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ARTICLE · 08 JULY 2026

What Happens If You Get Into A Car Accident During Wildfire Season In Alberta?

Watson Goepel LLP
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Wildfire season brings hazardous driving conditions across Alberta, including heavy smoke and reduced visibility. When a car accident occurs during these conditions, questions arise about liability and whether environmental factors like wildfire smoke can affect fault determination under Alberta law.

CanadaLitigation, Mediation & Arbitration
Watson Goepel
Watson Goepel
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Wildfire season has become an annual reality across Alberta, often bringing hazardous driving conditions, reduced visibility, and dangerous road conditions. If you’ve been involved in a car accident during heavy smoke, you may be wondering: Can wildfire smoke affect who is at fault for a car accident in Alberta?

The short answer is yes, but not necessarily in the way many people expect. While wildfire smoke and poor visibility can contribute to a car accident, drivers are still legally required to operate their vehicles safely based on the conditions around them. Understanding how liability is determined can help protect your rights after a car accident in Alberta.

Does Poor Visibility Excuse a Driver From Liability?

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