A hit and run accident can be extremely frustrating and an unfortunate experience for anyone in Edmonton or any other parts of Alberta. Different types of questions arise in one’s mind whose car has just been hit by another vehicle, “who will pay for the damage? Should I report the incident to the authorities, call my car insurance company or contact an expert hit and run defence lawyer to get speedy justice?
First, make sure that you and everyone in the car are safe after an accident. In case someone is injured, call 911 and get emergency assistance immediately. Now that you have successfully ensured much-need medical attention, it’s time to consider some other important details.
What To Do After Your Car Has Been Hit By Another Vehicle
The following are some of the critical steps you should take after getting involved in a hit and run accident in Edmonton:
- Collect as much information as you can. Note down the time, date, and place of accident. Record damage done to your vehicle by taking pictures of your car, especially other car’s paint on your vehicle for an evidence
- Collect as much information about the guilty driver and his or her vehicle as possible, including car model, colour, licence plate number, driver’s description
- Find a witness who may have seen the accident as it happened, and who can corroborate or add to the information you have already gathered. Note down contact details of your witnesses as well as what they saw
- Call the police immediately to make a timely police report. Give them all the essential information you have collected including witness contacts and their statements, so that they can apprehend the hit and run driver under discussion
- After making a timely police report, provide a copy to your car insurance. This will help you establish your case in front of your insurance provider regarding the circumstances under which your car received damage, avoiding any fraudulent claims
- Many insurance firms require their clients to make a report within the first 24 hours of the accident to be able to receive compensation, so do not take chances and report the incident to your concerned vehicle insurance provider right away
In most cases, it’s tough for the authorities to find the guilty driver based on the information you have gathered about the incident. For this reason, it’s vital to get in touch with an expert criminal defence lawyer as soon as this kind of event occurs, so that you can successfully defend your claim in the court of law.
What Canadian Law Says About Hit And Run Accidents
Section 252 (1) of the Canadian Criminal Code states that:
“Every person commits an offence who has the care, charge or control of a vehicle, vessel or aircraft that is involved in an accident with (a) another person, (b) a vehicle, vessel or aircraft, or (c) in the case of a vehicle, cattle in the charge of another person, and with intent to escape civil or criminal liability fails to stop the vehicle, vessel or, if possible, the aircraft, give his or her name and address and, where any person has been injured or appears to require assistance, offer assistance”.
Individuals who are involved in an accident are required to submit their personal information such as name, address, contact and licence number in writing in front of the legal authorities.
What Happens To Those Who Flee The Scene Of An Accident
Hit and run is one of the most serious offences of all the offences under the Traffic Safety Act. If you’ve been in a car accident with another driver, then you must remain there and report to the authorities. You should also offer your help to anyone who has been injured in the process. Failing to stay at the scene of an accident results in risking yourself being charged under the Traffic Safety Act and the Criminal Code of Canada. The penalties for fleeing the scene to prevent civil or criminal liability may include a monetary fine up to $2300, 7 demerit points, up to 6 months in jail as per the Traffic Safety Act, and up to 5-year imprisonment under the Criminal Code of Canada.
Consult A Hit And Run Defence Lawyer
Slaferek Callihoo is an expert criminal law firm that deals with hit and run offences in the most professional way possible. Visit our website to learn more about our expert attorneys or contact us for free advice.
