Nova Scotia has a higher-than-average collision rate, according to Transport Canada. Numerous car accidents in densely populated Halifax and its surrounding areas contribute to Nova Scotia’s high collision rate.
When a motor vehicle accident occurs, people’s lives can be turned upside down in an instant. People who are injured may be forced to deal with pain, treatment costs, repairs for their vehicle, and lost wages as a result of their car accident.
At Valent Legal, our Halifax car accident lawyers know just how devastating a car accident can be for an injured individual and their families. Our motor vehicle accident lawyers in Halifax understand the serious toll a car accident injury can have on your physical and emotional state. We can help you assess whether you are eligible for meaningful compensation.
Looking for a car accident lawyer Halifax? Look no further. Contact our car accident lawyers today for a free case review to go over the details of your accident. You can fill out our online contact form or give us a call at 902-443-4488. We are ready to arrange a free, no-obligation and confidential case discussion at your earliest convenience. We are available to serve people throughout the province of Nova Scotia as well as the rest of Atlantic Canada.
How Our Halifax Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You
In the aftermath of a car accident, understanding your legal rights and entitlements can be daunting. You may be dealing with medical recovery, insurance claims, and financial uncertainties. Having a legal professional by your side ensures that you don’t have to navigate negotiations with insurance companies or complex policies alone. Whether you would like to claim Section B Benefits or pursue a personal injury claim against an at-fault party, Valent Legal’s motor vehicle accident lawyers in Halifax are prepared to advise you. We provide a friendly, down-to-earth client experience and take pride in being accessible to injured individuals at every stage of their case.
Our Halifax motor vehicle accident lawyers are ready to assist you with:
- Experienced Guidance on Legal Procedures: The legal system is complex, especially when it comes to personal injury law and car accident claims. Our car accident lawyers have an in-depth understanding of all relevant legal frameworks and can walk you through each stage of the process. We can help you avoid common mistakes, such as missing deadlines, not gathering sufficient evidence, or miscommunicating with insurance adjusters.
- Accurate Evaluation of Your Claim: One of the most challenging aspects of any car accident claim is accurately assessing damages. The compensation you deserve can extend far beyond immediate medical bills or vehicle repair costs. Our lawyers can work with medical professionals, economists, and accident reconstruction experts to determine the full scope of your losses.
- Thorough Investigation of Your Case: Determining liability in a car accident can be straightforward, but in some cases, fault may be disputed or shared. Our experienced legal team can conduct a thorough investigation of your accident to gather critical evidence. This might include obtaining police reports, reviewing medical records, interviewing witnesses, and possibly working with experts in accident reconstruction.
- Handling of Complex Insurance Claims: In Nova Scotia, the at-fault driver’s insurance typically covers damages. However, proving fault, navigating Section B benefits, or dealing with uninsured or underinsured drivers can be complicated. Our motor vehicle accident lawyers will help you navigate these complexities and help you receive the full benefits you’re entitled to.
- Representation in Court, if Necessary: Most car accident claims settle before reaching court, but if negotiations break down, our lawyers will be prepared to take your case to trial. Court proceedings can be intimidating, but with our team representing you, the burden is off your shoulders.
Hiring our Halifax car accident lawyers can help you reach a comprehensive resolution after a traumatic accident. With our experience, negotiation skills, and dedication, our team at Valent Legal can make sure your rights are protected and help you pursue the compensation you truly deserve. Our car accident lawyers in Halifax are ready to assist you with your legal claim. Contact us for a free case review with our legal team.
What Kinds of Compensation are Available in a Halifax Motor Vehicle Accident Claim?
Seeking compensation for injuries from car accidents in Nova Scotia can be a complex process, as there are multiple avenues available for recovery. For the most part, an injured person can pursue compensation through two primary means:
- By claiming no-fault accident benefits: No-fault accident benefits, often called Section B benefits, are provided through your own auto insurance policy. These benefits are available to you regardless of fault and are meant to cover immediate financial losses, such as medical bills and lost wages.
- By filing a personal injury lawsuit: If another party is responsible for your accident, you can seek full compensation for all damages you have incurred as an injured person.
Nova Scotia follows a no-fault insurance framework. This means that after a car accident, injured parties must first apply to their own insurance provider for compensation, regardless of who caused the accident. This system aims to simplify the claims process, enabling quicker financial relief for accident victims. The benefits available under this system, also known as ‘Section B Benefits’, cover a variety of expenses to help with recovery.
These benefits can include:
- Income Replacement: Up to 80% of your gross income, capped at $250 per week.
- Attendant Care Costs: To assist with any personal care needs during your recovery.
- Housekeeping Services: You can receive compensation for help you need performing household duties.
- Medical and Rehabilitation Costs: You may receive up to $50,000 in coverage for medical and rehabilitation costs in the four years following an accident.
- Death Benefits: Surviving spouses or dependents may be eligible for financial compensation for funeral expenses and death benefits in the event of a fatality.
In addition to no-fault benefits, victims who suffer injuries due to another driver’s recklessness or negligence may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible driver. To properly pursue a lawsuit, the claimant must establish several key elements:
- Duty of Care: You must prove that the other driver owed you a legal duty to drive safely
- Breach of Duty of Care: You must prove that the other driver breached their duty of care through negligent or reckless actions
- Causation: You must also prove that this breach directly resulted in the accident and the injuries you have suffered.
- Damages: This is compensation awarded in successful cases designed to help restore you to your pre-accident financial and physical state.
Car accident lawsuits often encompass a wide range of damages, reflecting the broad impact that serious injuries can have on a person’s life. Some of the most common types of compensation sought in Nova Scotia motor vehicle accident claims include:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Reimbursement for costs incurred due to the accident, such as transportation to medical appointments.
- Rehabilitation Expenses: Compensation for therapy and other rehabilitative treatments necessary for recovery.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages awarded when injuries significantly impair your ability to engage in activities you once enjoyed.
- Loss of Housekeeping Services: Compensation if you’re unable to maintain your household or perform regular duties you engaged in prior to sustaining your injuries.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to time you spent away from work during your recovery.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: Compensation for future wages lost due to long-term disability or your inability to return to the job you had before your accident.
Contact our Halifax motor-vehicle accident lawyers for a free case review if you have more questions.
Time Limit for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in Nova Scotia
If you are considering filing a personal injury lawsuit following a car accident in Nova Scotia, it is essential that you act quickly. There is a strict legal timeframe within which you must file your claim, known as the limitation period. Failing to meet this deadline could result in the forfeiture of your right to pursue compensation, leaving you without the financial resources you need to recover from your injuries.
In Nova Scotia, personal injury claims arising from car accidents are subject to a two-year limitation period. This means you typically have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for injuries, lost wages, and other damages. This limitation period is designed to ensure that legal disputes are resolved within a reasonable timeframe, while evidence and witness accounts are still fresh. Missing this deadline may result in your claim being dismissed.
While the two-year limitation period is the general rule, there are exceptions and situations that may allow for an extension of the filing deadline:
- The Discoverability Rule: In cases where injuries are not immediately apparent, the limitation period may be extended. For instance, if you were involved in a car accident and did not realize you were injured until well after the accident occurred. In such cases, the two-year clock may not begin until you discover, or reasonably should have discovered, your injury.
- If the injured party is a minor or under a disability at the time of the accident, special rules may apply that extend the limitation period.
Personal injury lawsuits are complex. When it comes to car accidents, limitation periods can be strict and may come with a variety of exceptions unique to your circumstances. As a result, it is critical to consult with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Early legal advice allows you to assess the merits of your case, gather necessary evidence, and file your claim within the required timeframe.
Even if you believe the limitation period has expired, consulting with a lawyer is still advisable. Motor vehicle accident lawyers in Halifax can review the details of your situation and determine whether an extension may be applicable based on your unique circumstances. Don’t delay – reach out to Valent Legal’s experienced car accident lawyers to discuss your claim today.
What to Do if You’ve Suffered an Injury After a Motor Vehicle Accident
A car accident can be a scary experience, especially if you or others are injured. Whether it’s a minor fender-bender or a severe collision, knowing the right steps to take afterward can ensure everyone’s safety and help protect your legal rights. The actions you choose to take can also play a crucial role in securing any benefits or compensation you may be entitled to under the law.
Step 1: Call 911 Immediately
Your first priority after a car accident should always be your health and safety. Call 911 to get emergency medical assistance to the scene of the accident right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Some injuries sustained during car accidents may not be immediately apparent and can worsen without prompt treatment. You should follow any medical advice given by healthcare professionals, including:
- Attending follow-up appointments
- Undergoing recommended tests
- Adhering to prescribed treatments
- And more
Compliance with medical advice not only aids in your recovery but can also strengthen your injury claim.
Step 2: Involve the Police and File a Report
Ensure that police arrive at the scene of your accident and file an official accident report. This report serves as crucial documentation for insurance claims and potential legal actions. When speaking with officers, give an honest account of what happened and stick to the facts. Be careful about making statements that could be misinterpreted.
Step 3: Document the Scene of the Accident
If you’re physically able, record thorough notes and visual evidence of the accident. Photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and traffic signs can be valuable pieces of evidence. This documentation will help establish the extent of the damage you have incurred.
Step 4: Collect Eyewitness Information
Eyewitness accounts can provide critical support for your version of events. Take down the names, contact information, and statements of anyone who witnessed the accident. Eyewitness testimony can be used at a later time to corroborate your claims or provide an unbiased account of the incident.
Step 5: Exchange Information with Involved Parties
Exchange contact and insurance details with other drivers involved in the accident. It can be useful to obtain their:
- Name
- Phone number
- Driver’s license number
- Vehicle registration
- Insurance policy information
- And more
Make sure the information you receive is accurate, and if possible, take photos of their driver’s license and insurance card to avoid errors.
Step 6: Consult an Experienced Nova Scotia Car Accident Lawyer
Contacting an experienced lawyer is one of the most important steps you can take in the car accident claims process. A knowledgeable legal professional will help guide you through the complex legal and insurance processes. They can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, gather additional evidence, handle the necessary paperwork, and file court documents when required. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will represent you in court to help you receive the compensation you deserve. By following these steps after an accident, you can help protect yourself legally and medically. Having a knowledgeable lawyer on your side can provide peace of mind and allow you to focus on your recovery. Contact our compassionate Halifax car accident lawyers today to learn more about your legal options.
Common Car Accident Injuries in Halifax
Car accidents often result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can have long-term effects on a victim’s health and well-being. Common physical injuries include:
- Whiplash: A neck injury caused by the sudden, forceful back-and-forth movement of the head.
- Head injuries and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): These can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, potentially leading to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in paralysis, either partial or total, and often requires extensive rehabilitation.
- Broken Bones: Fractures, particularly of the ribs, legs, arms, and collarbone, are common in high-impact motor vehicle collisions.
- Lacerations and Cuts: Car accident victims are particularly susceptible to these injuries due to the prevalence of broken glass or metal at incident scenes. These injuries can range from minor cuts to deep wounds that require surgery.
- Internal Bleeding: This can be life-threatening, and may occur in organs like the liver or lungs without visible external symptoms.
- Contusions & Bruises: Deep bruising can be painful and may indicate underlying damage.
- Knee and Joint Trauma: Joints are vulnerable in crashes, often leading to ligament tears, fractures, or long-term mobility issues.
- Burns: Fires or explosions in severe accidents can cause burns, which may require specialized treatment and, in some cases, plastic surgery.
- Herniated Discs and Back Injuries: These may cause chronic pain, mobility limitations, and necessitate long-term medical treatment.
- Wrongful Death: In tragic cases, car accidents may lead to fatal injuries for drivers involved.
- And more
Physical injuries are not the only consequence of car accidents. Many victims suffer from psychological trauma, which can be just as debilitating. Psychological injuries might include:
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Difficulty sleeping
- Phobias related to driving
- And more
Often, psychological conditions that develop after car accidents may require long-term therapy or treatment.
If you’ve sustained injuries in a car accident, you likely have many questions regarding your medical and legal options. Whether you’re dealing with complex physical injuries or the emotional aftermath of the crash, consulting a personal injury lawyer can provide you with helpful guidance for pursuing compensation. Talk to Valent Legal’s car accident lawyers in Halifax today to discuss the details of your case.
Speak With Our Car Accident Lawyers in Halifax, Nova Scotia Now
Car accidents in Nova Scotia injure drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists alike. Regardless of whether you were in a vehicle at the time of the accident, our experienced motor vehicle accident lawyers are here to help you through this difficult time. While you focus on recovering, we will pursue the compensation you are legally entitled to recover – all while keeping you updated each step of the way.
For a free, no-obligation case evaluation, contact Valent Legal at your earliest convenience. You can reach out to us through our website or call our team at 902-443-4488. During your case evaluation, we can review the circumstances of your accident and injury and advise you about your legal rights and options. If you choose to retain our services, we will help you build a strong claim, negotiate with insurance providers on your behalf, and represent you in court if necessary.
Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means that you won’t pay any money until your case settles or you win a judgment in court. Get started by booking your free case review today.
