A hit and run accident can leave victims feeling overwhelmed, injured, and unsure where to turn, especially when the hit and run driver cannot be identified. In Alberta, hit and run collisions are treated as serious matters, both criminally and from an insurance perspective. Grover Law Firm regularly assists Calgary accident victims who are navigating the complex legal process of filing a personal injury claim after a hit and run.
If you were involved in a hit and run in Alberta, you may still have options to recover compensation, even when the responsible driver is unknown.
Step One: Get to Safety and Seek Medical Attention
After a run accident, your first priority should always be your health and safety.
You should:
- Move to a safe location if possible
- Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine
- Call emergency services if injuries are serious
Some injuries are not immediately apparent, and prompt medical care creates critical documentation for injury claims.
Report the Hit and Run to Police Immediately
All hit and run incidents must be reported to police. In Calgary, this typically involves the Calgary Police Service, but you should contact local police wherever the accident occurred.
A police report:
- Creates an official record
- Confirms the accident was a hit and run
- Is required for insurance claims and the MVAC Program
Failing to report the accident can jeopardize your ability to claim compensation.
Gather Evidence at the Accident Scene
If you are physically able, collect as much information as possible at the accident scene.
Helpful evidence includes:
- Photos of property damage
- Traffic lights, signage, and road conditions
- Surveillance footage from nearby buildings
- Witness contact information
- Any part of the other vehicle, including a license plate number
Even partial information can help identify the driver involved.
Understand Your Insurance Coverage in Alberta
Unlike some jurisdictions, Alberta is not a no-fault system for bodily injury claims. This means fault still matters.
After a hit and run collision, potential sources of compensation may include:
- Accident benefits through your own insurance policy
- Uninsured motorist coverage
- The MVAC Program (Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Program)
Your own insurer plays a central role when the at-fault driver is unknown.
What Is the MVAC Program in Alberta?
The MVAC Program exists to compensate Alberta residents injured by uninsured or unidentified drivers.
MVAC may apply when:
- The hit and run driver cannot be identified
- The responsible driver was uninsured
- No other insurance coverage is available
MVAC can provide compensation for:
- Personal injuries
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering (subject to limits)
Strict eligibility rules and deadlines apply.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim After a Hit and Run
A personal injury claim may involve multiple steps and insurance providers.
The legal process often includes:
- Filing an insurance claim with your own insurer
- Applying for accident benefits
- Submitting necessary documentation
- Pursuing MVAC compensation if applicable
- Pursuing legal action if another party is identified
Accident lawyers help ensure deadlines are met and claims are properly documented.
Proving a Hit and Run Claim
To claim compensation, accident victims must show:
- A motor vehicle accident occurred
- The injuries were caused by the hit and run collision
- Reasonable efforts were made to identify the driver
- The injuries sustained resulted in losses
Medical records, police reports, and surveillance footage are often key.
What Compensation May Be Available?
Depending on the circumstances, victims may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Future care costs
The goal is to receive adequate compensation that reflects the full impact of the accident.
Hit and Run Accidents Are Criminal Offences
Under Alberta law, leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offence. While criminal charges are separate from civil claims, they can support a personal injury case if the driver is later identified.
Why Legal Guidance Matters in Hit and Run Cases
Hit and run cases are among the most complex accident claims in Alberta. They often involve:
- Uninsured or unknown drivers
- Multiple insurance coverage options
- Strict MVAC requirements
- Aggressive insurance company defenses
An experienced personal injury lawyer can protect your legal rights and pursue maximum compensation.
Hit and Run Claims in Calgary and Across Alberta
Grover Law Firm represents Alberta residents, including those injured in Calgary hit and run accidents, throughout the province. Local knowledge of Alberta insurance law and the MVAC Program is essential when handling these claims.
Speak With Grover Law Firm After a Hit and Run
If you were injured in a hit and run accident in Alberta, you do not have to navigate the legal process alone. Grover Law Firm provides trusted legal guidance to accident victims dealing with uninsured or unidentified drivers.
We offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no fees unless compensation is recovered. Call Grover Law Firm at (403) 253-1029 today to discuss your legal options and take the next step toward recovery.