Have you ever bumped into another vehicle in a parking lot, given the other car a dust off, and called it ‘good’ without leaving behind a note? If so, you might be surprised to learn that you could be subject to penalties. Hit-and-runs are a serious traffic offence under Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act, along with failure to remain at the scene of an accident or failure to report an accident. Damage to a vehicle is not always visible, and nowadays a lot of cars and parking lots have cameras. When in doubt, always leave a note. For hit-and-run accidents that cause injury to another person such as another driver or pedestrian, there are serious penalties as well as criminal charges for fleeing the scene of the accident. Depending on the severity of the injuries or damage caused, you could face one or more of the following penalties: 

• Fines of up to $2,000 
• 7 demerit points against your driver’s license 
• Possible suspension of your driver’s license for up to 3 months
• Failure to remain at the scene of an accident could result in up to 5 years in prison
• If you caused injury or death, you could face up to 10 years in prison or life imprisonment 

In Alberta, you generally have up to two years from the date of a hit-and-run accident to make a Personal Injury claim in court, or your right to do so is lost forever. But it’s important not to wait as there may be other important deadlines or circumstances, that may affect the  eadline or your claim.   

At Litco Law, we’ve represented the victims of hit-and-run accidents in Calgary and across Alberta since 1976, and we understand the complexity of these types of accidents, as well as the benefits and supports you may be entitled to receive in addition to your claim. When it comes to these claims, the sooner you contact a Calgary Hit and Run Accident Lawyer, the better. It won’t cost you anything to speak to a lawyer and, if you choose us, you don’t pay us anything until your claim is resolved.