The Role of Evidence in Strengthening Your Personal Injury Case in Edmonton

The Role of Evidence in Strengthening Your Personal Injury Case in Edmonton

A personal injury claim may be filed as a result of a motor vehicle accident, a slip and fall accident, in the event of medical malpractice, or for many other reasons. In most situations, a claim is filed to prove negligence or the fault of an opposing party. Thus, you must prove that because of their error, you are deserving of compensation.

Evidence is the major cornerstone of any personal injury claim because it backs up your side. Its importance cannot be overstated - in a legal context, it provides a basis for the filing of a claim against a negligent party or insurers. If you require legal assistance with a personal injury claim, contact us at Verhaeghe Law Office today to schedule a free consultation.

Witness Statements and Medical Reports

After the incident or accident, it is important to begin accumulating as much evidence as possible to support your case and prepare for your initial personal injury consultation. This could include photographic evidence, physical evidence, and eye witness statements. Depending on the type of accident, you may also collect police reports, expert opinions, and other documents.

A witness may be able to recall the events surrounding the incident and act as your alibi. They can also identify who was there, how the accident occurred, and potentially deliver an unbiased description of the events. Their statements can be provided in written or oral format.

The role of medical evidence in your personal injury case is also incredibly important. Not only could it bolster the chances of your claim’s success, but it will also help determine the amount of compensation to which you are entitled.

Medical evidence can include a wide range of documentation including expert reports from specialists, a doctor’s statement, medical imaging like CT scans or X-rays, laboratory test results, and treatment records. It may also include medical bills and receipts, photos of injuries, accident reports, and more. A personal injury lawyer can help build a case for your claim and this is something our Edmonton personal injury lawyers can help with.

Social Media Surveillance and Personal Injury Claims

In today’s technological world, it is important to note that social media surveillance can impact your claim - in positive and negative ways. Considered discoverable evidence, social media posts can be used as surveillance when filing a personal injury claim.

If after an accident, your posts on social media are inconsistent with your statements made in a claim, it may be used against you. Even a seemingly innocent post can be misinterpreted to undermine your claim. Consult with an Edmonton personal injury lawyer to learn how to best manage your social media use during a claim. Remember, what you share online has the potential to strengthen or undermine your case.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Edmonton Personal Injury Lawyers

Evidence helps to determine the causal link between the incident and your injuries. It can also be used to assess the extent of what you have suffered. As a result, it may directly affect how much you are owed. The amount will reflect all expenses, including immediate and future medical costs, lost wages, and more.

Our personal injury lawyers at Verhaeghe Law Office may be able to assist you with the particulars of your case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

** Please note, this article is intended as a general overview on the subject of personal injury law, and is not intended to be legal advice. If you are seeking legal advice, please consult with an Alberta personal injury lawyer.

The Legal Process of Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Edmonton

The Legal Process of Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Edmonton

If you are considering filing a personal injury claim or have already begun the process, you may be curious about the next steps. The very first move would be to find a lawyer who can best represent you and what you want. They may be able to help you navigate the legal complexities that arise when filing a claim and seeking compensation from insurance companies.

You may want to schedule an initial consultation, which are free with our Edmonton personal injury lawyers at Verhaeghe Law Office. Contact us today to set up a meeting.

Initiating a Lawsuit and Litigation

There is a wide range of personal injury claims that could be filed. Some include:

  • Car accident claims
  • Slip and fall claims
  • Disability claims
  • Truck injury claims
  • Pedestrian injury claims
  • Medical malpractice or professional negligence claims
  • Defective product injury claims
  • And more

In pre-litigation, your lawyer may deal with a representative from the other party’s insurance company and gather evidence. The role of medical evidence in your personal injury case can be an important one, as it may significantly impact your claim’s success and the level of compensation you are awarded.

In this part of the process, it is imperative that you disclose as much information pertaining to your incident as possible, so that your lawyer can seek proper compensation on your behalf. Depending on the type of claim you file and the particulars of your case, the length of the pre-litigation period could last anywhere between weeks to years.

When the other party refuses to offer fair compensation and all other options fail, you may have to go to court. During the litigation period, both parties will build their case, find witnesses and submit evidence to support their side. Litigation lasts up until the claim gets resolved so again, this could last weeks or even years, depending on the complexity of the claim.

Settling a Claim

Resolving a personal injury claim can happen in many ways. How can a personal injury lawyer help? They may ensure that your legal rights are protected and find a solution you may not have known was an available option. In Edmonton, your compensation will be determined based on many factors - including how your life has changed due to your injury, what it has cost you financially, the severity of your injuries, the length of recovery time, and if you lost any potential earnings.

In some cases, it is possible to solve a claim in the pre-trial phase if your lawyer can reach a settlement with the other party’s insurer during negotiations or mediations. Many lawsuits are settled during the discovery process (also known as Questioning) - in these circumstances, there would be no need to go to court.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Edmonton Personal Injury Lawyers

While dealing with the legalities surrounding a personal injury claim, you are probably also trying to recover from your injuries. During this potentially stressful time, you may consider working with an Edmonton personal injury lawyer who could ensure that your case is being handled properly.

The personal injury lawyers at Verhaeghe Law Office handle many types of claims and may be able to assist you through yours. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

** Please note, this article is intended as a general overview on the subject of personal injury law, and is not intended to be legal advice. If you are seeking legal advice, please consult with an Alberta personal injury lawyer.

Winter Driving Safety Tips to Avoid Car Accidents in Alberta

Winter Driving Safety Tips to Avoid Car Accidents in Alberta

Canadian winter officially lasts four months; however, snow and ice in Alberta can provide challenging road conditions anywhere from September to April. Albertans are familiar with long winters, but accidents happen nonetheless. Alberta Traffic Collision Statistics demonstrate that of 132,072 collisions recorded on Alberta roadways in 2019, slush, snow or ice was involved in 24.7% of fatal crashes and 27.3% of non-fatal injury collisions. 

If you have been injured in a car accident caused by another driver, you may be eligible for financial support in your recovery. Contact our Edmonton personal injury lawyers today to schedule a consultation. 

While the weather is beyond drivers’ control, there are many precautions they can take to stay safe during the Alberta winter, including avoiding road travel during winter storms. If travel is necessary, or if winter conditions are moderate, there are a variety of measures drivers can take to avoid an accident. 

Winterize Your Vehicle

Before winter conditions hit, it is wise for drivers to service their vehicles to prepare for the challenges they may face on the roads. This includes checking the battery, cooling system, brakes, wipers, engine parts and fluids. Switching to winter tires will offer drivers the best performance in slippery conditions. 

Have an Emergency Kit

Every vehicle should have an emergency kit if drivers become stranded or injured. Emergency kits can be customized to each individual or family’s needs. However, most kits should include the following essential items:

  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Road flares
  • Jumper cables
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Road map and compass
  • Drinking water and non-perishable snacks
  • Extra warm clothing and blankets
  • Toilet paper and hand sanitizer
  • Sand, road salt or non-clumping kitty litter
  • And possibly more

Drive Safely 

It is advisable to check the local forecast before heading out. If possible, test local roads to determine if conditions are favourable. Once drivers are on the road, safe driving techniques may reduce the chance of a car accident. These include:

  • Drive slower than posted speed limits, which are intended for ideal road conditions 
  • Leave at least three times the usual distance between vehicles, in case sudden braking is required 
  • When changing lanes, signal clearly and leave ample time for other drivers to anticipate and respond
  • Accelerate, steer, and brake smoothly and gradually to avoid skids. Avoid braking on curved roads, if possible
  • On snowy roads, try laying new tracks for increased traction
  • Keep headlights on during the day so that following drivers can see vehicle tail lights
  • Gear down for both uphill and downhill travel to reduce the chance of sliding
  • If control of the vehicle is lost, keep braking and steer in the intended direction until control is regained

These are just some safety measures Alberta drivers can take in winter to avoid car accidents. You can find more safe winter driving tips here.

Contact Our Edmonton Personal Injury Lawyers Today for a Consultation

While preparation for winter road conditions can help mitigate the risks of a collision, an accident may still occur. If you have been injured as a result of another driver’s failure to undertake adequate safety measures, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact our Edmonton personal injury lawyers today to address your questions and concerns, and see how we may be of service to you.

* Please note that the information in this article is not intended as legal advice but rather as a general overview of personal injury law. If you are seeking legal advice, please consult with a lawyer.