When a car accident happens, the impact can be much more than just physical. You may be left shaken, worried about your health, your car, and what comes next. In the midst of all that stress, it’s natural for you to want to hold the responsible parties accountable. In Alberta, the driver who caused the accident is normally liable; however, determining liability isn’t always straightforward. If the car accident involved several vehicles, or the liable driver is not the owner of the vehicle they were driving, liability can be shared between the parties. Every situation is unique, and having a lawyer who understands how liability works in Alberta can simplify the process and protect your right to fair compensation.
At Litco Law, our team knows how stressful and uncertain life can be after an accident. You can reach out to us anytime for free legal answers and a free consultation. We’ll take time to listen, explain your options in plain language, and make the process easier from start to finish.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Car Accident in Alberta?
When a car accident happens, responsibility isn’t always clear-cut. Several individuals or organizations may have caused or contributed to the incident, and determining who is liable is an important step in the personal injury claim process. As there is contributory negligence in Alberta, more than one party can share fault, and each person or company is assigned a percentage based on their fault in the incident.
Common parties who may be liable include:
- Other vehicle drivers
Drivers may be responsible when actions like speeding, failing to yield, or following too closely. - The driver
The driver can also share fault if factors like speeding or operating the vehicle in an unreasonable manner contributed to the accident - The vehicle owner
If someone other than the owner was driving a vehicle with the permission of the owner, the registered owner still shares liability under Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act - An employer
When a driver is operating a work vehicle in the course of their employment, the employer shares liability.
Because car accidents can involve multiple contributing factors, it’s common for liability to be shared. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer takes on the work of investigating what happened, identifying who played a role and the extent of each party’s fault, so you don’t have to.
Contributory Negligence
Fault isn’t all-or-nothing. In many Alberta car accidents, more than one person shares responsibility. This is known as contributory negligence. When fault is divided, each person is assigned a percentage reflecting how their actions contributed to the incident.
Your compensation is then adjusted based on that percentage. For example, if you’re found 25% at fault, the amount you can recover is reduced by 25%. Contributory negligence helps ensure each person is held accountable for their share of responsibility and is an important part of resolving injury claims.
What Evidence Counts as Proof in a Car Accident Claim in Alberta
Strong evidence is key to proving fault and how the accident impacted you. The better the documentation you have, the easier it is to determine liability and secure compensation for the full extent of your losses. Useful evidence in an Alberta car accident claim can include:
- Photos and videos of the scene
- Police, collision, or witness reports
- Eyewitness accounts
- Expert evidence
- Collision damage analysis
- Medical reports linking your injuries to the accident
Insurance companies conduct their own investigations, but having your own legal support means your evidence is gathered, preserved, and presented with your best interests in mind.
Why You Should Speak to a Car Accident Lawyer After an Alberta Collision
Navigating a car accident claim can be complex, especially when it feels like insurers are focused on minimizing payouts. Having a lawyer helps protect your rights and ensures your claim reflects the full magnitude of your injuries and losses. This is especially important when liability is shared between multiple parties or when the facts of the accident are disputed.
The Alberta deadline to file a personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the accident. A lawyer will file your statement of claim, gather and preserve evidence, assess how liability applies to your situation, value your claim, and negotiate or litigate if needed. Talking to a lawyer early on can help you understand your rights and make informed decisions about your next steps.
How Litco Law Supports You Through the Claims Process
At Litco Law, we take the time to understand what you’re going through after an accident and help make the legal process feel less overwhelming. Sorting out liability, insurance policies, and deadlines can be confusing, especially when you’re hurt. Our team is here to guide you with clear explanations and reliable support every step of the way. We’ll thoroughly investigate the accident to help identify all responsible parties and help you understand how legal concepts like contributory negligence may apply in your situation.
Our team prioritizes keeping you informed. With our 24/30 Rule, we’ll check in with updates at least every 30 days and respond to your questions or messages within 24 hours. You can also check the latest updates on your claim anytime through our online client portal.
At Litco Law, we balance the power with insurance companies by standing up for your rights with clarity and compassion, so you always feel supported and prepared for what comes next.
Our Alberta Car Accident Lawyers Are Here For You
If you have questions about liability after an accident, you don’t have to sort through everything alone. The days and weeks after an accident can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to understand who may be responsible and what your insurance covers. Our team is here to clearly answer your questions and support you throughout the process.
We offer free consultations and offer a contingency fee model, so you don’t pay us anything while your claim is ongoing. Our Alberta car accident lawyers take the time to understand what happened, explain any liability issues, and guide you through your next steps.
Call us at (403) 273-8580 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation.
