How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Alberta?
After a car accident, people often focus on recovery—medical appointments, vehicle repairs, insurance paperwork. But many overlook a crucial detail: **how long you have to file your claim.**
Alberta has strict time limits for insurance claims and lawsuits. Missing a deadline can permanently prevent you from receiving compensation for injuries, property damage, or lost income.
As Alberta personal-injury lawyers who once defended insurers, we've seen many legitimate claims denied because victims waited too long. This guide explains **how Alberta's limitation periods work**, what deadlines apply, and how to protect your rights from day one.
We'll cover:
What Counts as a Car Accident Claim?
A car accident claim includes any legal or insurance claim for injuries, vehicle damage, or losses caused by another driver's negligence. These claims may include:
Types of Claims:
The General Rule: Two-Year Limitation Period
Under Alberta's **Limitations Act**, you generally have **two years** from the date of the accident—or from when you first knew (or should have known) you were injured—to file a lawsuit.
Clock Starts on Accident Day
The two-year clock usually starts **on the day of the crash.**
Applies to All Claims
It applies to **all personal injury and property damage claims.**
Permanent Loss of Rights
If you don't settle or file a lawsuit within two years, your right to compensation is usually lost forever.
Reporting your claim to your insurer is not the same as filing a legal claim. You must either settle or file a lawsuit before the two-year deadline.
Steps to Protect Your Right to File a Claim
Taking immediate action after an accident protects both your health and your legal rights.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Medical records help confirm when your injuries occurred and show you acted promptly.
Report the Accident
Call police if required (injury or $2,000+ in damage) and notify your insurer quickly.
Document Everything
Take photos, gather witness info, and keep receipts for expenses.
Track Symptoms and Treatment
Ongoing records show how long your injuries persist and justify future care costs.
Consult an Alberta Injury Lawyer Early
A lawyer will track all legal and insurance deadlines, handle paperwork, and prevent missed opportunities for compensation.
How a Lawyer Helps With Limitation Deadlines
Managing multiple deadlines, insurance requirements, and legal processes can be overwhelming. A lawyer ensures nothing falls through the cracks.
Tracking Multiple Deadlines
Managing Section B, MVAC, and lawsuit timelines simultaneously.
Preserving Evidence
Ensuring medical, police, and insurance records are secured early.
Filing Claims on Time
Drafting and filing legal documents before limitation expiry.
Negotiating Settlements
Pushing insurers to resolve claims fairly before deadlines.
Preventing Technical Dismissals
Avoiding procedural errors that could void your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
In Alberta, car accident victims generally have **two years** to file a claim—but waiting is risky. Evidence fades, insurers delay, and once the limitation expires, your rights are gone forever. Acting early protects both your health and your legal options.
Most claims must be filed within **two years** of the accident.
Special rules apply for children, incapacity, and uninsured drivers.
Insurance deadlines for Section B and property damage are even shorter.
A lawyer ensures no deadlines are missed and your compensation is protected.
Injured in a car accident?
Contact us today for a free consultation. No fee unless we win.