What to Do After A Car Accident: Tips from a Personal Injury Lawyer

Feb 05, 2024

Car accidents can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience, even for the most experienced driver. After a car accident, it can be challenging to know what to do next. However, the steps you take immediately after a car accident can significantly impact any future legal action or insurance claims you may make. In this blog, we will provide you with some crucial tips on what to do after a car accident in Alberta, Canada, to help protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.


Check for Injuries and Call for Help

The first and most crucial step after a car accident is to check if anyone has been injured and call for medical help if necessary. Even if you think you're fine, it's essential to get checked out by a medical professional. It's also crucial to call the police if their presence is required at the scene and if not to attend to a collision reporting centre. This report will be important if you need to file a claim with your insurance company or if you decide to pursue legal action.


Document the Scene

While waiting for the police to arrive or before leaving the scene for a collision reporting centre, document the scene as much as possible. Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle and any other vehicles involved, the location of the accident, and any skid marks or other evidence that may be relevant. It's also a good idea to write down the names and contact information of any witnesses.


Exchange Information

Exchange information with the other driver involved in the accident. This includes their name, address, phone number, driver's license number, license plate number, insurance information, and the make and model of their vehicle. Be sure to provide them with the same information as well.


Notify Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. They will guide you through the claims process and provide you with the necessary forms to fill out. Remember, it's crucial to provide accurate and truthful information when filing a claim.


Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have suffered significant injuries, it's essential to speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. A personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the claims process. They can also represent you in court if necessary. Even if you are not injured, consulting with a personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and ensure that you receive fair compensation.


Keep Records

Keep track of all documents related to the accident, including medical bills, car repair bills, and any other expenses related to the accident. This will help you determine the amount of compensation you are entitled to receive.


Do Not Admit Fault

Even if you believe you were at fault for the accident, do not admit fault. Admitting fault can be used against you in legal proceedings or when filing a claim with your insurance company. Instead, let the police and your insurance company determine who was at fault based on the evidence gathered.


Contact Sinclair Law Office Today


If you have been involved in a car accident in Alberta, Canada, contact Sinclair Law Office today. Our team of experienced personal injury lawyers will help you understand your legal options and ensure that your rights are protected. We have a proven track record of success in handling car accident cases and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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If you have been injured in an accident caused by someone else's negligence, you are faced with a crucial decision: should you settle your personal injury case or take it to trial? This decision is not an easy one to make, as both options have their own unique set of advantages and disadvantages. The right choice for you depends on a variety of factors, such as the strength of your case, your desired level of compensation, and your willingness to endure a potentially lengthy and stressful trial. In this blog, we will explore the pros and cons of settlements and trials, and help you determine which option might be best for your personal injury case. Remember that the experts at Sinclair Law Office are here to provide personalized guidance and support throughout your legal journey. Settlements A settlement is an agreement between the injured party and the responsible party (or their insurance company) in which the responsible party agrees to pay a certain sum of money in exchange for the injured party's agreement to drop their legal claim. Settlements can be reached at any point during the legal process, from before a lawsuit is filed to just before a justice renders a verdict. Pros of Settlements 1. Faster Resolution: One of the biggest advantages of settling your personal injury case is that you can receive compensation much faster than if you were to go through a trial. Trials can be lengthy and drawn-out processes, with no guarantee of a favorable outcome. A settlement allows you to bypass the uncertainty of a trial and obtain financial relief more quickly. 2. Guaranteed Compensation: With a settlement, you know exactly how much money you will receive. Trials, on the other hand, can be unpredictable. There is always a chance that you could lose your case or receive less compensation than you were hoping for. 3. Less Stressful: Trials can be emotionally draining and time-consuming. Settling your case allows you to avoid the stress and anxiety that comes with a trial, enabling you to focus on your recovery and move on with your life. 4. Confidentiality: Settlements are typically confidential, meaning the details of your case and the settlement amount will not become public record. This can be particularly beneficial if you value your privacy and do not want your personal injury case to be widely known. Cons of Settlements 1. Lower Compensation: In some cases, settling your personal injury case may result in a lower compensation amount than you might have received if you had won your case at trial. 2. No Public Acknowledgment of Wrongdoing: When you settle your case, the responsible party does not have to admit fault or wrongdoing. This can be a drawback if you were hoping for an acknowledgment of responsibility. Trials If you cannot reach a settlement agreement with the responsible party, your personal injury case will proceed to trial. During a trial, both sides will present their evidence and arguments to a judge or jury, who will then decide whether the defendant is liable for your injuries and, if so, how much compensation you should receive. Pros of Trials 1. Potential for Higher Compensation: One of the main advantages of going to trial is the possibility of obtaining a higher compensation amount than what was offered during settlement negotiations. There is no guarantee that you will receive the higher compensation. 2. Public Acknowledgment of Wrongdoing: A trial can provide a sense of justice and closure, as the responsible party is publicly held accountable for their actions. Cons of Trials 1. Time-Consuming: It can take years to get to trial. Then once the trials occurs it can be lengthy, often taking months or even years to resolve. This can delay your ability to receive compensation and move on with your life. 2. No Guaranteed Outcome: Trials are unpredictable, and there is always a risk that you could lose your case, receive less compensation than you were hoping for or even having to pay the defendant costs. 3. More Stressful: Trials can be emotionally draining and stressful, particularly if you are required to testify and relive the details of your accident and injuries. Ultimately, the decision to settle your personal injury case or take it to trial is a personal one that should be made after careful consideration of the potential benefits and drawbacks of each option. To make the best decision for your unique situation, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can evaluate your case and provide personalized guidance. If you are unsure about whether to settle or go to trial, the Sinclair Law Office is here to help. Our experienced attorneys will assess your case, discuss your options, and guide you through the decision-making process. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step towards obtaining the compensation you deserve.
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