Hit and run accidents in Calgary, Alberta, occur when a driver involved in a collision leaves the scene without providing their contact or insurance information. This negligent behavior can have severe consequences for victims and is a serious legal offence.
If you sustained injuries in a recent hit and run accident, you have legal options available. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer in Calgary can investigate your accident, determine your options, and pursue the compensation you need for your accident-related injuries and losses.
Common Causes of Hit and Run Accidents in Calgary
Several factors contribute to drivers negligently causing hit and run accidents. One primary reason is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Impaired drivers may flee the scene to avoid facing severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, or imprisonment.
Fear of legal repercussions often leads them to abandon their responsibility, leaving victims without immediate help or necessary information for insurance claims.
Distracted driving is another significant factor. With the prevalence of smartphones and other electronic devices, drivers may take their eyes off the road. This inattention can result in collisions, and panic may cause distracted drivers to flee the scene, hoping to escape accountability.
Speeding is also a common cause. Drivers who exceed posted speed limits have less time to react to unexpected situations, increasing the likelihood of an accident. When speeding leads to a collision, the driver may panic – especially if they lack proper insurance or have previous traffic violations, prompting them to leave the scene to avoid further trouble.
Uninsured or underinsured drivers often cause hit and run accidents. These drivers may not have the financial means to cover the damages or may wish to avoid legal consequences for driving without adequate insurance. The fear of lawsuits or hefty fines can drive them to flee.
Young and inexperienced drivers may also contribute to hit and run incidents. Their lack of driving experience can lead to poor decision-making in high-stress situations like an accident.
Inexperience, combined with fear of punishment or parental consequences, may compel them to leave the scene.
Additionally, some drivers simply lack a sense of responsibility or moral obligation. They may not understand the severity of their actions or feel indifferent toward the consequences for others. This negligence can stem from a lack of education about the legal and ethical responsibilities of driving.
In Calgary, law enforcement takes hit and run accidents very seriously. Police employ various methods to track down offenders, including witness statements, surveillance footage, and forensic evidence from the scene.
The legal system also imposes stringent penalties on hit and run drivers to deter such behavior and ensure justice for victims.
If you suffered injuries in a recent hit and run accident, speak with an experienced Calgary car accident lawyer right away about your legal options.
Most Common Injuries in Calgary Hit and Run Accidents
When a driver flees the scene, they often delay the immediate medical attention that can lessen the severity of these injuries, exacerbating their effect.
- Whiplash occurs when the neck suddenly and forcefully jerks backward and forward, straining the neck ligaments and muscles. This abrupt movement can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, sometimes requiring physical therapy for a full recovery.
- Head injuries from hit and run accidents can range from concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including comas. Concussions may cause symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and memory problems, while more severe TBIs can result in long-term cognitive deficits or personality changes. Immediate medical attention is crucial for head injuries, but in hit and run accidents, victims might not receive the prompt care they need.
- The force of a collision can easily fracture arms, legs, ribs, and even the pelvis. These extremely painful injuries may require surgery, immobilization with casts or braces, and extensive rehabilitation. In some cases, broken bones can lead to permanent disability, especially in cases of delayed medical treatment.
- Spinal cord injuries are among the most serious consequences of hit and run accidents. Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the injury’s location and severity. These injuries often have lifelong implications, including the need for ongoing medical care, physical therapy, and possibly assistive devices for mobility.
- Soft tissue injuries, such as bruises, sprains, and strains may seem less severe, but can still cause significant pain and limit a person’s ability to perform daily activities. Soft tissue injuries often require physical therapy and potentially surgery.
- Internal injuries, such as damage to various organs, internal bleeding, or punctured lungs, are particularly dangerous because they do not immediately manifest. In the chaos following a hit and run, victims may not recognize the symptoms of these deadly injuries until it’s too late.
If you suffered one or more of these injuries in a hit and run accident, an experienced lawyer can handle the legal steps of your case while you focus on your medical treatment.
The Legal Process of Reporting a Hit and Run Accident in Calgary
Reporting a hit and run accident in Calgary, Alberta, involves several crucial steps to properly document and investigate the incident.
Follow these steps to help authorities track down the responsible driver and improve your insurance claims:
- First, gather as much information as possible. Note the time and location of the accident, the direction in which the fleeing vehicle was headed, and any details about the vehicle itself, such as its make, model, colour, and license plate number, if possible. Witnesses can provide valuable information, so speak to anyone who may have seen the accident and ask for their contact details.
- After collecting information, report the incident to the Calgary Police Service. You can do this by calling their non-emergency line or visiting a district office. Provide all of the details you have gathered to the police, as this information is crucial for their investigation. The police will create an official report, which may be necessary for your insurance claim.
- Notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Contact your insurance provider and explain the situation, providing them with the police report number and any other relevant details. Your insurance company will guide you through the claims process and explain what coverage options are available based on your policy.
- In the days following the accident, the police may reach out for additional information or updates. Cooperate fully with their investigation. Keep records of all communications, medical treatments, and repairs related to the accident, as these documents will support your claim.
- Additionally, if police identify and apprehend the hit and run driver, you may need to provide further statements or appear in court as part of the legal proceedings. Staying informed about the progress of the investigation can help you prepare for any legal requirements.
By promptly reporting a hit and run accident and following these steps, you properly document the incident, increasing your chances of locating the responsible driver and securing the necessary compensation for your injuries.
Available Insurance Coverage Options in a Calgary Hit and Run Accident
In Calgary, Alberta, several insurance options can help cover the costs of damages and injuries sustained in hit and run accidents.
- One primary type of coverage is Accident Benefits coverage. Alberta requires this coverage, which provides compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost income, regardless of who is at fault. In a hit and run accident, Accident Benefits can cover your medical bills, such as hospital visits, physiotherapy, and other necessary treatments. It also includes coverage for funeral expenses after a fatal accident.
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage is another essential option. This coverage protects you if you cannot identify the at-fault driver or they lack insurance. In a hit and run scenario, where the responsible driver flees the scene, Uninsured Motorist coverage will step in to cover your injuries and damages. It provides compensation for medical expenses and, in some cases, property damage, ensuring you are not left to bear the financial burden alone.
- Additionally, collision coverage can be highly beneficial. Although optional, collision coverage helps pay for the repair or replacement of your vehicle if an accident damages it, regardless of fault. In the case of a hit and run, collision coverage will cover the repair costs, allowing you to get your vehicle back on the road without significant out-of-pocket expenses.
- Optional comprehensive coverage covers non-collision-related damages to your vehicle, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. While it may not directly apply to a hit-and-run accident, comprehensive coverage ensures broader protection for various incidents that may occur alongside a hit-and-run.
- Moreover, some insurance policies offer Family Protection Endorsement (SEF 44). This endorsement provides additional coverage if the at-fault driver in a hit and run accident lacks enough insurance to cover your damages. SEF 44 steps in to make up the difference, ensuring you receive adequate compensation.
The right insurance coverage can provide significant relief after a hit and run accident. An experienced Calgary car accident lawyer can file the appropriate insurance claim on your behalf and recover the compensation you deserve.
Types of Recoverable Compensation after a Hit and Run Collision in Calgary
Following a hit and run accident in Calgary, Alberta, victims may seek various types of recoverable compensation to address the financial effects of their collision.
The compensation will depend on the type of insurance coverage in place, the severity of the victim’s injuries, and other accident-related factors.
- Lost income is one significant damage category. If the victim cannot work due to their injuries, they can claim compensation for the income they would have earned during their recovery period. This includes regular income, bonuses, overtime, and other forms of income. In cases where the victim suffers a permanent disability that affects their ability to work, they may also recover compensation for future lost earnings.
- Victims may also seek compensation for their pain and suffering. This type of compensation addresses the physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the accident and the injuries sustained. It considers factors such as the severity of the victim’s injuries, the length of recovery, and the effects on the victim’s quality of life. Pain and suffering compensation is more subjective and varies based on individual circumstances.
- In some cases, punitive damages may punish the at-fault driver for particularly egregious behavior and deter similar conduct. However, punitive damages typically require clear evidence of malicious or reckless conduct.
Drivers can buy Accident Benefits coverage in Alberta, providing compensation regardless of fault. This mandatory coverage includes medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost income, ensuring that victims have immediate access to financial support.
A skilled Calgary car accident lawyer will do everything possible to maximize the compensation you receive for your accident-related losses.
Speak With a Knowledgeable Calgary Car Accident Lawyer About Your Legal Matter Today
If you sustained injuries in a recent Calgary hit and run accident, you have legal options available to you. To determine your options, consult a knowledgeable Calgary personal injury attorney right away. Your lawyer can take the appropriate legal steps on your behalf, gather the necessary documentation, and pursue the compensation you need to become whole again after your car accident.
