Car Accidents

Car Accident Settlement Payouts Alberta

Car crash scene showing vehicle damage after a motor vehicle accident in Alberta, likely resulting in motorists getting a car accident settlement payout.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Alberta, you could be entitled to a settlement

Every year, thousands of Albertans receive compensation after motor vehicle collisions.
But how much is a car accident settlement payout in Alberta, and what determines the amount?

The truth: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your settlement depends on the severity of your injuries, impact on your life, and available insurance coverage.
This guide explains:

  • Average settlement trends for Alberta accidents
  • The 2025 minor injury cap and Section B benefits
  • How settlements are calculated
  • Steps to protect your right to full compensation

At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, our experienced Alberta personal injury lawyers help accident victims across Calgary, Edmonton, and the province get the compensation they deserve.


Quick 2025 Alberta Car Accident Facts

Category 2025 Figures
Minor Injury Cap (MIR) $6,182 for pain & suffering (non-pecuniary) damages in capped injuries
Section B Medical/Rehab $50,000 per person, within 2 years of the crash
Weekly Disability (earners) Lesser of $600/week or 80% of average gross weekly earnings, max 104 weeks (7-day waiting period)
Weekly Disability (non-earners) $200/week, up to 104 weeks
Death Benefits Age/status-based lump sums + grief counseling
TPL Minimum $200,000 third-party liability coverage (many buy more)
Lawsuit Deadline Generally 2 years from the accident/discoverability
🔵 Tip: Section B benefits are no-fault and can be claimed right away — even while you pursue a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

What Is a Car Accident Settlement in Alberta?

A car accident settlement is the negotiated or court-awarded amount that compensates you for injuries and losses after a collision.

It can include both economic and non-economic damages:

  • Economic damages: lost wages, medical costs, rehab expenses, out-of-pocket costs
  • Non-economic damages: pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life

Average Car Accident Settlement in Alberta

There is no fixed average, but general trends are:

  • MIR-capped injuries (soft-tissue/WAD with full recovery): often under $25,000 total
  • Non-capped injuries (fractures, significant back injuries, TMJ, brain injury): mid-five to low-six figures
  • Severe or catastrophic injuries (TBI, spinal cord injury, major burns): high six to seven figures, with non-pecuniary damages approaching the national cap (~$459,000 in 2025) for the most serious cases

How Settlements Are Calculated

Insurers and courts look at:

  1. Type and severity of injury (MIR-capped vs. uncapped)
  2. Impact on income and career
  3. Future care needs
  4. Length and difficulty of recovery
  5. Psychological impact
  6. Degree of fault (contributory negligence reduces payout)
  7. Insurance coverage available (including SEF 44 endorsements)

Section B: Immediate No-Fault Benefits Overview

In Alberta, Section B benefits provide basic medical, rehab, and income replacement coverage after a vehicle accident — regardless of who was at fault.

You can claim these benefits right away, and they don’t prevent you from suing the at-fault driver for additional compensation. They are meant to cover short-term needs like medical treatment and lost wages while your injury claim is ongoing.

👉 Learn More: For detailed limits, timelines, and eligibility rules, read our complete guide to Section B benefits in Alberta.

Example Alberta Settlement Ranges (Illustrative)

Injury Type Settlement Range (non-pecuniary + economic losses)
MIR-capped soft-tissue (full recovery) $10,000 – $25,000
Non-capped fracture with lasting pain $50,000 – $150,000+
Moderate traumatic brain injury $200,000 – $500,000+
Spinal cord injury (partial paralysis) $500,000 – $1M+
Catastrophic injury requiring lifelong care $1M+

Timelines for Alberta Car Accident Claims

  • Immediately: Seek medical attention, report accident, document evidence
  • Within 30 days: Notify insurer for Section B benefits
  • Ongoing: Continue treatment, track symptoms, keep receipts
  • Within 2 years: File a lawsuit if settlement not reached

FAQs About Car Accident Settlement Payouts in Alberta

👉 Is Alberta a No-Fault Province?
No. Alberta has a tort-based system, but Section B benefits are no-fault.
👉 Can I Still Sue If I Get Section B Benefits?
Yes. Section B is separate from your lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
👉 What If the Other Driver’s Insurance Is Too Low?
You may claim under your SEF 44 Family Protection Endorsement or pursue the driver personally.

How to Maximize Your Settlement

  • See your doctor and follow treatment plans
  • Keep a daily pain or symptom log
  • Don’t accept the first offer with legal advice
  • Hire an Alberta personal injury lawyer who understands Alberta injury caps and Section B coordination.

Speak to an Alberta Car Accident Lawyer

At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, our Alberta car accident lawyers help Albertans get the compensation they deserve. We provide FREE consultations, and there are no fees unless we win.

✅ Insider Advantage: Sivan Tumarkin, co-founding partner of Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, previously worked for insurance companies. Today, he uses that knowledge to advocate for people injured in car accidents across Alberta. He knows insurers’ strategies, and how to level the playing field in your favour.

Why Choose Samfiru Tumarkin LLP?

We’re not just any personal injury firm. Samfiru Tumarkin LLP has a national reputation for client advocacy and proven results. We take the time to understand your situation and build the strongest possible claim.

  • 💰 No Win, No Fee — you don’t pay unless we succeed
  • 👥 Personalized legal support throughout your case
  • 📍 Deep local experience in Alberta courts, tribunals, and negotiations
  • ⭐ Thousands of 5-star reviews from injury, disability, and employment law clients in Canada
  • 🗺️ Serving clients across Alberta in-person and virtually, wherever you’re located

Free Consultation with a Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Wondering how much your car accident claim is worth? Don’t rely on estimates or insurance adjusters. Get real legal advice from a firm that’s on your side.

Call us at 1-855-821-5900 or request a callback from a Calgary personal injury lawyer through our online form.

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