Traffic collisions continue to cause serious injuries and fatalities on Alberta roads each year. Alberta’s traffic collision statistics report thousands of injury collisions annually, while Transport Canada recorded 1,964 traffic fatalities and 118,838 injuries nationwide in 2023. After a crash, taking the right steps can make a significant difference in protecting your safety, preserving evidence, and strengthening any future insurance or injury claim.
Being in a car accident can be scary and intimidating but what comes after it can be equally intimidating. Read this blog to learn more about what to do if you find yourself in this type of situation.
Reporting Car Accidents in Calgary, Alberta
The first question a lot of drivers have after being in a car accident is whether they need to report the event to the police. While not all accidents need to be reported to the authorities, there are three circumstances in which it is a necessity. They are:
1. Passengers or drivers were injured.
2. Loss of more than $2000 has been reported.
3. You believe you were the victim of a hit and run.
Accidents with losses of less than $2000 or no injuries do not need to be reported but can be if you wish so.
How to report a car accident
Once you have taken a toll of all the losses and people in the accidents, there are two main courses of action:
1. If anyone is injured or the vehicle cannot be driven further, call 911 immediately. They will arrive at the location, assess the damage, and file a report.
2. If there are no injuries and the vehicle is driveable, you can report the accident at a nearby police station.
When reporting a car accident in Calgary, AB, make sure you have your proof of insurance, driver’s license, vehicle certificate of registration and information about the other driver/vehicle in the collision.
Do’s and don’ts after a car accident
Do’s
• Stay at the location of the accident. It is illegal to leave the scene of the accident.
• Exchange details of the other party in the collision such as contact, vehicle and insurance information.
• If there were any witnesses of the accident, collect their contact details.
• Check everyone involved in the collision for injuries. If anyone is found to have been injured, immediately call for assistance.
• If possible, move the vehicles away from incoming traffic and towards the edge of the roads.
• Click pictures or record videos of the vehicles and surrounding areas.
• If required, call for a tow truck.
• After filing the report, it is best to contact your legal advisor or find a car accident lawyer near you.
• Try to keep your composure and a calm mind.
Don’ts
• It is illegal to leave the scene of an accident.
• Do not agree to pay for the damages.
• Do not accept money as a form of settlement or agreement.
• Do not get violent or hassle the other party in the accident.
• Do not take responsibility for the accident.
A question that most vehicle owners have after an accident is, “Does filing an accident report affect my car insurance in any way?” The answer is no. Reporting the accidents won’t lead to an increase in rates but being found to be at fault will.
Accidents with losses lower than $2000 also need to be reported if:
• A crime was committed.
• The collision was with a government vehicle or private property.
• The driver is uninsured.
• Someone was injured.
• The accident involved a pedestrian or cyclist.
It is best to consult with injury lawyers in Calgary immediately after being in an accident. Out of the 95,001 accidents in 2020, 85,702 (90.2%) reported property loss of more than $2000 while 207 were fatal.
Here at Grover Law, our car accident lawyers in Calgary are here to assist you and your family if you’ve experienced a collision or accident. They can guide you through navigating the legal system and help you devise the best plan of action to protect you further. If you have any questions or concerns at all, please feel free to us.