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Protecting Yourself After a Motor Vehicle Accident

Motor vehicle accidents remain one of Alberta’s most prominent and deadly causes of life-altering injuries. Despite Edmonton having seen a 63% drop in fatalities and a 40% drop in severe injuries since 2015, the need for awareness on the road, as well as what to do if you, or someone you love, do find yourself in an accident is vital. At James H.Brown and Associates, we know that motor vehicle collisions and the injuries caused in their aftermath can be an incredibly scary and overwhelming experience for accident victims.

Facing the realities of recovery after a traumatic event is something that no one should have to experience alone, especially without the assistance of an experienced legal team that’s there to fight on your side. For 30 years, James H. Brown and Associates has partnered with Edmontonians, as well as accident victims all throughout Alberta to make sure you have the representation and support you deserve in the event of a personal injury claim. With over 250 years of combined experience on our team, as well as a proven track record for success (including some of the largest motor vehicle accident injury settlements on record in Alberta), you can trust James H. Brown and Associates to help you receive the support and compensation you deserve following a car accident.

Below, we’ll cover what to do in the immediate aftermath of a motor vehicle accident. Read on to learn how you can make sure you’re protected!

What to Do After An Accident

The number one thing you need to do after getting into a motor vehicle accident is to make sure everyone is okay. Accidents are incredibly stressful, and while it’s more than understandable that you’ll likely be feeling shaken up and overwhelmed, it’s important to try and stay calm and assess yourself thoroughly to take account of any obvious injuries. Move yourself and your vehicle (if possible) to a safe location, being sure to exercise extreme caution if there are any obvious severe injuries for either party. At this point, it’s also important to be aware that shock and adrenaline will often make you feel “fine” even if you’re hurt, so be sure to call 911 and allow both yourself and the other driver to be medically assessed on the scene if necessary. Doing so will not only ensure you’re okay but will also help your case down the road if you find yourself needing to file an injury claim.

Once everyone has been assessed and, assuming it is safe/viable to do so, you’ll want to collect as much information as possible about the accident and the other party involved. Get the other driver’s name, address, insurance policy number and license plate details, and be sure to document everything with photos and videos as well for the most comprehensive report possible. In the event of a hit-and-run, try to collect as much information as possible from witnesses, taking their contact information as well, and be sure that all relevant details are included in your police report to help identify a suspect and increase your odds of having access to funds outside of the $200,000 offered by the motor vehicle accident claims fund.

With regards to injuries, it’s crucial to remember that not all injuries will be obvious right away. Always see a medical practitioner ASAP and document any issues as they arise. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) can take days to weeks to become evident, and the more you record any symptoms and stay in contact with medical professionals, the better your documentation and subsequent support will be. If you notice any significant symptoms like the following, contact your doctor immediately:

  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Difficulty walking or balancing
  • Loss of sensation
  • Contorted back or neck
  • Disrupted sleep
  • Blurred vision
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Difficulty focusing, etc.

Should the other driver contact you following the accident looking to settle or requesting you sign documentation, it is strongly advised that you decline to do so until you’ve had a chance to speak with your own legal representation.

What Happens Next?

Once you’ve had the chance to be medically assessed and have a better idea of what injuries you may be facing, the best next step is to speak with a trusted team of injury lawyers. Regardless of the cause of the accident or who is at fault, accident victims deserve to have the peace of mind of knowing your rights, options and knowing that you have legal support you can count on as you start down the road to recovery. At James H. Brown and Associates, we’re proud to partner with Edmontonians to ensure you and your loved ones have access to the assistance you deserve after a collision. Our team offers accident victims:

  • Complete accident investigation services, including accident reconstruction and long-term impact analysis.
  • Strong relationships with organizations ready to assist with rehabilitation and recovery.
  • And much more!

If you or someone you love has been involved in a motor vehicle collision, James H. Brown and Associates is here to help. Contact us today to speak to an injury lawyer and book a free, no-obligation consultation with our team of award-winning injury lawyers.

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