Car accidents in Edmonton, Alberta, can occur in a variety of locations and usually result from the negligence of other drivers. Specifically, these drivers may violate traffic laws, exhibit road rage, or become distracted while behind the wheel.
If you sustained injuries in an Edmonton car crash, a skilled Edmonton car accident lawyer can handle every step of the legal process for you and focus on obtaining the justice and compensation you deserve.
Common Locations for Edmonton Car Crashes
Car accidents are an unfortunate reality in any urban area, and Edmonton is no exception. While various factors contribute to these accidents, certain locations in the city see a higher frequency of collisions.
- One of the most notable areas for car accidents in Edmonton is the Yellowhead Trail. This major east-west highway runs through the northern part of the city and is known for its heavy traffic and numerous intersections. Despite being a vital route for commuters and commercial traffic, the complexity and volume of vehicles make it a hotspot for collisions.
- Another significant location is the intersection of Gateway Boulevard and Whitemud Drive. Gateway Boulevard serves as a major artery into the downtown core, while Whitemud Drive is a crucial east-west freeway. The high speeds and the merging lanes at this intersection create challenging driving conditions, often leading to accidents.
- Downtown Edmonton itself, with its dense traffic and numerous intersections, is another area where accidents are common. Jasper Avenue, in particular, is a busy thoroughfare that sees a lot of commuter traffic. The combination of vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, along with the frequent stopping and starting at traffic lights, increases the likelihood of collisions.
- St. Albert Trail is another major route that is prone to accidents. This busy road connects the city of St. Albert to Edmonton and sees a high volume of traffic daily. The intersections along this trail, especially during rush hours, are often scenes of accidents due to the congestion and the mix of local and through traffic.
- The Anthony Henday Drive, Edmonton’s ring road, is also a notable accident site. This road encircles the city and facilitates high-speed travel across different quadrants of Edmonton. However, the high speeds, combined with the frequent entry and exit ramps, contribute to a higher risk of accidents.
- Lastly, the intersection of 23 Avenue and Calgary Trail is another area with a high incidence of accidents. This intersection is a major junction in south Edmonton, where two heavily trafficked roads meet. The volume of traffic and the complexity of the intersection layout can lead to confusion and collisions.
Car accidents in Edmonton often result from the negligence of other drivers.
One of the leading causes of car accidents in Edmonton is distracted driving. This includes activities like texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using in-car technologies while driving. When drivers divert their attention from the road, even for a few seconds, the risk of an accident increases significantly. Distracted drivers may fail to notice traffic signals, pedestrians, or other vehicles, leading to dangerous situations.
Speeding is another major contributor to car accidents in Edmonton. Many drivers exceed the posted speed limits – particularly on highways and busy city streets. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions and increases the severity of collisions. High-speed accidents often result in more serious injuries and fatalities compared to those occurring at lower speeds.
Impaired driving remains a serious problem as well. Despite strict laws and public awareness campaigns, some drivers still choose to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and reduced coordination, making them a significant hazard on the road.
Failure to obey traffic signals and signs is another common cause of accidents. Running red lights, ignoring stop signs, and failing to yield the right-of-way can lead to collisions – especially at busy intersections. Such negligent behaviour endangers not only the offending driver but also other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Tailgating, or following too closely, is a frequent cause of rear-end collisions in Edmonton. Drivers who do not maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of them have less time to react if that vehicle suddenly stops or slows down. Tailgating is particularly dangerous in heavy traffic and adverse weather conditions, where sudden stops are more likely.
Lastly, improper lane changes and merging can lead to accidents. Drivers who fail to check their blind spots, signal properly, or merge at appropriate speeds can cause sideswipe or rear-end collisions. These accidents often occur on highways and busy streets where traffic is moving at higher speeds.
Injuries in an Edmonton Car Accident
Car accidents in Edmonton, Alberta, often result in a variety of injuries to drivers and passengers. When a negligent driver causes a collision, the consequences can be severe, affecting the lives of those involved.
- One of the most frequent injuries in car accidents is whiplash. Whiplash can result in pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the victim’s neck and shoulders. While it is often considered a “minor” injury, the effects can last for weeks or even months, requiring physical therapy and pain management.
- Head injuries, including concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), are also common in car accidents. A concussion occurs when the brain is shaken inside the skull, leading to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and confusion. Severe TBIs can result in long-term cognitive impairment, memory loss, and emotional changes.
- Back injuries are another significant concern. The force of a collision can cause herniated discs, spinal fractures, and other serious spinal injuries. These injuries can lead to chronic pain, mobility issues, and, in severe cases, paralysis. Treatment for back injuries often involves physical therapy, pain management, and sometimes surgery.
- Broken bones are also common in car accidents. The force of the impact can fracture arms, legs, ribs, and other bones. Broken ribs can be particularly dangerous, as they may puncture internal organs. Recovery from broken bones typically involves immobilization with casts or braces, followed by rehabilitation to restore strength and function.
- Internal injuries are less visible but equally serious. The force of a car collision can cause internal bleeding and damage to various organs, like the kidney or liver. These injuries may be life-threatening and require ongoing medical intervention.
- Lastly, cuts and bruises are common and can range from minor to severe. Shattered glass and impact with the interior of the car can cause deep lacerations and contusions. While minor cuts and bruises heal relatively quickly, severe ones may require stitches and leave permanent scars.
If you suffered any of these injuries in a recent car accident, an Edmonton car accident lawyer can gather the documents necessary to file a personal injury claim on your behalf.
Proving a Car Accident Claim in Edmonton
Proving the legal elements of a car crash claim involves demonstrating that the other driver was negligent and that their negligence caused the accident. To establish a successful claim, you must focus on four main elements: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages.
- First, you need to show that the other driver owed you a duty of care. In legal terms, duty of care means that a person has a responsibility to avoid actions that may harm others. All drivers automatically owe this duty to other road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and fellow motorists. By driving on the roads, the other driver accepted this responsibility.
- Next, you must prove that the other driver breached their duty of care. This involves demonstrating that the driver did not act as a reasonable person would have acted under similar circumstances. Common breaches include speeding, running red lights, failing to signal, or driving under the influence. To establish this breach, you can use various forms of evidence, such as traffic camera footage, eyewitness testimony, and police reports. For instance, if a police report states that the other driver was ticketed for speeding at the time of the accident, this fact strongly supports your claim that they breached their duty of care.
- The third element is causation, meaning you must show that the breach of duty directly caused the accident. It is not enough to simply show that the other driver was negligent. Rather, you must connect their negligence to the collision. For example, if the driver ran a red light and collided with your vehicle, the act of running the red light must be the clear cause of the accident. Evidence like accident reconstruction reports, expert witness testimony, and detailed accounts of the incident can help to establish this link.
- Finally, you need to demonstrate that you suffered damages as a result of the accident. Damages can include physical injuries, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. Medical records, photographs of injuries, and personal testimony can serve as crucial evidence. It’s essential to provide a comprehensive account of how the accident has affected your life to fulfill this element.
By gathering strong evidence and clearly connecting these elements, you can build a compelling case to support your car accident claim.
Recovering Compensation for Injuries in an Edmonton Car Crash
Following a car crash in Edmonton, you can seek compensation for various losses. Understanding your compensable losses can help to ensure that you receive a fair settlement for the effects the accident has had on your life.
- One key loss is lost income. If you are unable to work due to injuries sustained in the car accident, you can claim compensation for the income you lost during your recovery period. This includes both past lost income and future lost earning capacity (i.e. if your injuries result in some type of long-term or permanent disability). For example, if you are forced to take a lower-paying job due to your injuries, you can seek compensation for the difference in earnings.
- Pain and suffering is another significant area of compensation. This type of damage covers the physical pain and emotional distress you experience as a result of the accident. Pain and suffering compensation accounts for factors like the severity of your injuries, the duration of your recovery, and the effects on your daily life. Emotional distress can include anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that stem from the car crash.
- Loss of enjoyment of life is a related type of compensation. This accounts for the diminished ability to participate in activities you once enjoyed. For instance, if your injuries prevent you from engaging in hobbies, sports, or social activities that you previously found fulfilling, you can seek compensation for this loss. This type of compensation recognizes the broader effect of your injuries on your quality of life.
- Another area is compensation for inconvenience. This covers the various disruptions and challenges you face as a result of the accident and your injuries. For example, you may need assistance with daily tasks, have to attend numerous medical appointments, or face difficulties in performing routine activities. Inconvenience compensation aims to acknowledge these added burdens.
- You can also seek compensation for loss of consortium. This refers to the negative effect your injuries have on your relationships with your spouse and family members. If your injuries affect your ability to provide companionship, support, or maintain a normal marital relationship, your spouse may be entitled to compensation for this loss.
- Lastly, in cases where the at-fault driver’s behaviour was particularly reckless or malicious, you may be eligible for punitive damages. These damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future rather than to compensate you directly.
This compensation aims to address the broader effects of the car accident on your overall life and well-being.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in Edmonton Today
If you recently suffered injuries in an Edmonton car crash, a knowledgeable car accident lawyer can handle every step of the process for you. Your lawyer can investigate the circumstances surrounding your car accident, file a timely claim or lawsuit, and work to maximize the compensation you receive for your injuries.
