Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers Fort Saskatchewan

Fort Saskatchewan is committed to reducing traffic collisions. Despite an overall reduction in car accidents from 2018 to 2022, accidents still frequently happen. Unfortunately, in 2022 there was an increase in collisions causing injury. Every year car accidents in Fort Saskatchewan significantly impact victims, their families, and the community. Accidents can happen to anyone, whether cruising down the highway on a motorcycle, driving a minivan to pick up your kids, or taking the bus to school.

Accidents can be scary and life-shattering, especially when they can cause serious injuries and death. Knowing your legal rights can help you figure out how to hold someone responsible for an accident and could help you get compensation for the suffering that you experienced. Our Fort Saskatchewan motor vehicle accident lawyers can help you advance a claim. Schedule a free initial consultation with our team today.

What To Do After a Car Accident in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta

If you are unfortunately involved in an accident, take the following steps to secure the health and safety of all the individuals involved and improve the prospects of future claims:

1. Contact emergency services: Contact 911 right away if anyone is hurt. Once everyone is safe, turn on your hazard lights and move away from traffic to prevent additional harm.

2. Stay at the scene of the incident: You can be fined or criminally charged if you leave the scene of an accident. Leaving can also impact the strength of your claim in the future.

3. Collect information: Having the correct information during a motor vehicle accident is extremely important to build a solid legal case. Get the other driver’s contact, insurance, and vehicle information. If you can’t, note the driver’s licence plate number and description. Collect witness statements and information. Take photos and videos of the scene.

4. Call the police: If someone is hurt, a vehicle is not driveable, if damages are more than $5,000, or if a driver does not have a licence, registration, or insurance, notify the police. Request a copy of the police report. The police can also help when a car requires towing.

5. Contact your insurance company: Notify your insurance company to make a claim. This should take place regardless of who is at fault.

6. See medical professionals: You may feel fine, but medical professionals should confirm if there are any hidden injuries. This will also help support future claims you make.

7. Contact our car accident lawyers: Motor vehicle accidents can cause serious injuries that may require legal action. Contact our Fort Saskatchewan car accident lawyers to get assistance.

Our car accident lawyers have the knowledge necessary to support you after an accident. Call us for your complimentary initial consultation for a case review.

Accident Benefits Provided Through Insurance

You must have insurance that provides $200,000 third-party liability coverage and section B benefits if you own a car in Alberta. This coverage provides basic protection in the event of an accident.

Section B accident benefits are a key portion of your policy as they provide pay for certain expenses caused by an accident, regardless of who is at fault.

These benefits provide coverage for medical and funeral expenses, bereavement support, and loss of income due to disability. Benefits are available for up to two years following the accident and have caps on the amount claimable. For instance, medical expenses are capped at $50,000 and income replacement is capped at $400 a week. Because of these limits, Section B benefits may not be enough if you were seriously hurt.

How Victims in Uninsured Accidents Can Get Compensation

If the responsible driver is uninsured or unknown, you may still have options available to get compensation for your injuries. Alberta developed the Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Program to provide a way to get compensation for injuries when suing the at-fault driver isn’t an option. Victims may be eligible for up to $200,000 in compensation through this program. Note that this option is only available if no other alternatives exist.

Why Suing May Be a Better Option Than Just Using Benefits Alone

Section B accident benefits are a great initial option to help you offset the costs caused by an accident. However, they may not be enough if your injuries will take years to heal, cause disability, or make it difficult to work.

Injuries like paralysis, brain trauma, amputations, and severe PTSD cannot be easily recovered from and will require a legal claim to cover all the costs.

A lawsuit can address the full impact of emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life that you suffered. You can also claim costs for the damage to your vehicle, medical expenses, loss of past and future wages, out-of-pocket expenses, and more.

Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Fort Saskatchewan

Your needs after a motor vehicle accident change. Healing from your injuries is the biggest priority, but be aware of the statute of limitations before filing a claim. This law determines how much time you have to initiate a legal proceeding, which in most cases, is two years. If you fail to start legal action within this time, your right to claim damages may be lost, no matter how severe your injuries are.

Following an accident, it is easy to forget this statute of limitations. Contacting a motor vehicle accident lawyer as soon as you are hurt will help you start the legal process promptly so you don’t lose your legal rights.

How Our Fort Saskatchewan Car Accident Lawyers Can Help

Recovering from an accident involves many challenges, from worrying about how you’ll pay your bills to wondering when you can go back to work. Unfortunately, navigating our adversarial legal system is also quite complex since opposing sides have different interests. That is where we come in. For over 60 years, our firm has helped clients go through the legal system and secure compensation.

We believe in our clients and care about their recovery, which is why we operate on a contingency fee — meaning we only get paid if you do. At our firm, we put our client’s best interests first. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation to learn more.

Resources Available to Fort Saskatchewan Locals

The following is a list of resources available for Fort Saskatchewan locals. These sources are listed for your convenience and are not associated with Preszler Injury Lawyers. Our firm also connects clients with additional resources to help manage their recovery, so if you are seriously injured and wish to seek compensation, reach out to our firm for additional support.

• Fort Saskatchewan Victim Services
• Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital
• Fort Saskatchewan Family and Community Support Services