Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers Cochrane

Cars play a crucial role in our society; they have provided increased personal freedom and allow us to have greater access to the resources around us.

However, motor vehicles can be a double-edged sword. The sheer power and robustness of these machines can lead to severe injuries in the event of an accident, underscoring the importance of seeking legal assistance.

Despite numerous safety mechanisms put in place, motor vehicle accidents can still happen at any second; whether driving to a hockey game or going to the doctor, it only takes a split second for a vehicle to lose control and crash.

In 2021 alone, over 100,000 motor vehicle accidents occurred in Alberta, with thousands of those accidents causing severe injury or death. Population growth has increased the number of drivers and, consequently, the number of car collisions.

Knowing your legal rights after an accident can be helpful in your recovery. Every year, unsuspecting drivers are faced with the unfortunate responsibility of dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial aftermath of a car accident. Our Cochrane motor vehicle accident lawyer can use their abilities to help you seek compensation for your injuries.

Don’t face the aftermath of an accident alone; our team is here to help you navigate the legal process and recover. Take the first step towards your recovery by contacting our team for a free initial consultation.

When to Call the Police

Specific rules dictate when police must be notified. They should be called if anyone is injured. If you’re unsure, it’s best to err on the side of caution and call. You should also contact the police if the total damage exceeds $5000, up from the previous $2,000 minimum, if the vehicles are inoperable and need towing, or if one of the drivers is unlicensed, uninsured, or lacks vehicle registration.

Upon arrival, the police will assess the damages and injuries and investigate the accident. They collect evidence and make a police report, noting details like the cause of the accident, approximate damage, and other important information. Remember to request a copy of the report, as the insurance company will review this report when assessing your claim.

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, the police may issue a ticket and lay criminal charges. Issuing a ticket or charges does not necessarily mean fault for the accident. The insurance company is responsible for determining the fault of the accident. The report can be helpful when pursuing legal action

Importance of Evidence in Car Accident Claims

Evidence is important when advancing your case since it supports your claim for damages. Collecting evidence may not be at the forefront of your mind, but it is essential. Certain evidence is hard to gather after the scene is cleared. After ensuring your safety and speaking to the authorities, take photos of the scene, including skid marks, property damage, injuries, and traffic signs. Check for traffic or security cameras that may have recorded the accident. Get statements from nearby witnesses. While witnesses may be interviewed later, their recollection of the accident may not be as clear.

Further, collect the contact, vehicle, and insurance information of all the drivers involved in the accident. This information will be used to file a claim later. It is also important to create a paper trail of injuries by seeking medical attention, even if you feel ok. Waiting can worsen your injuries and lead the at-fault party to deny that the accident was the cause of your injuries. Your medical records will support the claim you make. Keep all receipts and records of expenses and losses, such as receipts for medical and rehabilitative treatment, personal care, and records supporting an absence from work.

Our firm has a dedicated team of private investigators that will help you gather evidence to support your claim. If you were seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident and need help gathering evidence and advancing a claim, contact our Cochrane car accident lawyers today for a free initial consultation. Don’t delay recovery any longer than you need to.

Accident Benefits Available for Insured Drivers in Cochrane

Insured drivers can access Section B accident benefits if they are in a collision, regardless of fault. Usually, these benefits are available to insured drivers, their passengers, insured pedestrians, and insured cyclists. These benefits provide money to pay for expenses that occur as a result of an accident. Payment may be given to cover expenses for things related to:

• Medical Treatment;
• Lost wages due to disability;
• Death and funeral expenses;
• Death benefit.

These benefits are only available for up to two years after the accident. Each benefit category also has a limit on how much coverage is given. While these benefits are a great starting point, they likely will not be enough to cover severe and permanent disability.

How our Cochrane Car Accident Lawyers Can Be of Assistance

Dealing with a car accident is hard enough when your only focus is to recover from your injuries. Adding legal action into the mix can complicate things further. Handling evidence, the courts, and insurance companies can be tricky and time-consuming. If you don’t know the right actions to take, it can be difficult to put a claim forward. This is where our firm’s expertise comes in. Our car accident lawyers have years of experience advancing car accident claims. We have taken the lead on many of our client’s cases so they can focus on recovery. Help is one short phone call away. Call today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Motor Vehicle Accident Claims We Have Worked on

Since 1959, Preszler Injury Lawyers has dedicated its practice to helping vulnerable individuals who were left hurt by the reckless and careless actions of others. We have worked on the following types of cases in the past:

• Passenger vehicles (cars) accidents;
• Motorcycle accidents (including all motorized two-wheeled vehicles);
• Truck and 18-wheeler accidents;
• Snowmobile accidents (also commonly referred to as skidoo);
• ATV and UTV accidents (and other off-road vehicles);
• Airplane accidents;
• Boat and sea-doo accidents;
• Bicycle accidents;
• Pedestrian accidents; and
• More.

While these are the most common kinds of motor vehicle collisions, our team handles many different types of cases. If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident, reach out to our firm, we may be able to help. Our team wants to help you explore options. Schedule a free no-obligation consultation today if you or a loved one were harmed in a motor vehicle accident.

Resources Available for Accident Victims in Cochrane

In addition to the legal help provided by our law firm, many community resources are available to support motor vehicle accident victims. The following are helpful starting points to help you during your difficult time. These resources are not a part of, associated with, or affiliated with Preszler Injury Lawyers. These resources are listed for your convenience.

• Cochrane Programs & Services: Victim Services
• Cochrane Crisis Support
• Cochrane: Motor Vehicle Collisions
• Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Program (MVAC)