camrose motor vehicle accident lawyers to discover how you can pursue compensation. Reach out today to schedule a free initial consultation.

What You Should Do After an Accident

An accident can be disorienting and panic-inducing, making it hard to think clearly—however, every moment after a motor vehicle accident matters. Knowing what steps to take can make a world of difference in protecting your safety, health, and legal interests. If you or a loved one are in a motor vehicle accident, remember the following:

1. Check for Injuries: Call 911 if anyone is hurt. Unless necessary, avoid moving anyone that is injured.

2. Do Not Leave the Scene: It’s illegal to leave the scene of an accident. You may risk facing criminal penalties and fines for fleeing the scene of an accident.

3. Secure the Area: Turn on your hazard lights and move onto the shoulder of the road to avoid traffic. If safe, leave your vehicle and maintain distance. Standing too close to your car can be dangerous.

4. Call the Authorities: The police must be called if your vehicle cannot be driven, someone is harmed, or the total damage is over $5000. Also, call if a driver does not have their licence, insurance, or vehicle registration. Remember to ask for a copy of the police report.

5. Exchange Information: Collect the contact, insurance, and vehicle information of the other drivers. If they refuse, note their vehicle licence plate and inform the authorities. Make sure to verify the correctness of the information. Ask any witnesses for their contact information as well.

6. Gather Evidence: If it is safe, photograph and video the scene and injuries. Look for things like skid marks, vehicle debris, location details, and vehicle damage. Check for any cameras in the area that may have recorded the accident.

7. Get Medical Attention: See a medical professional even if you do not feel fine. You may not feel the full extent of your injuries at the moment. Delaying treatment may worsen your injuries.

8. Report to Your Insurance Provider: Inform your insurance provider if you want to make a claim. Avoid signing any release forms until you speak to a lawyer.

9. Speak to a Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer: A lawyer can help you understand what kind of compensation you are entitled to and the best steps to take after an accident.

Our Camrose car accident lawyers have years of experience and can guide you during the lengthy process of recovering from an accident. Get answers to your burning questions- contact our firm for a free initial consultation.

The Role of Insurance in Motor Vehicle Accidents

Understanding your insurance coverage can be helpful when navigating the aftermath of an accident. By law, all drivers must carry valid insurance coverage with Section B accident benefits and at least $200,000 of third-party liability coverage.

Section B benefits protect those involved in an accident regardless of fault. It covers costs incurred from an accident. Section B benefits cover expenses related to medical treatment, loss of income, disability, and death. These benefits are available for two years after the accident. While helpful, these benefits have financial caps and may not cover all expenses. For instance, medical costs are capped at $50,000 and loss of income at $400 per week. They also do not cover non-monetary losses such as pain and suffering.

Contact your insurance provider to access these benefits. Keep copies of receipts as your insurance provider may request them. Disputes can if your insurance provider underestimates the damages. If you disagree with the benefits provided or you are denied benefits, contact our car accident lawyers. Our team is familiar with Section B benefits and may be able to help you with negotiations.

Coverage for Uninsured Accidents in Camrose

Alberta launched the Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Program (MVAC) to help victims of a hit-and-run accident or an accident with an uninsured driver. It provides a method of gaining compensation if no other alternatives are available. Up to $200,000 of compensation is available through the program.Pursuing an MVAC claim is similar to the standard litigation process. Applicants have a two-year period to submit their claim.

Available Compensation in a Lawsuit

A civil action can provide additional compensation beyond your accident benefits and health insurance. You can claim medical and rehabilitation costs, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and other losses related to the accident.

While there are caps on the amount you can claim for pain and suffering, other damages generally are not capped. The amount awarded for pain and suffering depends on the severity of the disability and impairment. In severe cases, around $400,000 can be awarded.

Be mindful of time limitations when making a claim. In the case of motor vehicle accidents, there is usually a time limit of two years to claim damages. Waiting longer than two years can jeopardize your claim.

If you or a loved one were seriously harmed in a motor vehicle accident, contact our Camrose motor vehicle accident lawyers for a free initial consultation. We can help you determine the value of your claim.

How our Camrose Car Accident Lawyers Can Help

Despite resources online, the legal world can be overwhelming and complex. Our firm can do the heavy lifting so you can focus on getting your life back on track. Our team can advance your case, gather evidence, and connect you to the resources you need. Our car accident lawyers will consider future costs and help you understand your case’s true value.

We have experience in various types of motor vehicle accident claims. Common types of claims include:

• Car accidents;
• Truck accidents;
• Commercial vehicle accidents;
• Off-highway vehicle accidents (ATVs, UTV, Snowmobile, Dirt bike);
• Motorcycle accidents;
• Public Transit accidents;
• Boat accidents;
• Pedestrian accidents;
• Bicycle accidents;
• Rental vehicle accidents;
• And More.

Our mission is to ensure our clients are heard and that their pain and suffering is acknowledged. Our clients are more than just a case to us; they are hard-working individuals who have had their lives thrown into chaos. We work hard to help our clients return to their previous lives. Let us leverage our skills to help you recover. Contact us for a free initial consultation if you or a loved one have been injured in a motor vehicle accident.

Available Resources for Camrose Locals

Moving forward from a motor vehicle accident can be tricky. It can be challenging to find resources to help you recover. The list below contains resources for Camrose locals impacted by a motor vehicle accident. These resources are not connected to or work with Preszler Injury Lawyers.

• Camrose & District Family and Community Support Services
• Camrose Police Service: Victim Services Unit
• St. Mary’s Hospital
• Camrose Association for Community Living: Resources
• Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Program (MVAC)