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Car accidents in Alberta happen daily. But do you know what to do next? Many drivers are unsure. Are you supposed to call the police? How do you fill out an Alberta accident report?
These are the questions many drivers in Alberta are asking. Do you know how to report an accident? If not, or if you are unclear about the details, we have you covered.
This blog post provides you with all the information you need to know about how to report car accidents in Alberta.
Understanding the definition of a collision can help you know if you need to report it to the police. According to Calgary Police Service :
“A traffic collision occurs when a motor vehicle contacts another object on a highway... Another object can be, but is not limited to, another motor vehicle, a bicycle, a pedestrian, or a fixed object (street sign, light pole, etc.).”
Not all car accidents need to be reported to the police. However, there are three circumstances when you MUST report an accident to police :
You were the victim of a hit and run If you suspect the other driver to be intoxicated, involved with a crime, or part of a fraud ring, call the police immediately.
You do not need to file an accident report in Alberta if there is no damage. You are not required to report an auto accident if the damage does not exceed $5,000, there are no injuries, and no laws were broken. However, you still have the option to file a report if you wish.
There are two main ways to file an Alberta accident report :
To file a collision report at your local police office, you will need the following documents :
Section 69 of the Traffic Safety Act states the duty of drivers involved in a traffic accident in Alberta :
69(1) Where an accident in which a vehicle is involved occurs on a highway, the driver or other person in charge of any vehicle that was directly or indirectly involved in the accident shall :
(a) remain at the scene of the accident or, if the person has left the scene of the accident, immediately return to the scene of the accident unless otherwise directed by a peace officer,
(b) render all reasonable assistance, and
(c) produce in writing to anyone sustaining loss or injury, to any peace officer and to any witness all or much of the following information as is requested :
(i) that person’s name and address;
(ii) the number of that person’s operator’s licence;
(iii) the name and address of the registered owner of the vehicle;
(iv) the licence plate number of the vehicle;
(v) A financial responsibility card is issued concerning that vehicle.
Alberta traffic collisions are common. There are about 385 collisions in the province each day. These are just the reported collisions. In 2015 alone, there were :
Where and how do car accidents in Alberta happen?
There are a series of important steps to take if you are involved in an accident :
Filing a police report for a vehicle accident in Alberta is fairly straightforward. You cannot report a collision online. You must visit your local district office. You will be provided with an “A-Form”. This is the standard Alberta Collision Form used for reporting vehicle collisions.
You will be asked to provide the following information :
Even though you are legally required to file a police report in many circumstances, it provides you with protection. It gives you an accurate record of events, protects you legally, proves fault, and protects you against fraud. Plus, you can rest easy knowing you did everything the right way.
No. Filing a police report does not mean you have to file a car insurance claim. However, even if you don’t plan to file a claim, it’s still important to notify your broker of the accident. Speak with your broker about the accident and get advice about the claims process.
Getting into a car accident can be a shock. You need to stay calm, avoid arguing with the other driver, and handle the situation properly. Don't do this :
There is some confusion about how to report certain types of vehicle accidents in Alberta. If you are not sure whether you need to report an accident to the police, call them to confirm.
Here are some tips for reporting various types of vehicle accidents :
If you were involved in an accident, you should report it to the police as soon as possible. If the damage exceeds $5,000 and the vehicle is driveable, you have 24 hours to file a report at your local police station. Failure to do so could result in a fine.
Depending on the details of your car insurance, you will have a certain time period to report a car accident to your insurer. Generally, you have 30 days. Check with your advisor for clarification.
If someone is seriously or fatally injured in a car accident, you must report it immediately. Call the police and request emergency services right away. Remain at the scene and wait for help to arrive.
If you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident, call the police immediately. If you were in the vehicle when the accident occurred, try to get :
Do not attempt to follow the vehicle. If your vehicle is driveable, visit the nearest police station.
Many people assume that you do not need to report accidents that occur in parking lots or on private property. You should treat parking lot accidents the same as other accidents. Use the same rules to determine if you need to file an accident report.
There are certain instances where you still need to report an accident, even if there is less than $5,000 in damage :
Filing an accident report will not necessarily increase rates. Being at fault for the accident is what impacts your rates.
Police reports do not determine liability. Police accident reports also do not impact your insurance company’s assessment of the accident. Your insurer determines fault based on the information about the accident.
Here are some frequently asked questions about Alberta car accident reporting :
Go to www.ecollision.gov.ab.ca. Make sure you have the Police File Number for your report.
Failure to report an accident can result in a fine, demerit points, and potentially jail time. The maximum fine is $5,000 and/or a period of 6 months in jail. Upon conviction, 7 demerit points will be added to your driving record.
It’s recommended you report an accident as soon as possible if there are injuries, a crime was committed, or the damage is more than $5,000.
All companies are different. Some require you to report an accident within 7 days, some give you 30 days. Failure to report an accident to your insurer could be grounds for policy cancellation.
You can get an estimate of the damage before reporting the accident. Alberta law does not allow auto repairs on a vehicle with more than $5,000 without the presence of an accident report sticker. If you are unsure if the damage exceeds $5,000, go file a police report just to be safe.
Yes, if it meets the requirements that merit the filing of an accident report. If you are not sure, call the police and file a report.
As a driver, there are many things you can do to avoid being involved in an accident :
Following these simple tips and being dedicated to being a safe driver can reduce your odds of getting into a car accident and keep your auto insurance affordable.
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