July 31, 2024

Key Challenges After a Motor Vehicle Accident in Alberta

posted in: Minor Injury Cap + Personal Injury

Motor vehicle accidents (MVA) are a prevalent issue in Alberta, affecting thousands of residents each year. According to the Alberta Ministry of Transportation, over 100,000 reported car collisions happen in the province each year.

Victims of automobile accidents face numerous challenges that significantly impact their lives. These include physical injuries, as well as emotional and psychological trauma. In this blog, we discuss the main challenges and explain why contacting an experienced car injury lawyer is essential after a serious accident.

Injured in an accident? You should obtain legal advice as soon as possible. Contact our Experienced Injury Lawyers now at 1.888.531.7771 (Toll-Free) or Book a free consultation.

Car Accidents Statistics in Alberta

Young people between the ages of 15-24 are the people with the major number of casualties in Alberta.
Friday is the day with the most car accidents in Alberta.
The most common improper actions of drivers involved in casualty collisions in Alberta include: tailgating (30.0%), running off the road (17.5%), and making an improper left turn (11.5%).
The highest number of injuries and total collisions occurred in December during the Christmas season (December 24-28).
In 2021, there were 17,363 total crashes in Edmonton.
Calgary experiences more collisions than in some comparable cities.

Source: Alberta Traffic Collision Statistics 2021 Report.

What Are the Main Causes of Car Accidents in Alberta?

The reasons behind car accidents in Alberta vary, including distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, not yielding to a pedestrian, fatigue, failure to observe traffic signals, and adverse weather conditions.

Some popular causes include:

Distracted Driving: This is the leading cause of serious and fatal accidents across Canada and causes more than 20% of car accidents in Alberta. Distracted driving includes activities such as texting or talking on the phone and eating, all of which divert attention from the road.
Speeding: Decreases the driver’s ability to react quickly to hazards, increases the severity of collisions and is a major factor in both serious injuries and fatalities in Alberta.
Drunk Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly increases the risk of accidents. Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times, impaired judgment, and decreased coordination, making them more likely to cause serious crashes.
Reckless Driving: Aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating, running red lights, and erratic lane changes contribute to serious car accidents. Reckless driving often involves a disregard for traffic laws and safety measures.
Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, including rain, snow, and ice, can create hazardous driving environments. In Alberta, we experience heavy snow and ice for over five months of the year increasing the likelihood of losing control of a vehicle and causing accidents.

What Are the Challenges of Being Involved in A Serious Car Accident?

Health and Physical Injuries

After a serious car accident, individuals may experience a range of injuries, from minor bruises to severe, life-threatening conditions that might not be immediately obvious. The adrenaline rush can mask pain, making it challenging to accurately assess the injuries of those involved in an accident.

Some of the most common injuries include:

Whiplash: Neck strain caused by sudden movement
Fractures: Broken bones that may require surgery
Spinal Cord Injuries: Can result in partial or complete paralysis
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Long-term cognitive and physical impairments

Other injuries include disk damage, paralysis, chronic pain or other back injuries, fractures, amputations and burns.

Serious Injuries

A serious motor vehicle accident often results in long-term injuries that can significantly disrupt daily activities and impact quality of life. The recovery process is usually lengthy and may require surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment, making it challenging for those eager to return to their routine.

Assessing the extent of an injury and its potential for future physical effects is a vital component of recovering from a car accident. Estimating future medical expenses, lost future earnings, and the value of future pain and suffering can be challenging. An experienced personal injury lawyer will have expertise to accurately calculate and prove future damages.

Emotional and Psychological Challenges

Many people focus on the physical injuries after experiencing a car accident. However, the impact extends beyond the physical injuries often leaving emotional and psychological scars. Victims may experience a spectrum of mental health issues including anxiety and depression. Getting the treatment you need is important as is surprisingly common to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can impact the ability to return to daily activities and routines.

Financial Challenges

Motor vehicle accidents can bring significant financial challenges, especially in Alberta. Victims often face mounting medical bills, vehicle repair costs, and lost wages due to inability to work. Insurance claims can be complex and time-consuming, adding stress during an already difficult time.

Car accident victims may face:

Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, medication, rehabilitation costs
Lost Wages: Time off work due to injuries
Property Damage: Repair or replacement of the vehicle
Care Costs: In severe cases, long-term care or rehabilitation may be necessary, further straining finances.

Legal Challenges

Navigating insurance claims in Alberta can be challenging, as insurers often prioritize minimizing payouts. Victims must understand their rights under Alberta’s Insurance Act and the Minor Injury Regulation, which limits compensation for certain injuries. Additionally, Alberta’s government is actively considering various reforms to automobile insurance.

Determining fault is another complex aspect. Proving negligence is crucial for additional claims beyond basic insurance coverage. Gathering evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records, is key but can be overwhelming without legal assistance.

Time limitations represent another important challenge when filing claims in Alberta. Delays can jeopardize a victim’s ability to seek compensation.

3 Ways a Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer in Alberta Can Help You

An Injury Lawyer Will Help You Navigate the Legal Processes

A skilled personal injury lawyer understands the legal processes involved in motor vehicle accident claims in Alberta. They can guide victims through filing claims, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing them in court if necessary.

An Injury Lawyer Will Help You Maximize Compensation

An experienced lawyer can help victims maximize their compensation by accurately assessing the full extent of their damages. This includes not only immediate medical expenses and lost wages but also long-term costs and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

An Injury Lawyer Will Help You Focus On Your Recovery

The trauma of the accident, coupled with the stress of recovery and dealing with insurance companies, can represent emotional challenges. We understand the impact and challenges of a serious car accident. At KMSC we’ll handle the legal aspects allowing victims to focus on their recovery without the added burden of navigating complex legal procedures in Alberta.

KMSC – Experienced Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers in Alberta

At KMSC, our car accident lawyers have decades of experience representing Albertans with all types of injuries, including severe and life-altering ones that may result from an automobile accident. We have represented injured drivers and passengers, as well as the families of those who have suffered fatal injuries.

It won’t cost you anything to have a free non-obligation consultation with an experienced injury lawyer. Contact the Injury Law Team at KMSC today!