Contrary to what many Calgarians might think, the most dangerous time to drive on Calgary’s roads and highways isn’t winter. According to statistics from 2014, more traffic accidents in Alberta actually take place in October—the same month we typically get our first heavy snowfalls—than any other month. Even though there’s more snow and more hazardous road conditions in the true winter season, there are also fewer drivers on Calgary’s roads, and the weather and road conditions mean drivers use more caution and travel at slower speeds.
October isn’t the most dangerous month to drive in Calgary or the rest of Alberta, either. Though the first snows may lead to more accidents, they also trigger the start of more cautionary driving; relatively few of the accidents that occur in October lead to traffic fatalities or serious injuries. July, right at the heart of the long, clear, and sunny days of summer, is statistically speaking the most dangerous month to drive in Alberta. Though there are fewer overall accidents in July and the rest of summer, there are more traffic fatalities and serious injuries in July than in other months of the year. Clear skies cause too many drivers to throw caution to the wind, making them feel safe driving at higher speeds and with more distractions, and this leads to more serious accidents.
What does this mean in terms of your rights under Calgary’s personal injury laws? Are you at the mercy of the weather and uncareful drivers during this period of fewer serious accidents? Do you need to contact a Calgary personal injury lawyer to protect your rights and interests following a minor winter-time accident?
The accident statistics might take a minute to wrap your head around, but the answers to these legal questions are very straightforward.
If you’re in a minor car accident or “fender bender” in the Greater Calgary Area, where the damage done is primarily to the vehicles involved and there aren’t any significant injuries, you may very well be able to resolve any claim you have directly with the insurance companies involved. That being said, we do recommend that you obtain legal advice prior to settling any claim you have. We also recommend that you attend with a physician and for any recommended treatment before discussing a settlement as you do not want to settle your claim without being sure that any injuries you sustained have resolved. In some cases, even injuries that end up being chronic and permanently debilitating can appear as only minor pain at the outset.
Hopefully, a medical exam will give you a clean bill of health; if more serious injuries are discovered that lead to medical bills, lost work, reduced capabilities, and/or long-term pain and suffering, it is in your best interests to contact a Calgary personal injury lawyer.
Anytime you or a family member is in a car accident in Calgary that leads to serious injuries, no matter what time of year, you should talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. For a free initial consultation to discuss the specifics of your Calgary car accident, please contact our office today.