Category: Motor Vehicle Accidents

Vehicle Accidents with Trains: What it Means for Drivers and Passengers

Canada has the fifth-largest rail transportation system in the world, including approximately 14,000 public and 9,000 private railway crossings along 40,000 km of federally regulated tracks. In Alberta, rail traffic includes freight trains operated by companies such as Canadian National Railway, passenger trains operated by VIA Rail and commuter trains such as the Edmonton LRT and the Calgary CTrain.

Although rail transport is heavily regulated and the subject of extensive programs and policies to ensure safe operation, accidents do occur. The Transportation Safety Board reports that across the country, there were 167 railway crossing accidents in 2024, resulting in 12 fatalities and 24 serious injuries. Continue reading

Alberta Minor Injury Cap – Update 2026

The Superintendent of Insurance Interpretation Bulletin 05-2025 confirms the annual increase in the Minor Injury Cap; the amount for non-pecuniary damages for minor injuries sustained in car accidents in Alberta.

Effective January 1, 2026, the maximum minor injury amount of $6,182 will be increased by 2%, to $6,306. The new amount is applicable to minor injuries resulting from automobile accidents that occur in Alberta on or after January 1, 2026.

Does the move to No-fault affect the Minor Injury Cap?

The Alberta government is still intending to move to a no-fault system effective January 1, 2027. This does not affect the minor injury cap for 2026. Continue reading

Alberta Minor Injury Cap – Update 2025

The Superintendent of Insurance Interpretation Bulletin 07-2024 confirms the annual increase in the Minor Injury Cap; the amount for non-pecuniary damages for minor injuries sustained in car accidents in Alberta.

Effective January 1, 2025, the maximum minor injury amount of $6,061 will be increased by 2%, to $6,182. The new amount is applicable to minor injuries resulting from automobile accidents that occur in Alberta on or after January 1, 2025.

Last year the adjustment to the minor injury cap for inflation was 4%. Effective this year, the government has changed the way adjustments are made to account for inflation, adopting a new approach to standardize inflation adjustments used across government by setting an escalator annually in the Alberta Personal Income Tax Act. Continue reading

Common Myths about Personal Injury Claims in Alberta – Part 2

In the age of social media, you may hear many myths and contradictory stories about what it’s like to pursue a personal injury claim. It can be hard to figure out what is true and what is false, which can be distressing if you or a loved one have been involved in an accident.

Unfortunately, car accidents are a daily occurrence on Alberta roads. In a previous blog post, we discussed 10 Myths about Car Accident Claims in Alberta. In this post, we tackle some additional misconceptions people may have about the personal injury claims process in Alberta.

Myth: You must settle your claim within two years.

Continue reading

What to know about Section B – Accidents Benefits (No-fault Benefits)

What to know about Section B – Accidents Benefits (No-fault Benefits)

In Alberta, automobile insurance is prescribed by legislation. The result is a standardized insurance policy that is the same for all motorists. The three sections in Alberta’s Standard Owner’s Automobile Policy, Form (SPF No. 1) are:

  • Section A – Third Party Liability Insurance – Mandatory
  • Section B – Accident Benefits – Mandatory
  • Section C –  Loss of or damage to insured vehicle – Optional

If you’ve been involved in a motor-vehicle accident, you have a right to claim accident benefits from your insurer no matter who is at-fault in the accident. Continue reading

10 Myths about Car Accident Claims in Alberta

Car Accident Statistics in Alberta

According to a 2020 report from Alberta Transportation, almost 95,000 car accidents occurred in Alberta, causing more than 200 deaths and injuring more than 11,000 people. That means an average of nearly 260 accidents happen in Alberta each day!

No one anticipates a car accident and you’ve probably heard different opinions about how to handle your claim, whether it’s from family and friends or from information on the internet.

In this blog post, we share some common myths surrounding car accident claims. Understanding the realities of motor vehicle claims will help you prepare in the event you or a loved one is involved in an accident. Continue reading