Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions injured Albertans ask before they call us. If your question isn’t here, just call — the answer is free.
Cost & Risk
How much will hiring a lawyer cost me?
Zero, until your lawyer wins your case. No retainer. No hourly fees. No upfront costs of any kind. The lawyer’s fee comes out of the settlement they recover for you — and only if they win.
What if my case loses?
You pay nothing. Not for the lawyer’s time. Not for expert reports. Not for court filing fees. The financial risk is the lawyer’s, not yours. That’s the entire point of contingency — it’s exactly why your lawyer’s incentives align with yours.
Are these “discount lawyers”?
No. The lawyers in our network are veteran Alberta-licensed personal-injury practitioners — verifiable in the public Law Society of Alberta directory before you sign anything. They charge lower contingency rates because we bring them their clients. They don’t have to spend $30,000+/month on advertising, so they pass the savings on to you.
What’s the contingency rate?
Lower than the Alberta industry standard, with the exact percentage depending on the firm and the complexity of your case. You’ll see it in writing — in your retainer agreement — before you sign anything. No hidden fees. No surprises.
Will the lawyer charge me for the initial consultation?
No. Every consultation in our network is free. Always. No exceptions.
What about court costs, expert reports, filing fees?
Your lawyer covers them. They advance every disbursement during your case — court fees, expert witnesses, medical record requests, mediation costs. If you win, those costs come out of the settlement (just like the contingency fee). If you lose, the lawyer absorbs them. You pay nothing.
What does HurtCallMax charge me?
Nothing. We’re paid a referral fee by the law firm only when they take your case and win it. The fee comes from the firm’s side, not from you. It does not increase the legal fees you pay.
Timing & Deadlines
How long do I have to file a claim in Alberta?
Generally two years from the date of your accident, under section 3 of Alberta’s Limitations Act, RSA 2000, c L-12. Different deadlines apply to claims against municipalities or government bodies, and shorter notice periods may apply in some situations. Speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to confirm what deadline applies to your specific case.
Am I past the deadline?
Probably not. Many people who think they’ve missed the deadline actually haven’t — Alberta law has discoverability rules and specific exceptions. Call us. The check is free.
How quickly will I hear from a lawyer after I call?
During business hours, typically within the hour. After hours, the next business morning at the latest.
How long does an Alberta personal injury case take?
It depends. Soft-tissue claims with clear liability and prompt medical treatment can resolve in 6–12 months. Cases involving permanent injury, disputed liability, or trial commonly take 2–4 years or longer. Your lawyer will give you a realistic timeline once they review your case.
Insurance & Settlements
Should I accept the first offer from the insurance company?
Almost always, no. First offers are typically anchored to the lowest defensible figure, not the fair value of your claim. Don’t sign anything until a lawyer has reviewed it. The review is free.
What if the accident was partially my fault?
You probably still have a claim. Under Alberta’s Contributory Negligence Act, your damages may be reduced in proportion to your share of fault — but you generally still recover. A lawyer reviewing your case will assess the realistic apportionment.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
Alberta auto policies include underinsured-motorist coverage by default. If the at-fault driver has no insurance, has insufficient insurance, or fled the scene, your own coverage typically responds. The Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Program is also a backstop. Speak with a lawyer about which policy applies.
The insurance adjuster is calling me. What do I say?
Don’t give a recorded statement. Don’t agree to a settlement. Take their name and number, and tell them you’ll call them back after speaking with a lawyer. Then call us — free, no obligation, in 60 seconds.
The Process
Do I have to live in Edmonton?
No. Our network covers Edmonton and the surrounding metro region — St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Leduc, Fort Saskatchewan, and beyond. We can also connect injured Albertans elsewhere in the province with appropriate counsel.
What injuries do you handle?
Car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck and commercial vehicle accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, slip and fall, workplace injuries (including third-party claims beyond WCB), medical malpractice, dog bites and animal attacks, wrongful death, and catastrophic injuries including brain and spinal cord injury.
Do I need a lawyer for a minor injury?
For very low-impact collisions with no injuries and only minor property damage, probably not. The moment there’s any injury — even one that seems minor — the calculus changes. Soft-tissue and whiplash injuries are routinely undervalued by insurers. A free 60-second call costs nothing and tells you whether legal help makes sense.
Care-First Insurance (Jan 1, 2027)
What is Care-First?
Alberta’s auto-insurance system is undergoing significant reform. The Care-First Insurance system is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027, replacing much of the existing tort-based recovery framework for motor-vehicle injuries with structured no-fault benefits.
Will Care-First affect my claim if my collision was before January 1, 2027?
If your collision occurred before January 1, 2027, the existing tort framework continues to apply to your case. Care-First applies only to collisions on or after that date.
Ready to find out what your case is worth?
Free consultation · $0 unless we win · Veteran Alberta lawyers