With typically more than 2000 motor vehicle collisions occurring annually in Red Deer, hundreds of motorists and dozens of pedestrians and bicyclists are injured each year. This does not include nearby highway collisions involving travelers and commuters from Red Deer or collisions occurring in neighbouring rural communities. If you are a pedestrian, passenger or driver injured in a motor vehicle accident in or near Red Deer, here are the top 3 things you need to know.
1. Know the steps to take immediately following a collision
If you’ve been involved in a car accident or motor vehicle collision in Red Deer, 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 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 only
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 coming weeks as injuries or severity are not always immediately
- Repair your vehicle at a shop of your choosing. And document the repair and the receipts.
Seek legal counsel with a personal injury lawyer to discuss your rights and compensation for injuries.
2. Discover your rights to compensation
Often, a motor vehicle accident (MVA) is referred to as a car accident and typically consider it an impact between two or more vehicles including cars, semi-trucks, trucks, motorcycles, minivans, or SUVs. Sometimes, this type of incident is referred to as a motor vehicle collision (MVC). Calling it an accident, helps to remind that collisions are often preventable. Often, a MVA is due to some form of negligence or illegal action. Personal Injury Claims are most often a result of a MVA. However, you have rights as a pedestrian, cyclist, and as a passenger injured in a motor vehicle collision you are still considered a victim of an MVA/MVC and may be entitled to compensation. This also includes being a victim of a hit and run or a collision with an uninsured motorist under the Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Program (MVAC).
Injuries associated with motor vehicle collisions can have damaging and often lasting impacts on a person’s physical, emotional and mental health as well as impacts to their families and loved ones.
If you are considering a claim, it is highly beneficial to consult with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Our extensive knowledge and unwavering dedication help to ensure that Moustarah & Company is your best choice for a personal injury lawyer. A personal injury claim can often be made within two years from the date of your incident but delaying can decrease your access to vital evidence and medical care; this in turn can have a significant impact on the outcome of your settlement.
At Moustarah & Company we take these impacts seriously. We are committed to helping those injured in a MVA/MVC navigate all the complexity of the law to fully understand what compensation they are legally entitled to. We provide free initial consultations to anyone seeking legal advice regarding their personal injury. We are diligent in empowering injured persons to make informed decisions with all the options available to them. Your best interests are our primary focus because we work for you. If you choose to let one of our highly experienced, dedicated lawyers advocate for you, no fees are required until your claim is settled. We believe in supporting our clients to focus on recovery and not additional financial stress. we have many client from Red Deer, who make the drive up to Edmonton because Moustarah & Company is a top rated legal team in all of Alberta.
One of the most common forms of injury people associate with MVA/MVCs is whiplash but there are several injuries and types of trauma that can occur as a result of a motor vehicle collision. Our personal injury lawyers are highly skilled negotiators even should your claim go to court. We also have experience with understanding the legal processes associated with medical diagnoses to ensure you receive the maximum possible settlement for your case. In addition to whiplash injuries, we are highly experienced with many types of injury associated with motor vehicle accidents including:
Physical Injury:
- 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
3. Understand what to expect if you pursue a personal injury claim
Knowing what to expect can significantly increase your peace of mind during a stressful time of potential loss and recovery. Moustarah and Company have created a free brochure for you to refer to at any time which will answer many questions you may have about personal injury claims, the process and compensation. Here are some highlights of what you can expect when making a motor vehicle collision injury claim in Red Deer.
What types of compensation might be included in my MVA/MVC claim?
- Damage or loss of your vehicle and personal belongings
- Physical Injuries
- Loss of capacity (housekeeping) and future quality of life
- Income or job loss
- Mental and emotional trauma
- Pain and suffering
What is legally required to make a personal injury claim
Establishing fault is required when pursuing a third-party liability claim. This involves carefully gathering and reviewing the available evidence. You must be able to demonstrate that the collision was caused by another person’s illegal or negligent action in order to have good cause to proceed. Evidence can include:
- Details gathered at the scene from documentation, photos or nearby security cameras
- Event Data Recorders which may be installed in newer vehicles to record collision data
- Witness statements
- Police reports
- Medical reports
An experienced personal injury lawyer from Moustarah and Company knows how to examine the evidence thoroughly to build the best possible case within the law. We can advise you on required steps and explain what actions could harm your case. We will also deal with the insurance companies on your behalf to reach the best settlement possible for your case so you can be at ease.
How long will it take to receive financial compensation?
Finalizing a settlement depends on the severity of your injury and case complexity. If injuries can be confidently assessed sooner and are deemed not significant legally, your case may be settled within months. If severe injury or fatality is involved, you and your family will want to have long-term professional and medical assessments done to establish the full impact of harm.
Having a legal expert review your claim can guard you against being pressured into signing a settlement offer prematurely when long-term impacts are too early to assess. We understand the medical diagnoses required under the law to claim the full settlement you deserve; we will not rush our clients to a settlement that could cause regret, lack of access to future support, or financial hardship.
Since it is not possible to reopen your claim once settled, it is best to make your claim with a personal injury lawyer advocating for you every step of the way. You can be assured that at Moustarah & Company you will not be required to pay legal fees or expenses until your case is settled. We are committed to helping you get fair compensation for your personal injury claim anywhere in Alberta.
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle collision in Red Deer, our professional, compassionate team is on your side. Call to book a free consultation in Edmonton and connect with us today.