Car Accident Lawyers
A motor vehicle accident can be life-altering. They can destroy your property, cause mental suffering and anguish, and result in physical disablement or impairment. Your life can change forever in an instant. At KMSC, our Injury Law Team is here to help you with your motor vehicle accident insurance claim journey ahead.
If you are injured as a result of a motor vehicle accident, you should obtain legal advice as soon as possible after the accident. Personal injury claims are subject to limitation periods. If that period expires before you take legal action to obtain compensation for your injuries, you may permanently lose your opportunity to make a claim.
We strongly advise you to obtain legal advice before negotiating with your insurance company to settle your claim. Though they may say otherwise, insurance companies will act in their best interests, not yours.
Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Alberta
There are many reasons that a car accident can occur, but car accidents are usually caused due to driver error. Here are some of the common causes we see as car accident lawyers:
- Distracted driving – According to Transport Canada, distracted driving contributes to 21% of fatal collisions and 27% of serious injury collisions. While most drivers recognize the risk of distracted driving, accidents often occur because a driver was texting, talking on the phone, eating or drinking, or using their vehicle’s navigation system.
- Speeding – Accidents will often occur because a speeding driver isn’t going too quickly to avoid a collision.
- Reckless driving – When someone is driving recklessly, there is a higher chance of an accident occurring because the driver is putting themselves and others at unnecessary risk. Reckless driving can include failing to yield, tailgating, running lights, weaving in and out of traffic, and cutting other drivers off.
- Driving while impaired – Driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs are common examples of impaired driving. Alcohol and drugs can cause drivers to disregard caution or disable them from being able to make quick enough decisions to avoid an accident.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, it’s helpful to try and understand the cause of the accident. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help walk you through the events leading up to the accident. Understanding what may have caused the accident can help prove who should be held responsible.
How Are Accident Claims Calculated?
We have a fault-based system for car accident injury claims in Alberta. That means an injured person is only entitled to full compensation if they are found to not be at fault for a car accident.
Depending on the nature of the injuries, how long it will take for you to recover, the healthcare required and the impact on your ability to earn an income are factors to calculate a personal injury claim. There are several categories of damages, including:
- Healthcare costs
- Loss of enjoyment of life (pain and suffering)
- Loss of earning capacity
- Loss of housekeeping capacity
The length of your recovery is a large factor in determining your potential settlement. Your age can also be a big factor. For example, a 15-year-old with catastrophic injuries will experience losses over a longer period than a 55-year-old and may have the potential for a much larger claim.
Free Consultation for Victims of Car Accidents
At KMSC, our lawyers have decades of experience in litigating personal injury claims. We can explain your options to you, guide you through the process, and ensure your injuries are properly assessed and treated by medical professionals. Ultimately, we will ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
We have offices in Grande Prairie, Fairview, Edmonton, La Crete and Spirit River. We serve all of Alberta, including Fort McMurray, Grande Cache, High Level, High Prairie, Manning, Peace River, Sexsmith, Slave Lake, and Valleyview.
We offer a free no-obligation consultation where we listen to your story and review the details of your case. This gives you the opportunity to better understand your legal options. Do you need details on what to bring to your consultation? We invite you to read our Motor Vehicle Accident Consultation Checklist by clicking the button below. Here you can find information on what documents to bring, what details to prepare, and a list of questions you should consider asking any personal injury lawyer before hiring them to handle your claim.