After a motor vehicle accident in Edmonton, you are required to report the motor vehicle accident if certain conditions are met. Depending on the severity of the accident, you may be required to either call 911, or an Edmonton police non-emergency line, or you may be required to simply visit one of two Edmonton Collision Reporting Centres.
In this blog post, we breakdown the situations when you are required to report a motor vehicle accident that happened in Edmonton. We focus on all you need to know as relates to the two Edmonton Collision Reporting Centres. There is a potential fine of $405.00 if you fail to report an accident that should have been reported.
At Watchmaker Law, we understand that it is not always obvious when and how to report an accident in Edmonton, so we are providing this comprehensive guide to assist you in knowing how and when to report a motor vehicle accident in Edmonton, Alberta. Carefully read this blog to the end to fully understand all you need to know about how to report a motor vehicle accident in Edmonton, Alberta. If you have more question or feel that you may have sustained injuries from your motor vehicle accident, give our Award- winning lawyer a call at 587-850-2899
What are Edmonton Collision Reporting Centres?
On September 29, 2022, Edmonton Police Service (EPS) in collaboration with Accident Support Services International (ASSI) introduced two Collision Reporting Centres in Edmonton for reporting motor vehicle accidents that meet the following criteria or requirements:
• The motor vehicle accident happened within the city of Edmonton.
• The property damage is more than $5,000.00
• None of the drivers was transported to the hospital for any reason.
• No pedestrian or cyclist was injured in the accident.
• No damage to private, municipal or highway property.
When to still Call 911 or the Non-emergency line after an accident?
It is important to note that you must still call 911 immediately if your collision involves a fatality/serious injury, crime in progress/criminal activity, or dangerous situation. Likewise, you should call the Edmonton police non-emergency line at 780-423-4567 if the accident involves a vehicle that is transporting dangerous goods or if the accident involves a large commercial vehicle weighing more than 4500 kgs (i.e. school bus, tractor trailer unit).
Other reasons why you might want to call the EPS’s non- emergency line is if any of the drivers is transported to the hospital for any reason, a pedestrian or cyclist has been injured, if there are non-moving traffic violations (such as a driver refusing to provide the required information, a driver with expired registration or insurance card or in the wrong license class), if there is damage to private municipal or highway property, and if roadways are impeded and/or a dangerous situation exists.
Why were the Edmonton Collision Reporting Centres Introduced?
The Edmonton Collision Reporting Centres were introduced to help streamline the accident reporting process. This rationale explains why there are self-serve kiosks at the Edmonton Collision reporting centers. You will have the opportunity to enter the information as prompted by the electronic devices.
Another reason for introducing the Edmonton Collision Reporting Centres relates to the stated benefit of directing the work of collecting reports and details of motor vehicle accidents to individuals who are trained to provide added customer service in this area. There is also the benefit of freeing up police resources to deal with more pressing matters. Finally, the Edmonton Collision Reporting centers provide a direct flow of accident details information to insurance companies that have partnered up with ASSI in this initiative. This reduces the time spent sending the same information to your insurance company.
Where are the Edmonton Collision Reporting Centers located?
Currently there are two Edmonton Collision Reporting Centers. The address, phone number and hours of operation of the North Edmonton Location are:
Address: 5750 116 Ave NW
Edmonton, AB T5M 3S5
Phone number: 780-452-1531
Mon-Sat: 8 am – 8pm
Sun: 10 am – 6 pm
Closed Statutory Holidays
While the address, phone number of the South Edmonton location are:
5805 87A St NW
Edmonton, AB T6E 5Z1
Phone number: 587-758-9427
Mon-Sat: 8 am – 8pm
Sun: 10 am – 6 pm
Closed Statutory Holidays
Is there an Edmonton Collision Reporting Center in West Edmonton?
Currently, there are no Collision Reporting Centers in West Edmonton. Visit this page back for updated information or new locations of the collision reporting center in the future.
What to Expect at the Edmonton Collision Reporting Centers?
When you arrive at the Edmonton Collision Reporting Centers, you will likely be met by staff of the ASSI who will provide you with some initial paperwork, after completing the paperwork, you will then have the opportunity to complete the details of the accident, including vehicle details, directions and how the accident itself occurred on a self-serve kiosk.
You must bring the damaged vehicle to the Edmonton Collision Reporting Center. Pictures of the damage will be captured which are then automatically accessible in the electronic portal that is also accessible to insurance companies who have signed up to partner with ASSI.
If your vehicle is not drivable due to motor vehicle accident, you must still have a tow-truck transport your damaged vehicle to the Edmonton Collision Reporting Center of choice. When completing the details and information about the accident and the vehicles involved, you should feel comfortable to ask the staff of the ASSI, any questions you might have in relation to how to report the accident or how the electronic kiosk works. The staff are there to assist you and to provide an added level of customer service to you at this difficult time.
What to take with you to the Edmonton Collision Reporting Centers?
Before going to the Edmonton Collision Reporting Center, check their wait times on the ASSI website. This will allow you to plan ahead. During peak periods when multiple accidents occur, you should expect longer wait periods, just as you should expect delays as relates to any accident- related service like tow-truck, emergency services and so on. You should take the following information with you:
• Your driver’s license.
• Vehicle registration.
• Insurance information.
• Names and contact information of all your passengers at the time of the accident.
• Information of the other drivers and parties involved in the accident.
It is advisable to take pictures of the other drivers’ information at the scene of the accident if it is safe and practical to do so, then take that information with you to the Edmonton Collision Reporting Centres.
If the wait times are long, you should take all necessary items with you such as your regular medications, snacks, puzzles or a book with you. There are washrooms at the Edmonton Collision Reporting Centers and parking is also available to you.
How much Do I have to pay to report the accident?
There is no fee associated with reporting a motor vehicle accident at the Edmonton Collision Reporting Center. Simply show up with your damaged vehicle and provide the information with the assistance of the staff at the Edmonton Collision Reporting Centers.
Can you attend any location of the Edmonton collision reporting center?
Yes, there is nothing preventing you from attending either of the Edmonton Collision Reporting Centers. You may simply check the wait times and then select the one that is most convenient for you to attend. Remember that one of the reasons for introducing these centers is to streamline the process for reporting accidents. Take advantage of this opportunity to report the accident at either of two locations, check the wait times of both locations and attend the one that is most convenient for you as soon as possible.
Can I make an Injury Claim after a minor accident?
It is not unusual to still get whiplash or soft tissue injuries after a minor motor vehicle accident. For most whiplash injuries, you may not feel anything right at the scene of the accident. Due to the adrenaline that is running through your body after an accident, it is not unusual not to feel any symptoms at all right after an accident, but as the adrenaline wears off, sometimes, hours or even days after the accident, you may start to feel symptoms such as headaches, pain, soreness, and or discomfort in your neck, back and shoulders.
If you experience these symptoms, pay a visit to your doctor or a walk- in clinic in case your doctor is not available. Then call our office for free legal advice before talking to the insurance company of the other driver.
What is a Whiplash Injury?
These injuries often result from rear-end collisions that may be minor or even have low property damage. They can still cause interruptions to your activities of daily living. Some of the symptoms that may arise from these are:
• Neck pain and stiffness
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Shoulder and back pain
• Fatigue,
• Cognitive Difficulties and
• Psychological distress.
What is a Temporomandibular joint (jaw) Injury ?
A TMJ or jaw injury occurs as a result of a trauma to mandible (which is the lower jaw bone), maxilla (upper jaw) or associated muscles and ligaments, which can occur as a result of damage to the nerves or soft tissues. If you notice pain, discomfort or clicking sounds in your jaw after what seems like a minor accident, you may have sustained a jaw injury.
These are just a few of the injuries you can sustain from an accident with minor property damage.
If you or your family members experience any of these or more symptoms after a minor accident you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our Award-winning lawyer at 587-850-2899 for a FREE CONSULTATION.
