The City of Grande Prairie 2020 Automated Traffic Enforcement Annual Report records 1269 total collisions for the year. Like many Alberta municipalities, high traffic intersections also coincide with higher collision rates. Many driver errors are unfortunately due to impaired driving, distracted driving, and excessive speeding. The Grande Prairie 2020 Transportation Master Plan notes road safety as one of the top six transportation system priorities for 2018 survey participants. If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Grande Prairie or a neighboring rural area, here are the most important steps you can take to protect yourself.
Follow these steps after a vehicle collision
If you’ve been involved in a car accident or motor vehicle collision in Grande Prairie, following these steps can ensure your immediate and future protection:
5 Steps to keep you safe at the scene
- Call 911 for an ambulance if anyone is seriously
- Ensure personal safety. Do not stand near your vehicle in Turn on hazards and move to a safe location.
- Document Scene & Collect personal information from witnesses and the other Always take photos!
- Contact the police and file a report for any injury, damage over $2000, or if a driver is uninsured. Call them if
- Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible and give them clear facts and details
5 Steps to keep your future safe
- Do not leave the scene if the collision has resulted in injury or significant property damage – wait for
- Seek medical attention within 24 hours or as soon as possible for a proper assessment, even for minor
- Never discuss fault at the scene, online, or with insurance. Only consult with a personal injury
- Monitor your symptoms in the coming weeks as injuries or severity are not always immediately
- Repair your vehicle at a shop of your choice if you prefer not to go with an insurer’s
Top Tips:
Keep cones and flares in a vehicle emergency kit to alert other drivers in case of a motor vehicle collision. Know your insurance policy and ask questions if you don’t understand your coverage.
Seek legal counsel with a personal injury lawyer to discuss your rights and compensation for injuries.
Seek advice for legal compensation rights
Who can receive compensation?
A motor vehicle accident (MVA) or collision (MVC) is commonly referred to as a car accident but applies to all forms of motor transportation including cars, minivans, trucks, motorcycles, SUVs, or even semi-trucks. Anyone can be significantly injured in a motor vehicle collision. Whether you were a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or cyclist, if you were injured due to another driver’s negligence you may be entitled to compensation.
Hit and run victims or those injured in a collision with an uninsured motorist may also be compensated through the Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Program (MVAC).
Injuries associated with motor vehicle collisions can have significant impacts on a person’s physical, emotional and mental well-being. It can also have long-term effects on your quality of life and your family’s future. If you are uncertain, you can explore your legal options with a free consultation and receive expert advice for your situation.
How can legal consultation benefit me?
If you are considering a claim, it is highly beneficial to consult with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Although a personal injury claim can often be made within two years from the date of your incident, access to timely evidence and early medical records can greatly affect the outcome of your settlement.
Moustarah and Company has over two decades of experience helping those injured in an MVA/MVC. We are committed to navigating the complexities of personal injury law to empower our clients to fully understand their legal compensation rights. Most personal injury claims do not go to court; however, our team is experienced and prepared to advocate for our clients in any legal situation. As committed, compassionate professionals, we provide free initial consultations to anyone seeking legal advice regarding their personal injury, and no fees are required until your claim is settled.
Since we work for you, advocating for your best interests is always our primary concern. You can rely on our highly skilled personal injury team to focus on getting you the compensation you deserve while you focus on well-being and recovery.
Identify all types of injuries you have suffered
There are several forms of injury and trauma including whiplash that MVA/MVC victims may suffer. Compensation is determined by examining all types of injuries suffered, including severity and long term impacts. Our personal injury lawyers expertly navigate the legal processes as they pertain to each person’s medical diagnoses to ensure the maximum settlement claim is received for our clients.
Common types of injuries that our personal injury legal team can advise on are:
Physical Injury:
- Whiplash
- Torn ligaments and tendons
- Broken bones
- Herniated discs
- Back pain
- Spinal cord injuries
- Brain injuries
- Chronic pain
- Cuts, contusions, and hematomas
Mental & Emotional Trauma
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Depression
- Driving anxiety
Know what to expect during the personal injury claim process
Suffering from a personal injury can be a stressful time for many reasons. Knowing what to anticipate when pursuing a personal injury claim can provide much-needed peace of mind. Moustarah and Company have created a free brochure answering many of the questions you may have about the personal injury process and compensation. Here is an overview of what you can expect when making a motor vehicle collision injury claim in Grande Prairie.
What types of compensation might be included in my MVA/MVC claim?
- Physical injury
- Loss of capacity to do daily tasks
- Decreased quality of life
- Income or job loss
- Damage or loss of your vehicle and personal belongings
- Mental and emotional trauma
- Pain and suffering
What is legally required to make a personal injury claim?
For a personal injury claim to be made, you must establish fault by a third party to hold them legally responsible. For an MVA/MVC evidence must be gathered to demonstrate that the collision was caused by another person’s illegal or negligent action to have cause to proceed. Collecting evidence, including medical records as soon as possible can greatly help your claim. Our legal team can advise on obtaining critical evidence including:
- Documented details gathered at the scene
- Witness statements
- Photos or footage from security cameras
- Event Data Recorders which may have been installed in vehicles to record collision data
- Police reports
- Medical reports
Our experienced personal injury lawyers at Moustarah and Company thoroughly examine the evidence to build the most optimal legal case for our clients. We can also advise you on critical steps you can take to protect your claim. Best of all, we will negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf to reach the best settlement possible so you are not pressured into settling for less than you are entitled to.
How long will it take to receive financial compensation?
The length of time to finalize a settlement depends on the type of injury, the severity of the injury, and how legally complex the claim is. Your settlement may be finalized in months if your injury and its impacts can confidently be assessed quickly. However, if injuries are severe or were fatal, it is critical for you and your family to have long-term professional and medical assessments. This evidence is necessary to obtain the maximum settlement for your situation.
Injured persons should never be pressured into signing settlements that are significantly less than they are entitled to. This, unfortunately, happens when offers are made before long-term impacts can be properly assessed. Our legal experts will carefully walk you through the medical documentation needed to maximize your compensation to ensure your future and family are appropriately taken care of.
Once your claim is settled you will not be able to reopen it; being well-advised along the way by a legal professional who works for you can be a great advantage and you will not be charged any legal fees or expenses until your case is settled. It takes approximately six weeks for clients to receive their financial compensation once a settlement is reached.
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle collision in Grande Prairie, our team at Moustarah & Company is on your side. Contact us today for your free consultation in our offices in downtown Edmonton.