Just had an accident?
You’ve just had a car accident in Alberta — what to do
First, check for injuries — if anyone is hurt, call 911. Second, move to safety if you can and exchange details with everyone involved. Third, contact your own insurer as soon as possible. This page walks through each step for Alberta; it is general information, not legal advice.
If anyone is hurt, call 911
That is true everywhere in Canada. Get people safe and get medical help first — everything else (reporting, insurance, documentation) comes after.
At the scene: what to gather
- Exchange your name and address, the name and address of the registered owner of the vehicle, the vehicle plate and permit number, and the liability insurance card.
- Collect the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all witnesses.
- If it’s safe to do so, take photographs of the vehicles, the scene, and any damage.
Do you have to call the police?
If the involved vehicles have $5,000 or more combined damage, you must go to a police station and file a Collision Report Form. Also call police if anyone is injured, impaired driving is suspected, documentation is missing, or a vehicle is undrivable.
If you’re injured: what the system provides
Alberta is a private-insurer province; report and document the collision, then contact your insurer.
- Your own insurer handles your claim — contact them as soon as possible.
Contact your own insurer. Alberta publishes a downloadable Collision Worksheet Form to record the details at the scene.
Notify your insurer
Tell your own insurer as soon as possible — policy-specific deadlines apply, so check your policy or call your insurer.
Deadlines and legal claims
Strict legal deadlines apply to injury claims — some are very short, and some notice requirements (for example, claims involving governments) can be a matter of days. Confirm your situation with a lawyer promptly.
Official sources
Common Questions
Do I have to call the police after a minor accident in Alberta?
If the involved vehicles have $5,000 or more combined damage, you must go to a police station and file a Collision Report Form. Also call police if anyone is injured, impaired driving is suspected, documentation is missing, or a vehicle is undrivable.
Who pays if the accident wasn’t my fault in Alberta?
Your own insurer handles your claim — contact them as soon as possible. Tell your own insurer as soon as possible — policy-specific deadlines apply, so check your policy or call your insurer.
Where to go from here
Guidepost is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. This page is general information about the process — it does not cover fault, settlements, or whether to bring a claim. For advice on your situation, speak with a lawyer. Full disclaimer. Last updated: July 2026.