Nova Scotia has a higher than average collision rate, according to an insurance company study. Numerous car accidents in densely populated Halifax and surrounding areas contribute to Nova Scotia’s high collision rate.
When a 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, and other expenses, repairs to their vehicle, and lost wages as a result of the car accident.
At Valent Legal, a personal injury law firm, our dedicated car accident lawyers know just how devastating a car accident can be for an injured individual and their family. Our compassionate lawyers understand the serious toll a car accident injury can have on your physical and emotional state. A Halifax, NS car accident lawyer from Valent Legal can help.
To get in touch with our Halifax legal team and find out exactly what the compassionate personal injury lawyers at Valent Legal can do for you, simply fill out our online contact form or give us a call. We are ready to arrange a free, no-obligation, and confidential case discussion at your earliest convenience.
How Our Halifax, NS Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You
The last thing that you want to deal with while recovering from car or motor vehicle accidents is talking to aninsurance company and attempting to navigate the court system in order to recover the insurance claim you are owed. Let the compassionate legal team at Valent Legal handle it instead.
Our personal injury lawyers are prepared to take over your car accident claim for you, gather evidence that proves the other party’s negligence, build a convincing case, negotiate on your behalf, and litigate for your best interests in court if necessary. In a nutshell, we will do everything in our power to make sure that you get the insurance company compensation needed to make you whole again.
Motor vehicle laws and insurance regulations in Nova Scotia are complicated. Don’t attempt to pursue compensation after a car accident on your own without knowing the applicable laws and regulations. Doing so could lead to substantial financial loss. Rather, let the experienced car accident lawyer of Valent Legal represent you. We know the law, personal injury law is what we do, and we do it well.
We understand that the legal process can be intimidating. We also believe that dealing with a personal injury lawyer shouldn’t be stressful. That’s why we provide a friendly, down-to-earth client experience. We take pride in being accessible and working closely with injured individuals every step of the way.
Compensation in a Halifax Motor Vehicle Accident Claim
Recovering compensation for injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents can be quite complex under Nova Scotia law as there are two separate ways in which an injured person may be able to claim compensation from an insurance company. First, an injured person may be able to recover no-fault accident benefits under their own auto policy. Second, if someone else was at fault for causing the accident, then the injured person may be able to recover compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
Under Nova Scotia’s no-fault car insurance system, anyone who is injured in a car accident turns to their own insurance provider for compensation first, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
The benefits that are available under this no-fault system are commonly referred to as statutory accident benefits, or “Section B Benefits” and include the following forms of compensation:
- Income replacement for up to 80 percent for your gross income (up to a maximum of $250 per week)
- Funds to offset the cost of attendant care
- Funds to offset the cost of a housekeeping service
- Medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Death benefits for surviving spouses and dependents
In addition to filing for statutory accident benefits, people who are injured in a car accident in Nova Scotia that was caused by someone else’s negligent or reckless behavior may also be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party or parties.
If the injured individual is able to prove that the defendant owed them a duty of care, that this duty of care was breached, that this breach directly caused their injuries, and the nature and extent of the injuries suffered, then he or she could be awarded damages in an amount designed to fully compensate them for their losses.
Some of the losses that are frequently claimed in auto accident cases include:
- Pain and suffering
- Out of pocket expenses
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of housekeeping services
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
Time Limit for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit
If you are interested in filing a personal injury lawsuit based on a car accident claim in Nova Scotia, be sure to act quickly because you only have a limited amount of time to file.
In Nova Scotia, injured people face a limitation period within which they have the legal right to pursue compensation and other insurance benefits. It is critical that injured individuals are aware of the applicable limitation period in effect in their province and meet the deadline. Failure to do so can make their claim invalid.
The deadline to file a personal injury car accident claim in Nova Scotia is generally two years from the date the accident occurred. However, there are some limited circumstances under which the two-year deadline may be extended for a certain amount of time. For example, if you are involved in a car accident and suffer an injury that does not immediately manifest itself, then the deadline clock may not start to tick until you discover that you are injured or reasonably should have discovered your injury.
Anyone who has been seriously injured in a Nova Scotia car accident should consult with our Halifax car accident injury lawyers about filing a personal injury claim as soon as possible. Even if you think that the deadline may have expired on your claim, it is still wise to have our car accident lawyer review your potential claim. This area of the law is quite complex and an extension may be permissible given your circumstances.
What to Do If You’ve Suffered an Injury After an Auto Accident
A car accident can be a scary experience, especially if you are injured by the impact. Whether it’s a fender-bender or a serious collision, knowing the steps to take after a car accident will help ensure everyone stays safe and that you receive the benefits you are entitled to.
- Step 1: Call 911 to ensure that you get the medical help that you need as soon as possible. Be sure to comply fully with your doctors’ recommendations. For example, if they suggest follow-up appointments or tests, be sure to fully comply.
- Step 2: Make sure that police officers respond to the scene of the accident and file an official police report. If you are interviewed at the scene of the accident, be sure to honestly tell them what you saw and answer police report questions honestly. Be careful what you say and don’t speculate about things you don’t know. Right after an accident, victims are often so shaken up that they start apologizing even though they didn’t do anything wrong. Insurance companies may use this simple act of politeness against you, claiming that your apology amounted to an admission of fault.
- Step 3: Document the scene of the accident as thoroughly as possible. If you can, take photos and videos of where the accident took place, as well as any resulting injuries and property damage.
- Step 4: Take down the names and contact info of any eyewitnesses who saw what happened.
- Step 5: Exchange contact and insurance information with all drivers involved in the accident.
- Step 6: Get help from an experienced auto accident lawyer without delay. Our law firm is prepared to deal with insurance providers on your behalf, facilitate the exchange of documents, correspond with opposing counsel, file your court documents, negotiate for you, and take your case to trial if a settlement cannot be reached.
Common Car Accident Injuries in Halifax
Some of the most common car accident injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Broken bones, especially broken ribs
- Lacerations
- Internal bleeding
- Contusions
- Knee trauma and other joint damage
- Burns
- Herniated discs and other back injuries
- Wrongful death
Additionally, car accident victims often also endure injuries that are psychological, rather than physical, in nature. For example, it is not uncommon for car accident victims to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (or PTSD) in the wake of an accident. You may have many questions associated specifically with your injuries from a traffic collision. There is never a financial obligation when contacting a personal injury lawyer, they can help you sort out your legal options.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Nova Scotia
While the leading causes of car accidents in Nova Scotia are driving too fast (speeding) and following too close (tailgating), some other common causes are:
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs
- Slick roadways and poor visibility
- Vehicle design defects
- Poorly maintained roads
- Animal crossings
Halifax, NS Car Accident Statistics
Halifax, NS has been dubbed the “Canadian collision capital” based on accident statistics analyzed by Allstate Canada.
Canadian statistics for a recent year showed that:
- Halifax had the highest collision rate at 7.9 collisions per 100 cars, ranking 93 out of 93 cities evaluated across Canada.
- The month with the highest number of collision claims in Canada was February. (April saw the fewest claims.)
- The day of the week with the most collisions was Friday.
Nationwide, data from Transport Canada indicates that:
- There were 1,679 fatal collisions across Canada in a recent year.
- There were 112,479 motor vehicle collisions involving personal injury.
Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer in Halifax, NS Now
Car accidents in Halifax injure drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists alike. Regardless of whether you were in a vehicle at the time of the accident, our accomplished car 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 on each step.
For a free, no-obligation case evaluation, contact Valent Legal at your earliest convenience. During your case evaluation, we will 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 build the best claim possible for you, 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 will not be charged a fee until your case settles or you win a judgment in court – so what do you have to lose? Contact our Halifax office today toll-free, and let’s get started.
