Hit & Run Accident Lawyer Calgary
Protecting Your Rights. Pursuing the Justice You Deserve
A hit-and-run can be a serious offence in Calgary, leading to huge fines, penalties, license suspension, and even imprisonment. Dealing with such incidents can be complex because leaving the scene of the accident is a criminal act. Not only do you have to deal with the physical and emotional challenges of the accident, but you also have to face the added stress of pursuing compensation without a clear tortfeasor/person guilty of the accident.
Suppose you have been involved in a hit–and–run incident. In that case, it is important to seek immediate guidance from an experienced and professional hit and run accident lawyer in Calgary who can help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights. NKS Injury Legal, with its team of dedicated lawyers, will help you in every step of the legal process.
Finding Clarity in the Chaos of a Hit-and-Run Accident
NKS Injury Legal’s lawyers are always with the victims when a hit and run accident takes an emotional and physical toll. Our skilled and experienced hit and run accident lawyer never hesitates to provide comprehensive support and help the sufferers navigate both legal and investigative aspects of the case confidently. Being specialized in personal injury law, particularly in hit and run cases, we go beyond your expectations to fight for your rights.
This means we work closely with law enforcement to identify the at-fault driver, utilizing all available evidence such as CCTV footage, eyewitness reports, and vehicle damage assessments. If the responsible driver remains unidentified, we explore alternative compensation options, including uninsured motorist coverage and the Alberta Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Program (MVAC).
Why Choose NKS Injury Legal As Your Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Calgary?
If you rely on our Calgary hit and run accident lawyer, know that they will assess the full impact of your injuries and losses. Right from your medical expenses and property damage to your lost income and emotional distress, they’ll put in efforts to maximize the settlement. You don’t even have to worry about missing deadlines, inappropriate paperwork, and your rights not being protected because we are going to manage it all on your behalf. Whether
- Negotiating with insurance companies or
- Representing you in court
Our goal is to secure the best possible outcome for you without any upfront legal fees. At NKS Injury Legal, we prioritize your well-being and are committed to advocating for your best interests every step of the way, providing you with the support you need during this challenging time.
Seriousness of Hit and Run Charges in Calgary
A hit and run charge can be a significant criminal offense, leading to hefty fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment. According to Section 320.16 (1) of the Criminal Code of Canada, leaving the scene of an accident is illegal, regardless of fault. Unfortunately, such incidents are common in Calgary, occurring almost daily. Beyond the emotional toll, victims of hit-and-run accidents face a complex legal battle, especially when the at-fault driver is unknown. That’s where our hit and run accident lawyer in Calgary comes in.
Expert Hit and Run Legal Support from NKS Injury Legal
You can expect our legal guidance and support if you need to understand your rights. This assistance is something you cannot overlook throughout the legal process. One of our skilled hit and run accident lawyers in Calgary will assist in gathering critical evidence, including witness statements, surveillance footage, and police reports, which are crucial for building a strong defense or supporting a victim’s claim.
Additionally, lawyers will conduct witness interviews to uncover important details that may not be immediately apparent. They help clients navigate the intricate legal system, ensuring all necessary documents are filed correctly and on time. For those accused of hit and run, our hit and run accident lawyers develop tailored defense strategies and negotiate with insurance companies to seek fair compensation. If the case goes to trial, having professional representation means effective advocacy in court. Beyond legal expertise, our lawyers provide emotional support, helping clients feel secure and informed during this challenging time.
What Are The Consequences Of Hit And Run Charges In Calgary?
The consequences of the Hit and Run case in Calgary can be severe, and they depend on the circumstances of the incident, such as whether it resulted in property damage, injury or death. Some key penalties include-
- For summary conviction, the maximum fine is charged up to $ 5,000 or imprisonment up to 6 months.
- If prosecuted as an indictable offence, the penalties are harsher.
- The maximum punishment includes imprisonment up to 5 years, the term can be extended to 10 years if the hit and run results in bodily harm.
- In cases where the incident leads to the death of an individual, the maximum penalty is life imprisonment.
- For indictable offences resulting in bodily harm, there is a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of less than one year. If the action results in death, the minimum punishment is imprisonment for a term of less than three years.
- Convicted in hit and run charges in Calgary, can result in the suspension of driver’s license.
What Are The Common Defences in Hit And Run Charge?
Several defence strategies can be used to challenge hit-and-run charges. Our dedicated lawyers will assess your case and determine the most appropriate defence, which may include-
- Lack of Knowledge: For the hit-and-run charge to hold, the prosecution must prove that the defendant knowingly left the accident scene. If the defence demonstrates that the driver did not realize who was involved in an accident, due to minimal impact or poor visibility, will weaken the prosecution’s case.
- Mistaken Identity: The defence may argue that the accused was not the person driving the vehicle at the time of the incident. This defence can be effective in cases where the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run case is registered to many people or is frequently driven by different individuals.
- No Intent to Escape the Liability: To prove that the accused did not have the intent to escape civil or criminal liability. The prosecution must establish that the driver left the scene to avoid legal consequences. If the defence shows that the driver left the scene to seek immediate medical attention or fear for their safety – this can serve as a valid defence.
- Inadequate Evidence: The prosecution must be able to provide sufficient evidence that the defendant’s guilt is beyond a reasonable doubt. If the defence can demonstrate that the evidence is not adequate or unreliable, the charges may be dismissed.
- Emergencies: The defence can argue that the driver left the scene due to an emergency situation that could include immediate medical attention for the passenger or driver, or where the driver felt threatened and left to ensure their safety.
- Procedural Errors: If the defendant shows procedural errors occurred including the defendant’s rights, improper collection of evidence, or failure to follow the legal protocols, may result in dismissal of the charges or exclusion of key evidence.
FAQs
Will I have a criminal record if convicted of a hit-and-run charge?
Yes, if you are convicted of a hit-and-run charge in Calgary, you will have a criminal record.
How long does the hit-and-run case take?
The duration of the case varies significantly based on many factors including the complexity of the case, incident severity, and the court’s schedule.
Will one lose their license from hit-and-run charges?
Yes, being convicted of hit-and-run charges in Calgary, Canada, can result in the loss of a driver’s license and other restrictions/ penalties.
Need a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer? Let’s Talk Confidentially!
Contact us now for a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation. Dial +1 587-582-6714 or visit us at #210, 2505 Macleod Trail, Calgary, Alberta T2G 5J4, and let us advocate for you.