The first and most important thing is your health.
Go see your family doctor right away, even if you think you’re fine. Adrenaline masks pain and can be your best friend in the moment, but your worst enemy for disguising how badly you’ve been injured. It can take hours, days, or even weeks to realize the severity of your injuries and serious internal injuries are often silent.
- Not only will these treatment providers get you back on the road to better health, they also write reports and take notes on your injuries which may be important in getting you the compensation you deserve.
- And even if you feel fine after an accident, get assessed by a professional right away – go see your family doctor.
- It may take a few hours or days to notice injuries, and internal injuries can go unnoticed. The longer you wait to see your doctor, the more difficult it can be to prove that your injuries are a direct result of the accident. Delaying treatment can also allow the insurance company of the person who injured you to suggest that your injuries weren’t that serious or painful.
Don’t have a doctor? This site can help you find a family doctor in Alberta.
Collect information and gather evidence
The standard protocol for a minor fender bender usually includes:
- The exchange of contact and insurance information between drivers,
- Taking photographs,
- Talking to eyewitnesses,
- And filing a police report.
The Government of Alberta website has a Collision Worksheet Form that you can download and view on your phone or print and put in your car. It’s a great resource to help you know the types of information you need to gather at the scene.
What should I do if I didn’t get the other driver’s information after an accident?
It is common for accident victims to be injured or in shock at the scene and unable to gather this information. The good news is that most Motor Vehicle Accident injury lawyers are skilled at gathering information and evidence after the fact. The sooner you talk to an accident injury lawyer, the better. It is a lot easier to collect evidence and locate witnesses in the days and weeks following an accident, while memories are clear. But if you’re reading this and it’s been a few months (or even years) since your injury, there’s still hope. Talk to a lawyer to find out if you can still make a claim.
Keep in mind that it is typically easier to find certain information in the days and weeks following an accident.
Contact YOUR insurance company.
It is important to get in touch with your insurance company right away to report the collision and get access to any benefits you are entitled to, regardless of who is at fault.
There are important deadlines which, if missed, may give your insurance company the opportunity to deny you certain benefits.
Choose Your Lawyer.
Make sure you choose a lawyer who has an in-depth understanding of personal injury claims. While your good friend from college who specializes in corporate law might be an excellent lawyer, that doesn’t necessarily mean they have experience with accident claims.
Even if you don’t make a claim, by speaking with a personal injury lawyer you may find out that you are entitled to accident benefits and compensation for lost wages, medical bills, physical therapy, loss of enjoyment of life, pain and suffering, or disability. Sadly, thousands of injured Albertans never know that these resources are even available, and this additional support can make all the difference.
What NOT to do immediately following an accident
Our Personal Injury Lawyer, Geoffrey Brisbin, advises the following:
- Avoid taking responsibility, assuming liability, or signing any statements about fault.
- Never agree to pay for damages or make promises to make any payments.
- Don’t dismiss the accident as minor—shock and adrenaline can mask injuries, and hidden vehicle damage may not be immediately visible.
- Refrain from accepting money from the other driver or discussing settlement terms on the spot.
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.
Insurance companies are often quick to offer settlements 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.
Don’t Wait to File a Claim
In Alberta, you generally have up to two years from the date of your accident to make a claim in court, or your right to do so is lost forever. It’s important not to wait, as there may be other important deadlines or circumstances that may affect the deadline of your claim.
If you have any questions about the limitation period for your claim, call or email us for a free consultation with one of our Personal Injury Lawyers today.