Consult with Our Calgary Car Accident Lawyer
A car accident can create panic and make it hard to think clearly. As a result, an accident victim may be confused or unsure about what should be done next. In some cases, people hastily take the wrong steps, leading to a loss of opportunity to get compensation for damages and injuries.
At Stephen Holman Devraj, our aim is to present your case in an honest manner. Our team of lawyers is well versed in accident injury law and can provide legal advice in case of an accident resulting in injuries or damages. They will help you navigate through the legal system and will endeavour to get the best possible compensation.
If you’ve been injured in a no-fault car, motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian accident, you owe it to yourself to protect your rights and get legal representation. Whether your claim qualifies as a CAP Claim or your injuries are more severe, we aim to help you in every way possible. Feel free to reach out to us for a free consultation.
When Do You Need a Car Injury Lawyer?
If you experience any discomfort as a result of an accident that is not your fault, you need to contact a car injury lawyer in Calgary. It may come as a surprise, but not all car and vehicle accident cases are accepted. Whether the damage to your vehicle is small (a few scrapes on the bumper), the collision was low-speed, or your level of pain is minimal, you are still entitled to receive compensation.
If the accident was more severe, causing permanent discomfort or serious harm in a specific part of your body, or if the accident was lethal, you must contact a car accident lawyer immediately.
How Should You Handle the Situation?
At the scene:
- Inform the police immediately to get your accident reported and recorded
- Call for immediate medical attention
Take Note of or Ask Someone to Collect the Following Information:
- Name, phone number, and insurance information of the other party
- Name and contact information of the witnesses
- Take pictures or ask someone to capture the accident scene and vehicle damage
- Avoid making any agreements or admissions at the scene of the incident
After the Accident:
- Get all major and minor injuries treated by a doctor
- Collect copies of all the medical reports, prescriptions and bills
What You Should Not Do:
- Make any agreement or admission over the phone or in writing to an insurance company or any other entity
- Agree to any accident settlement without consulting a professional to determine whether it is appropriate
- Assume that you do not have a case until you have discussed it with a personal injury lawyer
- Presume that proper legal representation is not affordable or feasible for you
What You Need to Know about Car Accident Insurance Claims in Calgary
If you’ve recently been in a car accident, you may be wondering what step to take first. A car accident lawyer can help you navigate the insurance claim process to ensure you get the support you need and the compensation you deserve. In the meantime, here’s an overview of common questions people ask about car accident insurance claims in Calgary.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Claim in Alberta?
The time it takes to settle a car accident claim varies depending on the nature of the car accident and the extent and severity of the injuries you have sustained. Because each person is unique, you should only consider settling your claim if you have fully recovered from your injuries or have achieved maximum medical improvement.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Claim in Alberta?
An insurance company can deny your claim for many reasons. The denial may be their first step in the process, hoping you’ll accept their decision and move on with your life, saving the insurance company money.
If you’re ever denied a car accident insurance claim, don’t let it go without first having a car accident lawyer review it.
Should I Accept My First Compensation Offer?
After you’ve been injured in an accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may contact you with a settlement offer. Although it can be appealing to accept the fast payout, it’s in your best interest to wait until you fully understand the nature and scope of your injuries and the costs and losses associated with the accident. It’s best to have a car accident lawyer advocate on your behalf.
How Much Will a No-fault Claim Raise My Insurance Premium?
No-fault insurance means that your insurance company pays for your costs and losses, regardless of who’s at fault for the accident. Alberta’s auto insurance system is a tort system rather than a no-fault one. Damages are paid by the insurance company of the person at fault for the accident.
However, insurance companies in Alberta pay accident benefits, commonly called Section B, to anyone injured in a motor vehicle accident, regardless of who’s at fault. If you receive benefits under Section B, it won’t affect your insurance premiums.
What Can I Claim after an Accident?
If you’ve been in an accident, there are many heads of damages you may be entitled to. To compensate for your physical and emotional injuries, you can seek compensation for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of housekeeping capacity, loss of past and future income, and a variety of other losses.
What Might Hurt My Car Accident Claim?
There are a few missteps you could take in those first critical moments after an accident that may undermine your claim. First, don’t assume you’re at fault and take responsibility. Don’t agree to pay for any damages, and don’t discuss or accept any form of cash settlement.
Above all, don’t agree to just let it go. At first, it may look like a harmless fender bender. However, you could be in shock and unaware of the extent of your personal injuries or the damage to your vehicle.
What’s the Minor Injury Regulation?
Alberta’s Minor Injury Regulation (MIR) sets a maximum limit on damages payable for minor injuries, characterized as sprains, strains or whiplash. In 2022, this limit was set at $5,488.
Do I Have an Auto Injury Case?
You may be entitled to auto injury compensation if the following applies to you:
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You Suffered a Physical, Mental, or Emotional Injury Seek immediate medical attention if you are injured. Get treatment for all the injuries, even the minor ones and get them evaluated. Collect copies of any medical reports, treatment plans, etc.
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The Injury Was Caused by the Fault or Negligence of Someone Else The accident was not your fault. Sometimes accidents happen because of another person’s fault, which may include a company, another motorist, or a third party.
How Can You Proceed?
If you believe that you have a claim to get compensation for your injuries incurred as a result of a motor accident, you can move ahead with the following steps:
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Obtain witness information
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Get immediate medical attention
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Retain the photos and other evidence
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Keep the copies of medical records and injury information
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Gather personal and insurance information of the other party
You Can Count on Us
Whether it’s a case of auto or personal injury, CAP claim or wrongful death, our auto and accident injury lawyers will protect your interests and will take the necessary steps required to seek appropriate compensation on your behalf. Here is our commitment to you:
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Fair representation
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Negotiation
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We get paid if you get paid
A Trusted Car Accident Lawyer in Calgary
To take all the guesswork out of your car accident claim, talk to a lawyer at Stephens Holman Devraj in Calgary. From navigating your insurance claim to suing for personal injuries, we’ll look out for your best interests. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
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Our Legal Services
Accident Injury Law
Accidents on the road can happen at any time. Injuries and damage to your vehicle are common side-effects of being involved in a motor vehicle accident. We can help you explore your legal options if you have sustained injuries in an accident.
If you slip, fall, or get bitten by an animal and you believe the cause of your injury to be a person or company's negligence, you might be entitled to financial compensation. Stephens Holman Devraj can offer you legal advice on the matter.
If your injuries fall under the minor injury regulations, then your claim might be capped at a regulated amount referred to as a CAP claim. However, some claims that appear to be CAP claims, may fall outside of this CAP. It is important to seek legal advice.
If you have lost a loved one and believe another party to be at fault, you may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. This allows certain family members to get compensation for their loss and we, at Stephens Holman Devraj, can help you with your claim.
Accidents can cause long-term disabilities and prevent you from going back to life as you knew it. In such scenarios, we aim to help you in getting your long-term disability benefits and the means for the best possible quality of life.
Our services include notarization of documents, administering oaths, affirmations and solemn declarations.
Panic can worsen the situation at the site of the accident. Try to stay calm, seek immediate medical attention, and retain information related to the accident so that it can help you get compensation and justice.
