As we enter the warmer portion of 2023 and motorists across Alberta gear up for road trip season, hitting the road by car and by motorcycle, it’s important to be aware of the next steps following a collision, as well as the new reporting requirements in place city wide. Below, we’ll take a closer look at the new standards, a few general updates to be aware of from the initial 2022 implementation, and why partnering with a trusted legal team like James H. Brown and Associates is essential to ensuring you’re able to pursue fair compensation when it matters most. Read on to learn more!
What Changed with Accident Reporting?
In September of 2022, the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) implemented a new process for reporting minor motor vehicle and motorcycle accidents within the city. Under this new system, EPS no longer process minor collision reports at police stations. Report for these kinds of incidences must now be filed at one of the 2 dedicated reporting centres in the city. Front counters at police stations are now open from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday for non-collision related matters, dedicated reporting centres are open from 8 am to 8 pm Monday to Saturday, and from 10 am to 6 pm on Sunday.
Those involved in an accident should know that, per Alberta guidelines, you must report a collision to the police (via reporting centres) if the following criteria are involved:
- The damage caused to all involved vehicles and/or property exceeds $2000
- An involved party is injured
Failure to report an accident can incur a $450 fine. Be aware that major issues like whiplash, brain injuries, spinal cord damage and more can take days or even weeks to manifest, meaning that you should seek medical care immediately and set up a plan for follow up as often as necessary.
How Do You Report Your Collision at the New Centres?
EPS’ new collision centres are run in partnership with Accident Support Services International Ltd. (ASSI), a third-party management company with experience operating 41 collision reporting centres across Canada. The program is constantly evolving to best meet the needs of Edmontonians, and staffing levels have increased since September to match demand across the city and reduce delays.
The three main steps you need to remember following an accident are:
Determine if anyone is injured. Safety and well-being always come first, and injuries should be attended to ASAP. Call 911 if anyone is hurt, and try your best to remain as calm as possible. Doing so will help you stay focused on the details that matter most.
Assess the damage to all vehicles and any involved property. If damages exceed $2000 (Which is quite low given today’s technology in vehicles), you must report your accident.
Proceed to your nearest collision centre. If it is safe to do so, go to the nearest collision centre to begin the reporting process. If your vehicle is inoperable following your accident, you will need to get it towed.
What About Serious Accidents?
It’s important to note that the new collision reporting system is designed for minor accidents and claims. Those facing serious injuries that require medical transport, accidents that cause damage to significant pieces of property (i.e. traffic lights), or where debris poses a risk to fellow motorists, collisions involving criminal activity, hit and runs, and more are excluded from new reporting protocols. In these cases, call 911 and EPS can direct you as to what specifically is required for reporting either on-scene or at your nearest station.
Fight For Your Right to Fair Compensation
Do you know how to best protect yourself following an accident? Personal injuries can be incredibly traumatic for collision victims, and being able to contact a trusted party that has your legal best interests in mind is essential when it comes to navigating your road to recovery. At James H. Brown and Associates, we’re here to make sure that you have the guidance, support and trusted legal experience on your side when it matters most!
Your Partners in Injury Law for Edmonton
If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident in Edmonton James H. Brown and Associates is here to help. Our precedent-setting team has the expertise you need to succeed and will always be dedicated to making your voice heard in the legal system. James H. Brown and Associates offers free, no-obligation injury-claim evaluations, making it easy to find out if you have a valid case in as little as 30 minutes. If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident, contact us today.
