First Things First: Ensure Everyone’s Safety 🛡️
A car accident is a jarring experience that can leave you shaken and confused. Before you do anything else, your absolute first priority is safety. Take a deep breath and check yourself for any immediate injuries. Then, check on any passengers in your vehicle and, if you are able, the occupants of the other vehicle(s) involved. Your health and the health of everyone at the scene is the most important thing.
If it is safe to do so and the vehicles are drivable, move them to the shoulder of the road to prevent further collisions and clear a path for emergency responders. Turn on your hazard lights immediately. If anyone is injured, complains of pain, or if the vehicles are severely damaged, call 911 right away. Do not attempt to move someone who is seriously hurt unless their location puts them in immediate danger, such as a fire.
Step 1: Document Everything Meticulously 📸
Your smartphone is one of the most powerful tools you have after a collision. Once the scene is safe, begin documenting everything you can. Take pictures and videos from various angles, capturing the damage to all vehicles involved, their final resting positions, and their license plates. These visual records are incredibly valuable and can help paint a clear picture of what happened for insurance adjusters and lawyers.
Beyond photos, get pictures of the general accident scene, including any traffic signs, signals, road conditions like ice or rain, and any skid marks. Open your phone’s notes app and jot down the details while they are fresh in your mind. Record the date, time, and specific location, such as the nearest intersection. Write a description of how the accident occurred from your perspective. This written account will be a huge help later, as memories can fade quickly under stress.
Step 2: Report the Collision to the Police 👮
In Alberta, you are legally required to report a motor vehicle collision to the police if there are any injuries or if the combined damage to the vehicles appears to be more than $2,000. Given the high cost of modern vehicle repairs, most accidents will easily meet this threshold. Calling the Edmonton Police Service ensures an official report is created, which is a critical piece of documentation for any insurance claim.
For minor accidents with no injuries where police do not attend the scene, you must still report the incident. You are required to go to an Edmonton Police Service Collision Reporting Centre to file a report, typically within 24 hours. Failing to report an accident can have serious consequences. The police report provides an objective account of the incident and is often a key document in determining fault.
Step 3: Exchange Information, But Don’t Admit Fault 🤫
You need to exchange key information with the other driver(s) involved. Politely ask for and be prepared to provide your own full name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, and insurance company name with the policy number. Use your phone to take a picture of their driver’s license and insurance pink card to make certain the information is accurate.
While exchanging details, it is vital that you do not apologize or say anything that could be interpreted as admitting fault, like “I’m so sorry” or “I didn’t see you.” Emotions run high after a crash, but these statements can be used against you. Stick strictly to the facts of what happened when speaking to the other driver and the police. Let the insurance companies and legal professionals determine liability based on the evidence.
Step 4: Seek Medical Attention Right Away 👨⚕️
Even if you feel perfectly fine after an accident, you should get a medical assessment as soon as possible. The adrenaline that courses through your body during a collision can mask pain and hide serious injuries like whiplash, internal bleeding, or concussions. Symptoms for these conditions can sometimes take hours or even days to appear.
Visiting a doctor or a walk-in clinic creates a formal medical record of any injuries you sustained. This documentation is essential because it establishes a direct link between the accident and your physical condition. Without this medical proof, it can be very difficult to get compensation for medical treatments or for pain and suffering you may experience later on. Your health should always be your top concern.
Step 5: Contact Your Insurance Company and a Lawyer
You have an obligation to inform your insurance provider about the accident in a timely manner. When you call, provide them with the factual information you collected at the scene. Speaking with legal counsel first, like the best Personal injury lawyer Edmonton, can help you understand how to approach this call and what information to share. An expert can guide you through the process so you do not say anything that could jeopardize your claim.
A personal injury lawyer works for you, not the insurance company. Their job is to protect your rights and fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve for vehicle damage, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. They handle the complex communications with insurance adjusters, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: your recovery. Getting professional advice early can prevent costly mistakes and set you on the path to a just outcome.
Why Acting Quickly Matters After an Edmonton Accident
The minutes and hours following a car accident in Edmonton are critical. Each step you take, from ensuring safety to documenting the scene and seeking medical care, builds the foundation for a strong insurance claim and protects your physical and financial health. Waiting too long can weaken your position, as evidence disappears, memories get fuzzy, and deadlines for filing reports or claims can pass.
Being involved in a crash is never easy, but knowing what to do can give you a sense of direction during a very stressful event. By following these steps, you put yourself in the best possible position to handle the aftermath. Stay safe on the roads!
