Yes, you do need to report the accident to your insurance company and be honest about what happened. But conversations with the other driver’s insurance company can feel very different, especially early in the process.
After a collision, it’s normal to feel shaken and unsure where to turn. You may already be getting calls from an adjuster asking for details before you’ve had time to fully process what happened or understand the extent of your injuries. In Alberta, insurance adjusters are trained professionals who may handle hundreds of claims a month. For the average person, this is their first time navigating the system—creating an immediate imbalance of power.
At Litco Law, our legal team is here to help balance the power by making sure you understand what to expect and how the insurance process works. If there’s anything we can do to make your life a little easier, we will, starting with helping you better understand the claims process and your options moving forward.
Get answers to the following topics and questions:
- Reporting the Accident and Sharing Details: What You Need to Know
- Why Talking to Insurance Can Feel Complicated
- Three Things to Avoid Saying to an Insurance Adjuster
- What Are Disbursements in an Injury Claim?
- How Our Legal Team Helps You Navigate the Process
- Frequently Asked Questions About Talking to Insurance After an Accident
- Our Legal Team Can Help You Today
Reporting the Accident and Sharing Details: What You Need to Know
In Alberta, you are required to report an accident to your insurance company to access benefits under your policy, including Section B benefits for medical care and lost income. This initial report does not need to include every detail about your injuries or what happened.
Insurance adjusters may ask for a recorded statement early in the process. These conversations can happen when you are still in shock, before you have seen a doctor, or before you understand how serious your injuries may be. These conversations can feel routine, but questions may be framed in ways that don’t reflect the full picture.
Reporting the accident to your own insurance company is necessary, and it’s important to provide a full and honest account of what happened. Conversations with the other driver’s insurance company, however, may feel different, especially early in the process.
Why Talking to Insurance Can Feel Complicated
Many people assume their insurance company is there to take care of everything. What they may not realize is that insurance companies are structured organizations with experienced adjusters, internal processes, and legal teams whose role is to protect the company’s interests.
That does not mean anyone is acting unfairly. It does mean the process can feel more complex and, at times, more adversarial than expected. This is where Litco Law steps in.
Our role is to help balance the power by making sure you understand how the claims process works and what to expect through every stage. If you choose to hire Litco Law, communication with the other driver’s insurance company is typically handled through our legal team, so you’re not navigating those conversations on your own.
Three Things to Avoid Saying to an Insurance Adjuster
After an accident, it’s easy to say things that feel harmless in the moment but may affect your claim later. Here are three common examples:
- “I’m fine”
Some injuries may take time to appear. Saying you feel okay immediately after the accident may not reflect how you feel days or weeks later. - Admitting fault
Even if you feel partially responsible, determining liability in a car accident is rarely straightforward. There are legal factors that go into determining what happened, and those details can be better organized and handled with support. - Guessing speed or distance
It’s difficult to accurately estimate things like speed, distance, or timing during a stressful event. Before speaking with an insurance adjuster, it may help to take a few moments to write down what happened or make point-form notes while the details are still fresh in your mind. This can help you feel more prepared and ensure you do not forget important details during the conversation.
Taking a moment before answering detailed questions can help ensure your experience is represented more clearly.
What Are Disbursements in an Injury Claim?
As your claim moves forward, building a clear understanding of what happened often requires gathering evidence. This can involve certain costs, known as disbursements. Disbursements are expenses related to supporting your claim. They are separate from legal fees and may include:
- Police reports
- Expert witness reports
- Land title searches, if an incident occurred on private property
- Court filing or document service fees
It’s normal to be concerned about what an injury claim will really cost you, which is why Litco Law covers these costs upfront, ensuring an easier process for you.
How Our Legal Team Helps You Navigate the Process
If you choose to work with Litco Law, you will have your own personal legal team, what we call a pod, to guide you through each step. This team-based approach means your experience is supported by a group of people working together, rather than relying on just one individual.
You can also call our team any time. If you send a message or submit a form, we’ll get back to you within 24 hours. And if you become one of our clients, you’ll hear from us every 30 days or less. Our focus is on understanding how your life has been affected physically, financially, and emotionally. That way, nothing important gets overlooked.
Wherever You Are in Alberta, Litco Law Can Help
If you are looking for support after a collision, you can connect with our legal team across Alberta:
Frequently Asked Questions About Talking to Insurance After an Accident
Every situation is different. If you have questions about the specific circumstances of your accident, or whether to accept the insurance company’s settlement offer, our legal team is here to provide free legal answers and guide you toward the support you need.
Can I Claim Lost Income if I Was Unemployed at the Time of the Accident?
In some cases, compensation may still be available if injuries prevented you from attending interviews, accepting a job, or participating in training. This can also include how the injury impacts your ability to work in the future.
Every situation is unique, and the details of your circumstances may affect what compensation is available. If you have questions about your specific situation, Litco Law’s legal team is here to provide free legal answers and help you better understand your options.
Do I Have to Pay Taxes on My Settlement for Lost Wages?
Under CRA guidelines, personal injury compensation is not considered taxable income, meaning most people do not pay tax on an Alberta injury settlement. However, GST may still apply to certain legal fees and disbursements related to the claim, as lawyers are required to collect federal tax on professional services in Alberta.
What If I Used My Vacation Days or Sick Leave While I Was Hurt?
Whether vacation days or sick leave can be included as part of a claim depends on how those benefits work through your employer. For example, if unused vacation time accumulates and is paid out later, losing those days may represent a financial loss that can sometimes be considered as part of a claim.
Every situation is different. If you have questions about how missed work, sick leave, or vacation time may affect your claim, Litco Law’s legal team can provide free legal answers based on your specific circumstances.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim for Lost Wages in Alberta?
In Alberta, the limitation period for most motor vehicle accident and personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. If that deadline is missed, you may lose your right to pursue compensation entirely.
Some exceptions and shorter timelines can apply depending on the circumstances, which is why speaking with a legal team early can help you better understand the deadlines that may affect your claim.
Our Legal Team Can Help You Today
If you’re wondering whether you should talk to your insurance company after a collision, you’re not alone. These conversations can feel confusing, especially if you’ve been injured in the accident.
At Litco Law, our legal team is here to provide free legal answers so you don’t have to navigate it on your own. We focus on making the process clearer, more supportive, and easier to manage, because that’s what it means to be Lawyers You’ll Love.
Call us at (587) 602-0514 or contact us online to speak with a member of our team.
