A distracted driver can put everyone on the road at risk. Even just a few seconds of texting while driving can lead to serious consequences. If you were injured in an accident as a result of a distracted driver, you may be dealing with painful injuries, expensive medical bills, missed work, and the frustration of knowing the accident was potentially preventable. But you don’t have to face this alone.
At Litco Law, our Red Deer distracted driving lawyers understand the challenges you’re facing and are ready to help. We offer compassionate support and dedicated legal advocacy to guide you through this difficult time and hold the distracted driver responsible. Call (587) 602-0514 or contact us online for a free consultation today.
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Get answers to the following topics and questions:
- How Litco Law’s Red Deer Legal Team Can Help
- What To Do After a Distracted Driving Accident in Red Deer
- Legal Responsibility in Alberta Distracted Driving Accidents
- Types of Injuries in Distracted Driving Accidents
- Compensation Available After a Distracted Driving Accident in Alberta
- Time Limits for Distracted Driving Claims in Red Deer
- Red Deer Distracted Driving Accidents: Frequently Asked Questions
- Our Red Deer Car Accident Legal Team Can Help You Today
- Find Out if You Have a Motor Vehicle Accident Claim in Under One Minute for Free
How Litco Law’s Red Deer Legal Team Can Help
With over 50 years of experience helping injured Albertans, our family-owned law firm offers award-winning legal service with a client-centred approach to everything we do. Our goal is to make the legal process easier, clearer, and more supportive while we handle your claim from start to resolution.
Here’s what to expect from our distracted driving accident lawyers in Red Deer:
Our Team-Based Approach
When you work with Litco Law, you get more than just a lawyer. You get your own personal legal team that will be with you throughout the course of your claim. We call this team a “pod.” It includes a lawyer, a case manager, a client care specialist, and a legal assistant who are with you from day one. Together, they provide the personalized focus and care you deserve.
Clear and Open Communication
Throughout the claims process, you will receive regular updates on your claim every 30 days or less, and a 24-hour response time for messages and questions. Our team understands that the legal process can feel confusing, but we’ll explain everything in plain language so you understand your rights and options at every step.
No Hidden Fees
Along with our free consultations, there’s no upfront cost to hire us, and we never bill by the hour. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t pay us anything while your claim progresses. Our fee is a percentage of the compensation we recover for you, and you’ll know that percentage before you ever hire us.
Also, our team covers the cost of disbursements while your claim is ongoing, and we reimburse those costs at the time your file resolves, so you don’t have to pay out of pocket. These are the costs related to handling your claim, such as court filing fees and the cost of obtaining medical reports. Your focus during this time is your recovery, while we handle the legal work.
Local Legal Advocates in Red Deer
Our team is proud to serve the Red Deer community, with a local office at Riverside Office Plaza, 4919 59th Street. We’ve handled Red Deer car accident claims for decades and have a deep understanding of Alberta’s distracted driving laws. We combine this insight with our passion for helping our clients to secure meaningful results for those impacted by distracted driving accidents.
What Our Red Deer Clients Are Saying
With over 800 five-star Google reviews across Alberta, our Red Deer legal team is honoured to help injured individuals during some of the toughest times in their lives. Here’s what one of our clients shared about working with us:
- “The team at Litco Law was absolutely fantastic to deal with and so caring, and they went above and beyond to help me and answer any questions I had. I would HIGHLY recommend them to anyone in need of their services… and in fact I already have! Thank you, Litco Law, for all your time and effort! You are an amazing group of people!” – Crystal C.
What To Do After a Distracted Driving Accident in Red Deer
We know a car accident can lead to a lot of uncertainty, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your legal rights, including:
- Focus on your health: Consider seeking medical attention as soon as possible after the accident.
- Document the scene: If you’re able, take pictures of the accident scene, and note any distracted driving behaviours you noticed in the other driver.
- File a police report: A police report can be an important piece of evidence.
- Gather witness information: If available, ask witnesses for their contact details.
- Notify your own insurance company: Let your insurance company know about the accident right away.
- Consult a lawyer: It can be helpful to speak with a legal professional for guidance.
While acting quickly to preserve evidence is ideal, if you’re unable to handle some of these steps on your own, don’t worry. Our team knows how to gather evidence—even if some time has passed since the accident.Understanding Distracted Driving Accidents in Red Deer
While every accident is different, learning about Alberta distracted driving laws and how these accidents occur can help you better understand who can be held legally responsible (liable).
What Is Considered Distracted Driving in Alberta?
According to Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act, it is unlawful to engage in any activities that distract you from operating your vehicle. Examples include:
- Handheld communication: Talking, texting, emailing, or holding a mobile phone
- Entertainment screens: Operating laptops, handheld gaming consoles, or looking at cameras
- Navigation and audio adjustments: Manually programming a GPS unit or changing digital audio settings while the vehicle is in motion
- Reading and writing: Looking at books, maps, printed notes, or sketching
- Personal grooming: Brushing hair, flossing teeth, applying makeup, or shaving
While this is not an exhaustive list, if a driver is distracted by one or more of these behaviours, that could change how liability may be apportioned after an accident.
Legal Responsibility in Alberta Distracted Driving Accidents
Our distracted driving lawyers in Red Deer can carefully assess what led to the accident, determine who may be responsible, and gather evidence to build your case. We’ll handle the legal steps so you can focus on what matters most—your health and recovery.
How Negligence Is Established in a Distracted Driving Claim
When someone chooses to drive while distracted, they may be failing to exercise reasonable care behind the wheel. If this results in harm or injury to another party, it could be considered negligence.
If you’re hurt due to another motorist’s distracted driving, proving negligence involves looking at the pieces left behind. Our Red Deer personal injury lawyers will gather evidence to uncover what really happened, including witness testimony from those who saw the accident happen, and, if available, dashcam footage, among others.
Section B Benefits After a Distracted Driving Accident
All auto insurance policies in Alberta include no-fault Section B benefits, which may cover some losses caused by the car accident regardless of who was responsible, including:
- Some essential medical treatments
- Some disability and lost earnings coverage, if eligible
- Costs related to loss of life when applicable
Section B benefits may be available to many people injured in an automobile-related accident, including drivers, vehicle passengers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, bicyclists, or public transit users. To learn more, connect with our team for free legal answers.
What if You Share Responsibility for the Accident?
If you share some responsibility for the distracted driving accident, you may still be able to recover some compensation under the scheme set out in Alberta’s Contributory Negligence Act. However, the amount you recover may be proportionately reduced by the percentage of fault you share. For example, a person who is 10% at fault for the accident could have $100,000 in compensation reduced by 10% to $90,000.
Types of Injuries in Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving accidents may cause severe injuries because motorists have slower reaction times when distracted and may not take measures to avoid or lessen the impact. Types of injuries we see in these accidents include:
- Whiplash and other soft-tissue damage
- Broken bones and internal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Emotional and psychological trauma
We understand how overwhelming this experience can be for you and your loved ones. But we’re here to make things easier. We’ll use evidence provided by your doctors to understand how your injuries affect your life and pursue compensation for the challenges you’re facing now and may have in the future.
Compensation Available After a Distracted Driving Accident in Alberta
If you were hurt in a distracted driving accident in Red Deer, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Cost of ongoing or future medical care
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress
Before the Alberta government’s proposed Care-First insurance system goes into effect, you can work with a lawyer to sue the at-fault party in an attempt to recover the full extent of your losses and suffering caused by the accident. It’s often beneficial to speak with a car accident lawyer before accepting a settlement to ensure you have all the facts before making a decision.
Time Limits for Distracted Driving Claims in Red Deer
Under Alberta’s Limitations Act, you generally have two years from the date of the car accident to pursue a legal claim in Red Deer or anywhere in Alberta. While there are some exceptions, missing the deadline could mean losing your right to recover compensation.
Because these deadlines are very strict and crucial evidence may be lost, consider speaking with an auto accident lawyer right away.
Red Deer Distracted Driving Accidents: Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions we get about distracted driving accident claims in Red Deer. To get answers specific to your situation, please reach out to us at any time.
How Do You Prove the Other Driver Was Distracted?
Your legal team may be able to prove the other driver was distracted by obtaining evidence that suggests that the other driver was distracted while operating their vehicle, such as witness reports, dashcam footage, or other available evidence.
Can I Still Recover Compensation if I Was Partially Distracted?
Yes, you may still be able to recover some compensation if you share some responsibility due to driving distractions. However, the final amount may be proportionately reduced by the percentage of fault you share.
Does Insurance Have To Pay if the Driver Was Distracted?
You can generally access your Section B benefits immediately after an accident, regardless of who was at fault or what caused the accident. If you work with a lawyer to sue the at-fault party, it is likely that their insurance can be held responsible for some of your losses.
How Much Is My Distracted Driving Accident Claim Worth?
The value of your claim will depend on several factors, including the extent of your financial losses and the severity of your injuries. A lawyer can review evidence to assess how your injuries have impacted your life and will affect your future.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire Litco Law for My Distracted Driving Claim?
There is no upfront cost to hire a Red Deer car accident lawyer at Litco Law. We work on a contingency fee basis, so we never bill by the hour, and you won’t pay us anything while your claim progresses. Our fee is a percentage of the compensation we recover for you, and you’ll know that percentage before you ever hire us.
Our Red Deer Car Accident Legal Team Can Help You Today
Regardless of how the accident was caused, Lawyers You’ll Love are here to help. We’ll take the time to listen to your story, answer your questions in plain language, and explain your legal options.
Call (587) 602-0514 or contact us online for a free consultation with a caring legal professional. We’ll help you find the solution, even if we’re not it.
