Calgary has several dangerous roads, primarily because other drivers tend to drive more carelessly and irresponsibly on them. When this happens, drivers may cause serious accidents that lead to ongoing and debilitating injuries for victims.
If you recently sustained injuries in a Calgary car crash, you need to consult with a Calgary car accident lawyer right away. Your lawyer can gather the essential documents necessary to prove your case, file a claim on your behalf, and pursue the settlement or litigation compensation you need to recover.
Where Are Auto Accidents Most Likely to Occur in Calgary?
Negligent driving poses significant risks on various roads in Calgary, Alberta, contributing to the designation of certain routes as particularly hazardous.
One such location is Deerfoot Trail, known for its high traffic volume and frequent incidents of speeding and aggressive driving. The straight stretches of this road may tempt drivers to exceed speed limits, leading to collisions and jeopardizing the safety of others on the road.
Glenmore Trail, a major east-west corridor, also experiences a concerning number of accidents attributed to distracted driving. The long stretches of this road may lead drivers to engage in activities like texting or using electronic devices, diverting their attention from the road and increasing the likelihood of collisions.
Macleod Trail, another important thoroughfare in Calgary, witnesses its share of dangerous driving behaviours. The road’s design, with multiple intersections and heavy traffic, requires heightened attention from drivers.
However, negligent actions such as running red lights and failing to yield at intersections contribute to an increased risk of serious accidents on Macleod Trail.
Crowchild Trail is notorious for its weaving design, with numerous entry and exit points. Negligent drivers often engage in unsafe lane changes and tailgating, intensifying the risk of accidents and congestion on this busy route.
The challenging layout of Crowchild Trail demands careful and attentive driving, making it crucial for motorists to adhere to traffic rules.
Sixteenth Avenue North, despite being a vital roadway, also faces challenges due to speeding and reckless driving. Negligent behaviours such as aggressive lane changes and failing to signal frequently contribute to accidents on this route.
The proximity of businesses and residential areas along 16th Avenue further highlights the need for responsible driving in this area.
Memorial Drive, connecting several neighbourhoods, also contends with speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving issues.
The wide lanes and scenic views may tempt drivers to exceed speed limits, posing dangers to pedestrians and other motorists. Moreover, drivers may be tempted to look away from the road, losing sight of other vehicles or pedestrians in the vicinity.
Addressing the dangers on these roads in Calgary requires a collective effort from both authorities and drivers. Strict enforcement of traffic regulations, public awareness campaigns, and educational initiatives are crucial to stopping negligent driving behaviours and promoting a safer roadway environment.
Common Causes of Calgary Car Accidents
Auto accidents in Calgary stem from various causes, most of which relate to driver negligence. One common factor that contributes to local car accidents is distracted driving.
With the widespread use of smartphones and other electronic devices, drivers frequently engage in activities like texting or talking on the phone while behind the wheel. This diversion of attention compromises reaction times, leading to collisions.
Speeding remains a significant contributor to auto accidents in Calgary. Drivers exceeding posted speed limits not only risk receiving traffic violations but also increase the severity of potential accidents.
Speed-related collisions often result in more severe injuries and property damage due to the higher impact forces involved.
Impaired driving also poses a persistent threat on Calgary’s roads. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs affects cognitive functions, coordination, and decision-making abilities. Therefore, impaired drivers are more likely to cause car accidents, endangering not only themselves but also other motorists and pedestrians sharing the road.
Aggressive driving behaviours also contribute to the frequency of traffic accidents in Calgary. Tailgating, weaving between lanes, and engaging in road rage incidents heighten the risk of collisions. Such behaviours escalate tensions on the road and can lead to dangerous situations where accidents become more likely.
Failing to obey traffic signals and signs is another common cause of auto accidents. Disregarding stop signs, running red lights, and failing to yield the right-of-way can all contribute to intersection collisions and pose significant dangers to both drivers and pedestrians.
In adverse weather conditions, such as snow and ice, failing to adjust driving behaviour is a notable cause of accidents in Calgary.
Drivers often underestimate the effect of bad weather on road conditions, leading to skidding, loss of control, and collisions. Properly adapting driving techniques to adverse weather is crucial for preventing accidents during Calgary’s winter months.
Inexperienced drivers also contribute to high accident rates, especially among younger individuals. Lack of experience in handling various driving situations may lead to poor judgment and decision-making on the road. Education and awareness campaigns aimed at promoting safe driving habits among new drivers can help to lessen this risk.
If you suffered injuries in a Calgary auto accident that a negligent driver caused, you should speak with an experienced car accident lawyer in your area right away. Your lawyer can review the accident police report, speak with you about the collision, and explore your available legal options.
Most Common Injuries in Calgary Car Accidents
Car accidents in Calgary, Alberta, resulting from another driver’s negligence, can lead to a range of common injuries with varying degrees of severity. One common type of injury is whiplash, often occurring in rear-end crashes.
A sudden and forceful collision often causes an accident victim’s head to jerk abruptly forwards and backwards, leading to ongoing stiffness, pain, and limited range of motion.
Chest injuries are also common, particularly in frontal collisions. The force of the collision may cause the accident victim’s chest to collide with the steering wheel or airbag, resulting in bruises, fractures, or internal injuries. Seat belt-related injuries, such as bruising or fractures, can also occur during accidents.
Soft tissue injuries, encompassing damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons, often manifest as sprains, strains, or contusions. The sudden deceleration or force in a car crash may cause the accident victim’s body to jolt or twist, resulting in painful soft tissue injuries that require rehabilitation.
Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries, are also frequent consequences of car accidents. These injuries typically occur when a person’s head collides with the steering wheel, dashboard, or other surfaces inside the vehicle.
Depending upon the force of the collision, head injuries can cause symptoms like headaches, migraines, dizziness, or cognitive impairment.
Fractures, affecting bones in the wrists, ankles, arms, legs, or other parts of the body, are also common in car accidents. The impact and force exerted during a collision can lead to fractures of varying severity, ranging from minor to severe, depending upon the circumstances of the accident.
Spinal injuries are another serious consequence of car accidents, potentially leading to long-term effects. The force of a collision can cause damage to the spine, resulting in herniated discs, vertebrae fractures, or even paralysis in the most severe cases.
Finally, psychological injuries – like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety – can emerge following a car accident. The emotional effect of the traumatic event can have lasting effects on an accident victim’s mental well-being, requiring proper attention and care for recovery.
Understanding the common injuries resulting from car accidents highlights the importance of seeking prompt medical attention and pursuing appropriate compensation for related physical, emotional, and financial losses.
How to File a Successful Car Accident Claim in Calgary
Filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit after a car accident in Calgary, Alberta, involves several important steps. The first step is seeking prompt (and ongoing) medical attention.
Promptly address any injuries sustained in the accident – not only for your personal well-being but also to establish a documented record of your injuries.
After seeking medical care, reporting the accident to police – and requesting a police report – is the next step. Law enforcement will create an accident report documenting the details of the incident. This report then serves as valuable evidence in establishing the facts surrounding the accident and how it occurred.
Collecting and preserving information from the accident scene is also crucial, including contact and insurance information from the other involved parties. Additionally, you should gather contact information from any witnesses who may have observed the accident. Their statements can provide crucial support for your case.
Photographing the accident scene and any visible injuries can also significantly strengthen your claim. It is important to capture images of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any contributing factors to the accident. These visual records can later serve as compelling evidence during the claims process.
Contacting your insurance company promptly is another essential step. However, you should be careful what you tell insurance company adjusters about your case and refrain from admitting fault or downplaying your injuries.
Engaging a personal injury lawyer is another pivotal step in navigating the legal process effectively. A lawyer with experience in personal injury cases can assess the details of your situation, determine the potential strengths of your case, and provide valuable legal advice.
They can also gather necessary evidence, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and, if needed, file a lawsuit in the court system.
The next step is initiating the claims process by sending a settlement demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurance company. This letter outlines the details of the accident, the injuries you sustained, and the compensation you are seeking. Negotiations may follow to reach a fair settlement.
If a settlement cannot be reached, filing a lawsuit becomes the next course of action. Your lawyer will guide you through the legal proceedings, including discovery, depositions, and potentially a trial.
Throughout this process, your legal representative will work to build a compelling case, presenting evidence and arguments to support your claim.
Damages in Calgary Car Accident Cases
In a Calgary, Alberta, personal injury claim or lawsuit stemming from a car accident, victims may recover damages to address the diverse range of losses they incurred.
One primary category of damages includes compensation for lost earnings. If the car accident results in the victim’s inability to work for a period of time, they may seek compensation for the income they lost during this recovery period.
Lost-wage damages may extend to both past and future earnings, recognizing the financial effects of the victim’s inability to work and earn a living.
Loss of earning capacity is a distinct form of compensation that acknowledges the long-term effect of the accident on the victim’s ability to earn income. If the injuries sustained in the car accident result in diminished work capacity or a reduced ability to pursue certain types of employment, the victim may seek compensation for these losses.
Mental anguish and emotional distress are types of non-economic damages that victims may recover in a personal injury claim or lawsuit. The psychological toll of a car accident, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can significantly affect the victim’s overall well-being and quality of life.
Compensation for mental anguish addresses these emotional hardships and supports the victim’s mental health recovery.
Pain and suffering damages recognize the physical and emotional pain that the victim endured because of the car accident. This encompasses the discomfort, distress, and overall negative effect on the victim’s quality of life resulting from the injuries they sustained.
Loss of consortium is another type of non-economic damage that may be available in a personal injury claim. This compensation addresses the effect of the injuries on the victim’s relationships, particularly with spouses or family members, acknowledging the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy.
The overall goal of seeking these damages is to comprehensively address the losses and hardships that the victim experienced post-accident.
Whether compensating for lost income, mental anguish, or the intangible aspects of pain and suffering, a car accident claim in Calgary aims to provide fair and just compensation that supports the victim’s physical and emotional recovery.
Speak with a Car Accident Lawyer in Calgary Today
If you sustained injuries in a Calgary auto accident that a negligent driver caused, a skilled personal injury lawyer in Calgary can handle the entire process for you.
Your lawyer can first investigate the circumstances of your car accident and determine your options for moving forward. They may then file a claim on your behalf or pursue a successful resolution through litigation in the Alberta Court System.
