What to Do After a Car Accident in Alberta: A Step-by-Step Guide for You — or Someone You Care Abou

Intro:

Albertans are no stranger to snowy and icy road conditions in the winter. Even the best drivers have likely experienced their car slipping or taking longer to stop than expected. Accidents can happen quickly to the best of us. One moment you’re driving home from work, and the next, your heart’s racing as you pull over after a fender bender.

In those moments, having clear, reliable information can make all the difference — whether it’s for you or for someone you know who’s just been in an accident.

At 4Points Health & Wellness, we’re experienced in helping Albertans through car accident recovery — from the first call to full rehabilitation. This article is meant to be shared. If you know a friend, colleague, or family member who’s recently been in a car accident, send this their way. It might help them make sense of what to do next, and where to turn for support.

Important Note: These steps are for less serious accidents where everyone seems ok for the most part. Of course, in a more serious accident, a trip to the Hospital and Emergency services will be required.

1️⃣ Step 1: Make Sure Everyone’s Safe and Get Checked

We're fortunate in Edmonton, we have highly trained emergency first responders. They will often help deal with the initial important concerns leaving us to turn our attention to any physical issues.

Everyone should get checked by a health professional. Even if injuries seem minor, symptoms like headaches, neck pain, or stiffness often appear later.➡ Tip: Did you know you don't need to see a doctor to have your first assessment? It can sometimes be challenging to see a doctor quickly. In Alberta, you can also see a chiropractor or physiotherapist for your initial assessment — no doctor’s referral required. If you’re helping someone else, remind them: get checked early. It’s easier to adjust a treatment plan than to undo months of untreated pain.

2️⃣ Step 2: Report the Car Accident and Open a Claim

If there’s any damage or injury, file a police report and contact your insurance provider. ➡ Ask for the claim number and adjuster name — that’s what you’ll need to start treatment. Helping a friend? Write this down for them if they’re feeling shaken up.

3️⃣ Step 3: Book an MVA Injury Assessment

Your first appointment sets everything in motion. The MVA Injury Assessment documents the injury, determines your treatment plan, and helps you access your benefits right away. At 4Points Health, our assessors and insurance coordinator handle all the forms and direct billing.➡ If you’re supporting someone, you can even help them book their first appointment — a small gesture that often means a lot.

4️⃣ Step 4: Begin Gentle, Early Treatment

Early intervention helps prevent long-term stiffness or pain. Our team integrates chiropractic, physiotherapy, acupuncture, massage therapy, and psychology for both body and mind recovery.

5️⃣ Step 5: Stay Organized

Keep track of receipts, appointments, and symptoms. We’ve created a free downloadable Car Accident Checklist (Alberta Edition) to make this easy — whether it’s for you or someone you want to help. 📄 Download your copy here → [link]

6️⃣ Step 6: Take Care of the Emotional Side Too

An accident can shake your confidence, sleep, and sense of safety. That’s normal. Recovery often includes calming the nervous system and rebuilding trust in your body. Our team uses trauma-informed approaches to support all aspects of healing.

Closing:

Recovery is easier when you have support — and sometimes that support starts with sharing good information. If you or someone you care about has recently been in an accident, know that help is available.

At 4Points Health & Wellness, we coordinate everything — from assessment and treatment to insurance — so recovery feels organized and supported.

Have questions? 📞 Call 780-705-5775 or book online to get started — and share this article with anyone who might need it. Together, we can make post-accident recovery a little easier for everyone.