Accidents happen in Alberta. In fact, the last set of data from 2016 shows that there were 133,124 traffic collisions throughout the province, 16,622 resulting in injuries. That is no insignificant number. There is no way to be fully prepared for an accident, however there are things you should do immediately afterward that can make a big difference in the outcome for you and your loved ones.
Report the Accident to the Police
If the damage to either vehicle exceeds $2,000 or if there are any injuries, the accident must be reported to the police. Because it’s difficult to ascertain whether your damage exceeds that limit, it makes sense to call the police anyway. And injuries have a way of showing up hours if not days after the initial impact.
Even if the accident seems minor, it may be important to have a police report and statements from witnesses in the event that one of the parties ends up bringing a legal claim. For instance, if one of the parties to the accident finds that they were injured after seeing a doctor, having the police report and witness statements may be important to any Medicine Hat personal injury claim that may be made.
Get Information
At the scene of the accident, make sure you obtain information from the other drivers as well as witnesses to the accident. You will want to get the name and contact information of the other drivers as well as the witnesses to the accident if at all possible. This should include passengers of the other vehicles, pedestrians in the area and any other bystanders who may have seen the accident. If you cannot, make sure someone is doing that for you.
Take photos of the scene and keep notes of the time and place of the accident. Make notes of the road conditions as well as the weather conditions. If you have passengers in your car, make sure you consult with them to see what their recollection of the accident was. They may have seen something you didn’t as the driver.
Report the Accident to Insurance
Insurance policies will always require that all accidents be promptly reported regardless of the amount of damage. Do not assume that if you don’t report it to your insurance company that you will keep them out of the loop and keep your rates low. In the event of any claims, you will want your insurance company informed of all details.
Seek Medical Attention
It is always advisable to seek medical attention after any vehicle collision. Even if the collision seemed minor, injuries can become apparent hours or even days later. It takes very little impact to cause some serious injuries and having a doctor’s treatment and advice is important in case any symptoms or injuries surface in the days or weeks after the accident.
Consult With a Lawyer
Consulting with a personal injury lawyer in Medicine Hat is a good idea if you have been injured in any motor vehicle accident. A lawyer will help you navigate your options and ensure that you are being treated fairly by your insurance company.
At BPCAB Personal Injury Lawyer, we offer a free case evaluation. There are times when your insurance coverage may not adequately cover your expenses in order to recover from injuries. Our Medicine Hat injury lawyers will assist you and protect your rights under the law. Call us today.