Car accidents happen every day, but a hit-and-run on rural highways can be especially devastating. In Alberta, vast rural roads stretch for miles without witnesses, cameras, or quick access to emergency services. When another driver flees the scene after a motor vehicle collision, you’re left facing vehicle damage, medical expenses, and emotional distress — often with no clear way to hold the at-fault party accountable.
At Grover Law Firm, our personal injury lawyers have seen firsthand how challenging these cases can be. If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run car accident, understanding your legal rights and taking the right steps immediately afterward can make a crucial difference in the success of your personal injury claim.
Understanding Hit-and-Run Accidents on Alberta’s Rural Roads
A hit-and-run occurs when a driver causes a traffic accident and then fails to stop, exchange contact details, or assist anyone who may be injured. Under Alberta law, fleeing the scene of a motor vehicle accident is a criminal offense that can lead to severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and license suspension.
On rural roads, these collisions are particularly common due to high speeds, limited visibility, and minimal traffic. Drivers may panic after striking another vehicle, pedestrian, or even property, and flee out of fear of legal consequences. Unfortunately, this leaves injured victims to face medical costs, lost income, and vehicle repairs on their own.
Common causes of rural motor vehicle collisions include:
- Distracted driving (using phones, adjusting GPS, or eating behind the wheel)
- Poor weather conditions such as ice, snow, or fog
- Loose gravel and road debris reducing traction
- Driver fatigue on long stretches of highway
- Speeding or reckless driver behaviour
In such cases, determining who’s responsible and proving your injury claim can be complex — but not impossible.
Step 1: Ensure Your Safety and Seek Medical Attention Immediately
The first priority after any car crash is personal safety. If you’ve been hit on a rural highway, move your vehicle to a safe location, turn on your hazard lights, and check for injuries.
If you or anyone else has severe injuries, contact emergency services right away. Even if your injuries appear minor, it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away but can worsen over time.
Keep detailed medical records and invoices, as they’ll serve as crucial evidence for your personal injury claim and any insurance claims process later on.
Step 2: Call the Police and File an Official Accident Report
No matter how minor the damage may seem, always call the police to file an official accident report. This documentation establishes the date, time, and location of the accident scene and verifies that another driver fled the area.
When police arrive:
- Provide accurate details about the motor vehicle collision
- Describe the other vehicle as best as possible (colour, make, license plate number, etc.)
- Explain the direction it fled and any identifying warning signs or driver behaviour
This police report is critical for both the insurance companies and your legal team when pursuing fair compensation.
Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Accident Scene
If you can safely do so, gather evidence immediately after the collision. Take photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, and road conditions.
Key evidence includes:
- Photos of property damage and any critical evidence such as broken glass or paint transfer
- The location and surroundings of the accident (including weather conditions)
- Contact information for other drivers or witness statements from anyone who saw the motor vehicle accident
This evidence helps your legal team establish fault and build a strong case for your injury claim — even if the other driver remains unidentified.
Step 4: Report the Hit-and-Run to Your Insurance Company
Once you’ve contacted the police and received medical care, notify your insurance provider right away. Insurance companies require prompt reporting for motor vehicle collisions, especially those involving hit-and-run scenarios.
Your insurance policy will outline how coverage applies to uninsured motorist or unknown driver accidents. In Alberta, drivers may be eligible for direct compensation through their own auto insurance for vehicle damage and medical expenses, depending on the policy type.
Be honest and thorough when describing the incident. Avoid speculating or making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Let your personal injury lawyer handle any complex communication with insurance adjusters.
Step 5: Review Your Coverage — Collision or Comprehensive?
Your coverage type determines how your vehicle damage will be handled.
- Collision coverage applies when another driver hits you, even if that driver flees. This helps pay for repair estimates, towing, and replacement costs.
- Comprehensive coverage may also assist with vehicle repairs if the accident involved damage from objects, animals, or weather conditions.
It’s vital to review your policy with your insurance advisor or a personal injury lawyer to ensure you’re properly compensated under Alberta’s direct compensation framework.
Step 6: Avoid Common Mistakes That Could Harm Your Case
After a car accident, emotions often run high — especially when the at-fault driver disappears. To protect your rights:
- Do not admit fault or speculate about the other driver’s intent.
- Avoid discussing your case with anyone other than your legal counsel or insurance provider.
- Don’t sign documents or accept quick settlements from insurance companies without reviewing them with your personal injury lawyer.
Premature statements can jeopardize your legal claim or reduce the compensation you deserve.
Step 7: Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you sustained severe injuries, significant property damage, or lost income after a hit-and-run, consulting an experienced personal injury lawyer is essential.
A lawyer can help by:
- Navigating the claims process with your insurance company
- Obtaining the police report and analyzing critical evidence
- Identifying potential witnesses or nearby video surveillance
- Ensuring your personal injury claim meets Alberta’s filing deadlines
- Negotiating with insurance adjusters for fair compensation
At Grover Law Firm, our dedicated injury lawyers handle motor vehicle accident and car accident cases with an unwavering dedication to protecting our clients’ legal rights.
Step 8: Understanding Alberta Law for Hit-and-Run Victims
Under Alberta law, every motor vehicle owner must carry insurance. However, not all drivers obey this rule, and some flee because they lack coverage or fear penalties.
If the at-fault driver cannot be found, victims can turn to Alberta’s Motor Vehicle Accident Claims (MVAC) Program, which compensates individuals injured by uninsured or unknown drivers. Your personal injury lawyer can help determine if you qualify and assist with filing your injury claim.
Remember, timely reporting is crucial. Failing to notify authorities or file an MVAC claim within the prescribed timeframe can prevent you from receiving fair compensation.
Step 9: Compensation Available to Hit-and-Run Victims
Victims of rural highway hit-and-runs may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
- Lost income due to missed work
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Property damage and vehicle repairs
- Funeral costs in fatal motor vehicle collisions
Your personal injury claim may also include medical costs related to broken bones, whiplash, or other injuries caused by the car crash. A skilled legal team will gather the evidence needed to prove damages and ensure you receive fair compensation.
Step 10: The Importance of Collecting and Preserving Evidence
Evidence is the foundation of any successful legal action. If you’re physically able, take time to collect evidence immediately after the accident. If not, a family member or your legal team can do it for you.
This includes:
- Photos of the accident scene and surrounding rural roads
- Witness statements and contact details
- Copies of your medical records and repair invoices
- A copy of the police report or any official documentation
The stronger your evidence, the easier it becomes to establish fault and prove the impact of the motor vehicle collision on your life.
Why Rural Hit-and-Runs Require Special Attention
Unlike urban car accident cases, rural roads present unique challenges. Sparse populations mean fewer witnesses, longer response times, and fewer cameras to record the accident scene. Poor lighting, high speeds, and weather conditions also make identifying other drivers difficult.
That’s why working with legal experts who understand Alberta’s rural areas is critical. They know how to reconstruct motor vehicle collisions, work with police investigators, and use physical evidence to trace other vehicles involved.
How Grover Law Firm Helps Victims of Rural Highway Hit-and-Runs
At Grover Law Firm, we know that recovering after a hit-and-run car accident is about more than just repairing your vehicle — it’s about restoring your peace of mind. Our legal team provides comprehensive support to Alberta drivers, handling everything from insurance communication to legal representation.
When you work with us, we will:
- Guide you through your injury claim step-by-step
- Help you gather evidence and build your case
- Work with insurance companies and adjusters on your behalf
- Ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your personal injury, medical expenses, and property damage
- Provide a free consultation to review your legal options
With decades of experience in motor vehicle collisions, our firm brings compassion, skill, and unwavering dedication to every case.
Final Thoughts: Protecting Yourself on Alberta’s Roads
Driving on rural roads in Alberta can be peaceful — but it also carries unique risks. A hit-and-run can happen to anyone, and knowing what to do in those first moments can protect both your safety and your legal future.
Remember these key steps:
- Stay calm and move to a safe location
- Call the police and seek medical attention immediately
- Gather as much evidence as possible
- Notify your insurance company promptly
- Contact a personal injury lawyer for guidance
At Grover Law Firm, we believe every victim deserves justice, no matter where their car accident occurred.
Call (403) 253-1029 today or contact us online for a free consultation. Let our experienced injury lawyers help you recover the fair compensation you deserve after a hit-and-run on Alberta’s rural highways.