Accidents happen—it’s just a fact of life, here in Calgary and around the world. Most accidents are relatively minor, not causing any serious injuries, and some accidents are not a cause of for legal action as they can’t be attributed to someone’s negligence, carelessness, or recklessness.

Even many car accidents that occur in and around the Calgary area are not too serious, causing only minimal property damage and no real injuries to the drivers or occupants of the vehicles involved. It is still in everyone’s best interests to exchange contact and insurance information following these minor car accidents, and you have the right to contact the Calgary Police or other relevant law enforcement agency if you would like an official report of the accident. If you or another driver involved in the accident elects to contact law enforcement, everyone involved must stay at the scene of the accident until they have spoken to a law enforcement officer, and making sure they have your side of the story is definitely important.

It’s also important to note that some car accidents are far more serious, leading to extensive injuries and even fatalities. In 2011, the last year for which the Calgary Police Service has published statistics, there were 20 traffic collisions that resulted in at least one fatality simply within the Calgary city limits. Looking at the greater Calgary area increases that number significantly. When you or a family member has been seriously injured or killed in a car accident, Alberta law ensures that you have a right to be justly compensated for medical bills, lost earning capabilities, reduced quality of life, and pain and suffering.

Calgary Car Accidents Leading to Personal Injury or Wrongful Death Claims

When a serious car accident occurs, Alberta law (and common sense) says someone is at fault. Someone was driving too fast, failed to properly yield the right of way or attempted to change lanes or cross an intersection when it wasn’t safe, and a collision occurred. Any property damage or personal injuries—including a wrongful death—that are caused by this accident are the responsibility of the person at fault for the accident. When you or a family member is in a car accident that is someone else’s fault, the law entitles you to fair compensation from that party, usually in the form of their insurance company.

The best way to protect and fully pursue your rights following a serious Calgary car accident is to contact a personal injury lawyer. A dedicated plaintiff’s injury lawyer will be able to assist you in filing a claim, maintaining the necessary legal and medical paperwork, and dealing with the defendant’s insurance company to ensure you get the full compensation you deserve.

For a free initial consultation with one of the lawyers at Cuming & Gillespie LLP, Calgary’s premier law firm dedicated solely to representing plaintiffs in personal injury and wrongful death cases, please contact our office today.