Unfortunately, the unexpected happened: you got into a car accident. It’s easy to take the wrong steps right after an accident, as it is a very high-stress experience. That’s why it’s essential to know what are you supposed to do right after you’ve been in a car accident in Alberta (hoping, of course, that you’ll never need this knowledge).
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First Steps
First, try to remain calm and ensure that everyone involved is safe and OK.
Next, you must call the police if any of the following applies:
- Somebody was injured
- You believe that the driver of the other vehicle is likely impaired
- One or more of the involved vehicles is not drivable
- One of the involved drivers does not have proper documentation (driver’s license, vehicle registration, etc.)
- The damage to the vehicles is $2000 or more combined
Do not leave the scene of the accident without collecting ALL critical information!
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Critical information includes:
- The other driver’s name and contact information
- The other driver’s car insurance company and policy information
- Contact details of any witnesses
- The make, model, and colour of the other vehicle
- The responding police officer’s name, contact details, and badge number
Documentation
After you’ve done the above, you’ll be doing yourself a big favour if you document the scene with photos and videos. It’s always better to have more information than you need rather than miss important information!
While things are still fresh in your mind (ideally, still at the scene of the accident), write out the details of the accident or leave yourself a voice memo, which you can write out the details later. Details that are good to take down include:
- Date, time, and location of the accident
- Weather and any other notable conditions
- How many vehicles are involved
- Any sustained injuries and vehicle damage
- Any other visible marks (such as skid marks, for example) that could serve as evidence – ideally, couple this information with supporting photos or video
Connect With Your Insurance Company
Whether you’re sure who was at fault or not, it is always best to contact your own insurance company first. They can provide you with helpful next steps and inform you about the details of your coverage. It is best to do this as soon as possible!
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Last but not least, we recommend that you get in touch with a personal injury lawyer in Alberta that provides a free consultation. We at McGuiness Law do just that! We ensure that you are being compensated fairly by the insurance company, as their goal is generally not to compensate you for every possible injury and expense.
Our team is highly experienced in motor vehicle collisions, and we can advise if the offer from the insurance company is fair or if working with a lawyer to maximize your compensation is a good idea.
Contact our team by calling 780-900-7941 for a free consultation today!