Collecting the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all other drivers and witnesses is important. Note down the date, time, and location of the accident, as well as details about the weather conditions and any road hazards. Additionally, be sure to gather insurance and registration information from all parties involved and request a Police Accident Report if applicable.
It’s essential to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident occurs. Promptly retaining legal representation is vital because Richard Edwards will guide you through the initial steps and provide ongoing support throughout the entire process. Remember, there is a two-year limitation from the date of the accident to file a claim against the other party involved, so acting swiftly is essential.
Yes! Your insurance policy likely includes “Section B” benefits, which cover treatment for two years post-accident. It’s crucial to inform your insurer promptly to ensure you meet any time limits for filing a Section B claim. Expect to complete various forms like the Notice of Loss and Proof of Claim, along with providing treatment recommendations from a doctor. With Richard Edwards as your lawyer, navigating this process becomes smoother as he assists you every step of the way.
Absolutely. It’s crucial to see a doctor and report any symptoms or injuries you’re experiencing, no matter how minor they may seem. Following all treatment advice from your doctor is essential to help mitigate your losses, especially if you choose to pursue a claim.
After an accident, avoiding actions that could potentially harm your legal rights or compromise your claim is crucial. Some important things to avoid include:
It’s best to consult with a legal professional like Richard Edwards, who can advise you on protecting your rights and handling the situation appropriately.
Rest assured, you won’t have to worry about upfront costs. Our initial consultation is always free of charge, whether or not you decide to proceed with opening a claim. Moreover, we operate on a contingency basis, meaning we only deduct an agreed-upon percentage of your settlement once your case is successfully concluded. Throughout the process, you won’t incur any lawyer fees or disbursements while we handle your personal injury claim.
No, at Edwards Injury Law, we handle many cases beyond motor vehicle accidents. Richard Edwards has experience with cases involving pedestrian accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, sports injuries, and more. We’ve also represented clients with severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, severe back and spinal cord injuries, wrongful death, chronic pain, psychological trauma, TMJ injuries, quadriplegia, and paraplegia. If you’ve suffered harm due to another party’s negligence or wrongdoing, we’re here to help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
Yes, in such tragic circumstances, a wrongful death claim can be pursued against the responsible party with the assistance of a personal injury lawyer. Richard Edwards and our team are here to provide the legal support and guidance you need during this difficult time.
Determining the value of your case requires a comprehensive assessment, including medical reports and economic calculations. Richard Edwards ensures you receive expert reports and analyses from leading professionals. Factors considered include general damages (pain and suffering), special damages (out-of-pocket expenses), past and future loss of income, housekeeping and attendant care expenses, and future cost of care expenses.
During your initial consultation with Richard Edwards, you can expect a warm and supportive environment where your story is heard with empathy and understanding. Richard will take the time to listen to the details of your accident and injuries, asking various questions to gather all relevant information. Together, you’ll delve into the specifics of your case, exploring your legal rights and potential pathways for seeking compensation. He will also guide you through the legal process ahead, providing clear explanations and addressing any concerns you may have.
This consultation is not just about legalities; it’s about building a relationship based on trust and mutual respect. It’s your chance to see if Richard is the right advocate for you and to gain confidence in your path toward justice and recovery.
The timeline for settling a claim varies depending on factors such as injury severity, accident complexity, liability, and the involvement of multiple parties. It typically includes crucial steps like Examination or Questioning, Mediation, and possibly a Trial. Richard Edwards, drawing on over 30 years of experience, prioritizes thoroughness to secure the best possible compensation for you. While ensuring efficiency, he ensures no corners are cut in pursuing your rightful compensation, prioritizing quality over speed.
Accepting the offered compensation closes your claim, preventing any future reopening for additional compensation. It’s important to recognize that insurance companies may offer less than your claim’s worth, so it’s crucial to consult with a personal injury lawyer. At Edwards Injury Law, Richard Edwards will evaluate your claim thoroughly to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Personal injury claims can cover various expenses, including medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, property damage, and future medical expenses. Richard Edwards ensures that all applicable expenses are accounted for in your claim to secure maximum compensation.
Yes, you can still pursue a personal injury claim even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Alberta follows a comparative negligence system, which means your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault. Richard Edwards will evaluate your case to determine the best approach for securing your rightful compensation.
Pain and suffering compensation refers to the financial compensation awarded to an injured victim for the physical and psychological distress caused by an accident. The amount awarded varies depending on the severity and impact of the injuries sustained.
This form of compensation is determined based on the nature and extent of the injuries suffered by the victim. Factors such as the severity of the injuries, the duration of the pain and suffering, and the impact on the victim’s quality of life are considered when calculating the compensation amount.
It is important to note that in Alberta, there are limitations on pain and suffering compensation for injuries classified as “minor injuries” under the Minor Injury Regulations. However, many injuries are not capped, and it’s essential to seek legal advice before settling with an insurance company to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Loss of income compensation refers to the financial compensation awarded to an injured victim for the earnings they have lost due to their inability to work following an accident. This compensation includes both past and future loss of income.
This form of compensation is calculated based on various factors, including the victim’s pre-accident earnings, the duration they cannot work due to their injuries, and any anticipated future loss of earning capacity. Expert opinions from vocational psychologists and medical professionals may be sought to assess the extent of the loss.
In Alberta, injured victims may be eligible for various benefits to recover lost income, including disability benefits, Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability, and Assured Income for Severely Handicapped Albertans (AISH). Richard Edwards can assist in securing these benefits and advocating for past and future loss of income compensation.
Future care compensation is awarded to an injured victim to cover the costs of necessary care and rehabilitation services that they will require in the future due to their injuries sustained in an accident. These services aim to assist with activities of daily living and promote the victim’s recovery and well-being.
Future care costs may include a wide range of services tailored to the individual needs of the injured victim. These services may encompass nursing care, housekeeping assistance, home modifications to accommodate disabilities, home maintenance, mobility aids, prescription medications, psychological counselling, vocational counselling, chiropractic therapy, physiotherapy, massage therapy, and childcare.
Victims of motor vehicle accidents in Alberta and British Columbia may be eligible for various forms of compensation, including Section B benefits in Alberta and Part VII benefits in British Columbia. Additionally, benefits may be accessible for accidents not involving motor vehicles. Richard Edwards can assist in assessing your eligibility for these benefits and navigating the claims process to ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.
Accident victims who sustain serious injuries may find it challenging to manage household tasks and care for their families. In such cases, family members or friends who step in to assist are entitled to compensation for the reasonable services they provide to the injured individual.
Canadian courts consistently recognize the value of such assistance and award compensation accordingly. Richard Edwards is dedicated to securing compensation for these losses, ensuring that caregivers receive the recognition and support they deserve.
Following the receipt of disability benefits, accident victims often encounter financial challenges. Richard Edwards excels in obtaining advance payments under Section 581 of the Insurance Act to alleviate these difficulties. Securing advance payments is preferred to prevent clients from incurring high-interest charges from credit card companies and settlement loan providers. Contact us today for assistance if you require help with this process.
During this critical pre-trial phase, lawyers pose inquiries to all involved parties to gain deeper insights into the case. Typical questions include details about the accident, the nature of sustained injuries, their impact on daily life, required treatments post-accident, and repercussions on employment or education.
Mediation is a method used to resolve disputes outside of court. After gathering all the necessary information about the case, everyone involved can choose to participate in mediation. During this process, a neutral third party, known as a mediator, helps facilitate discussions between the parties involved to try and reach a settlement agreement.
While many of our cases are resolved through negotiations, there is a possibility that some may proceed to trial. To ensure preparedness for any scenario, we may schedule a trial date while actively pursuing a settlement. Richard Edwards, leveraging his extensive trial experience, stands ready to represent you in court if necessary, confidently guiding your case from start to finish.
In the event of injury-related work incapacity, you have several income support options to explore, including:
You can rely on Richard Edward’s professional guidance to navigate these resources and determine your situation’s best course of action.
