Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers Fort McMurray

Despite efforts to improve road safety, the risk of an accident occurring will never be zero. For instance, even with attempts to make Highway 63 safer, it still has had hundreds of fatalities and thousands of accidents over the years. This is why it is important to be aware of the risks of driving and staying alert.

Many people don’t think they will experience a serious accident. However, a driver can quickly lose control of their vehicle and get into a life-threatening collision. Unfortunately, death, injury, or disability can occur for some.

Many factors, including poor weather conditions, distracted driving, momentary lapses of judgment, or fatigue, can cause an accident. While it may be impossible to 100% avoid a collision, you can prepare yourself for what to do if you or someone near and dear is in an accident.

You are not alone – many options are available to help you recover. While an accident cannot be undone, financial compensation may be available to ease your burdens. While the exact type or amount of compensation available varies from case to case. Generally, motor vehicle accident victims can claim direct like lost income and medical expenses, as well as indirect losses such as pain and suffering.

Contact our motor vehicle accident lawyers for a free initial consultation if you or a loved one have been seriously injured in a car accident near Fort McMurray. Our team will explain the facts and the compensation you may be entitled to.

What To Do After Being in an Accident

Car accidents can happen suddenly, leaving no time to prepare. Careless mistakes can significantly impact your recovery or the success of your claim. Remember to do the following if you are in a motor vehicle collision:

1. Stay on the scene: Leaving the scene is a crime. You can potentially face criminal charges and fines for leaving. Leaving could also negatively impact future claims you make.

2. Secure the scene: As a driver, you are responsible for preventing further harm and damage to your vehicle. Turn on your hazard lights and move away from traffic to reduce the risk of an additional accident.

3. Call the police: You must call the police if someone is injured; the damages exceed $5000; the vehicles cannot be safely driven; or if a driver is uninsured, unlicensed, or doesn’t have a vehicle registration, even if the accident seems minor. You must also report to a collision centre.

4. Seek medical attention ASAP: You may feel fine after an accident but have hidden injuries that can worsen over time. Medical attention will help with your recovery and provide support for legal and insurance claims.

5. Gather available evidence: Collecting evidence at the time of the accident can be helpful later down the line. Gather the information of all the parties involved and witnesses. Take photos and videos of the accident and injuries. Also, ensure that the other drivers’ information is correct to avoid fraud. Failing to get proper evidence could set back the progress of your claim.

6. Speak to a car accident lawyer to know your rights: The claims process can be complicated, especially when serious injuries are involved. Not knowing your rights can risk you settling for an amount far less than what you are entitled to. Reopening a claim after signing a release can be difficult. A lawyer can help you reduce this risk and pursue the compensation you’re entitled to.

Taking the right steps after an accident is crucial. Equally important is getting legal advice. Contact our Fort McMurray motor vehicle accident lawyers for a free initial consultation.

Claims Our Firm Can Fight:

Since 1959, Preszler Injury Lawyers has handled motor vehicle accident claims for seriously injured victims. Every case is unique and requires different approaches. Our Fort McMurray car accident lawyers constantly dedicate time to expanding their knowledge to be better advocates. Throughout our history, we have continuously and successfully helped secure compensation for our clients. With years of experience, we can handle cases involving:

• Truck Accidents (18-Wheeler, Flatbed, Semi, Tow-Truck, Tanker, Heavy Haul, Cargo, Etc.);
• Commercial Vehicle Accidents (Light Commercial Vehicles, Large Vans, Farming Vehicles, Construction Vehicles, Etc.);
• Passenger Vehicles Accidents (Sedans, Convertibles, Coupe, SUV, Hatchback, Etc.);
• Off-road vehicle Accidents (Snowmobiles, Quad Bikes, ATVs, UTVs, Motocross Bikes, 4×4 Trucks, Etc.);
• Watercraft Accidents (Boats, Personal Watercraft, Yachts, Paddleboards, Kayaks, Canoes, Etc.);
• Two-Wheeled Motor Vehicle Accidents (Motorcycles, Mopeds, Motorized Scooters, Electric Motorcycles, Electric Bicycles, Etc.);
• Public Transit;
• Self-propelled/Non-Motorized Vehicle Accidents (Bicycles, Scooters, Skateboards, Inline Skates, Animal-Powered Vehicles, Wheelchairs, Etc.);
• Pedestrian Accidents;
• And More.

Our Fort McMurray car accident lawyers work hard to get fair compensation for you. If you’re in a motor vehicle accident, we are here to help. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.

Insurance and Motor Vehicle Accidents

All Fort McMurray drivers must have valid automotive insurance that provides a minimum of $200,000 in third-party liability insurance and Section B accident benefits. Additional coverage may be added on but is not required.

Section B benefits are provided regardless of who is at fault. These benefits provide basic coverage for medical expenses, loss of income, death-related expenses, and disability-induced expenses. However, these benefits can quickly be depleted in severe motor vehicle accidents and won’t cover costs beyond two years after the accident.

Your insurance company will investigate the accident and determine the settlement amount. Knowing your full entitlements under Section B can be helpful to ensure you receive the compensation you are owed. If unsure about your coverage, speak to our Fort McMurray car accident lawyers for guidance. Our team will leverage their experience to help you negotiate with your insurance company.

Uninsured Accidents in Fort McMurray

Victims of hit-and-run or uninsured car accidents can recover their losses through the Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Program (MVAC). This program allows you to sue for up to $200,000 in compensation for injuries. You may also be entitled to recover benefits through this program if your Section B medical benefits run out. Applying for MVAC can be complex. Follow all the steps listed on the program website to reduce the chance of denial. If you are unsure or need assistance, contact our firm to get additional guidance.

Insurance vs Pursuing a Lawsuit

While Section B benefits can be a great start to help recover financial losses, they may not be enough. Motor vehicle accidents can lead to long-lasting injuries, permanent disability, and significant trauma, such as:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Amputations
• Bone fractures
• Soft tissue damage (i.e. sprains and strains)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis and paraplegia
• Psychological trauma (i.e. depression, PTSD, Anxiety)

These injuries can take years to heal and cost thousands of dollars. The $50,000 cap on medical expenses for Section B benefits may not cover all costs, nor do accident benefits account for the pain and suffering experienced.

Legal action can help obtain additional coverage for medical expenses, current and future loss of income, pain and suffering, out-of-pocket costs, property damage, and more.

Speak to our legal team to understand the type of compensation you can claim in a motor vehicle accident lawsuit. The best part is we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that we won’t get paid unless you get paid.

Our Fort McMurray Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers Are Here to Help

A motor vehicle accident can be a stressful experience. Unexpected pain, suffering, and loss can leave the lives of victims in shambles. Our Fort McMurray car accident lawyers are here to help you in your time of need. We have dedicated resources to help you at each step of the claims process.

We provide dedicated private investigators to examine the accident and a claims manager to oversee your case. We connect our clients with resources such as medical and rehabilitative services to aid their recovery. Our lawyers have helped clients receive compensation for current and future medical.

Helpful Resources for Seriously Injured Motor Vehicle Accident Victims in Fort McMurray:

The following are publicly available resources to help you. They are not associated or affiliated with Preszler Injury Lawyers but are provided to help you during your difficult time.

• Mothers Against Drunk Driving Victim and Survivor Services Fort McMurray
• Alberta Brain Injury Supports
• Alberta Health Services Walk-in Counselling Services

Our lawyers are dedicated to helping seriously injured victims of motor vehicle accidents. If you are a Fort McMurray local and were injured, contact us for a free initial consultation.