Everyone who drives on Calgary’s roads and highways has a responsibility to other drivers. Following the rules of the road, yielding the right-of-way, and using basic common sense and awareness to avoid collisions keeps everyone safe. When someone breaks the rules or lets a distraction interrupt their focus, a car accident becomes an all too probable occurrence.
While many car accidents are relatively minor and may not even require a call to the Calgary Police, some are more serious. Any car accident that results in an injury to either of the drivers and or passengers in the vehicle(s) involved, or to any pedestrian, bicyclist, or any other person involved in the collision, MUST be reported immediately to the Calgary Police. Everyone involved should also remain at the scene of the accident, as well, unless their injuries are severe enough to necessitate immediate transportation to a Calgary-area hospital.
There are also other rules regarding car accidents in Calgary that you should be aware of.
Talking to CalgaryPolice and Others Involved in the Accident
Even in minor accidents, it is required for the drivers involved to exchange contact and insurance information—even if you are not at fault for the accident, you have to give the other driver your information. If the other driver refuses to provide you with their information and you haven’t already called the police, you should do so.
In an accident that causes an injury, the police can handle the exchange of information. If possible, you should check with the other driver(s) and anyone else involved in the accident to see if there are any medical emergencies. A single 9-1-1 call can notify both Calgary Emergency Services and the Calgary Police, and the police will gather relevant contact information for all parties.
When you are involved in any accident that is reported to the police, you should be given an “A-Form,” more formally known as an Alberta Collision Report Form. This will include basic details regarding the collision, and will enable you or your personal injury lawyer to get in touch with others involved in the car accident when the need arises.
In talking to the Calgary Police, whether it’s at the scene of the accident or as soon as you are medically able, it’s important that you provide as much detail as you can recall about the incident, and that you respond honestly to all questions the police ask. The collision report plays a key role in most personal injury cases arising out of car accidents, so a clear, complete, and accurate record is important.
Contact Calgary’s Premier Source for Car Accident Injury Assistance
Cuming & Gillespie LLP have been serving car accident and other injury victims in the Greater Calgary Area and throughout Alberta for years. For personal injury lawyers with the knowledge, dedication, experience, and compassion you need, please call our office and make an appointment today.