If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, it’s completely natural to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Many people are unaware of the steps to take if they are involved in a car accident as a pedestrian in Nova Scotia. However, the actions you take in the moments and days that follow can significantly impact your health, your insurance claim, and your ability to recover compensation.
Whether the accident occurred in Halifax, Dartmouth, or on a rural roadway, understanding how to protect your rights can make a significant difference. The team at Valent Legal is here to guide you, support you, and fight for the compensation you deserve. We offer this guide to walk you through the immediate steps to take, how to report the incident, what evidence to collect, and how Nova Scotia’s pedestrian laws may apply to your situation. To learn more about your rights and options, contact us today.
Prioritise Your Safety and Seek Medical Attention
Your safety should always be your top priority after a pedestrian accident. If you’re able to move, try to step out of traffic and into a safe area. Call 911 immediately so police and paramedics can attend to the scene, even if you believe your injuries are minor. Shock and adrenaline often hide symptoms, and some serious pedestrian accident injuries don’t appear until hours or days later.
Getting medical attention as soon as possible protects both your health and your future claim. Proper medical records establish an early connection between the accident and your injuries, which is crucial when dealing with insurance companies or pursuing compensation later. If possible, follow all medical advice and attend your follow-up appointments, as they help demonstrate the full impact the accident has had on your well-being.
Report the Accident to The Right Authorities
After ensuring your immediate safety, it’s important to report the accident to the proper authorities. In Nova Scotia, you should contact the police right away if you’ve been injured, if the driver has left the scene, or if there has been significant damage. A police report creates an official record of what happened, which can be critical later when dealing with insurers or pursuing a claim.
You should also notify your insurance company as soon as reasonably possible, even as a pedestrian. Sharing timely information, such as the location of the accident, the driver’s details, the police file number, and a concise account of what happened, helps protect your access to benefits. Be sure to gather the driver’s name, licence plate number, contact information, and auto insurance details. Delaying a report or omitting key information can make it more difficult to establish what happened or secure the coverage you may need.
Gather and Preserve Evidence After the Accident
Evidence is crucial to proving how the accident occurred and protecting your right to compensation. The more information you can collect, the easier it becomes to confirm what happened and link your injuries to the crash.
Helpful evidence may include the following:
- Photos or videos of the scene, including traffic signals, crosswalks, and road conditions
- Pictures of your injuries and any damaged clothing or personal items
- Weather or lighting conditions at the time of the accident
- Names and contact information of witnesses
- The police report number or badge number of the responding officer
- Medical records, appointment notes, and hospital discharge papers
- A personal journal documenting your pain, symptoms, and how the injury affects daily life
Even small details can make a meaningful difference later. Keep all relevant documents and avoid deleting or discarding anything related to the incident.
Understand Your Rights as an Injured Pedestrian in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia laws protect pedestrians by placing a higher duty of care on drivers. Motorists are expected to stay alert, yield when required, and take reasonable steps to avoid harming someone on foot. Although pedestrians must exercise reasonable care and may be legally liable for a car accident in some situations, drivers are often found at fault because a vehicle poses a much greater risk of harm. Frequently, pedestrians are not to blame at all for an accident. Even in complex scenarios, like accidents involving jaywalking, a pedestrian may still have a valid claim.
If you’re injured, you may be entitled to Section B no-fault benefits, which apply regardless of who caused the accident. In Nova Scotia, Section B typically provides coverage for medical and rehabilitation expenses, up to the policy limits, as well as certain income replacement benefits if you are unable to work. These benefits help you access early treatment and financial support without having to prove fault first.
If your injuries are more serious, you may also have the right to pursue a tort claim against the at-fault driver for pain and suffering, long-term income loss, and other expenses not covered under Section B. Knowing which benefits apply, and when, can be confusing, but understanding your rights early helps ensure you receive the full compensation you may be entitled to.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Nova Scotia
Consulting a pedestrian accident lawyer early can make a significant difference in your recovery and claim. The first step is always to seek immediate medical attention. Next, speak with a lawyer who can step in to protect your rights, communicate with insurers on your behalf, and help you understand what benefits and compensation may be available. They can also guide you through Section B no-fault benefits, assess whether you have grounds for a claim against the at-fault driver, and ensure important evidence is preserved before it disappears.
Having knowledgeable support early on can help reduce stress, prevent common mistakes, and give you a clearer path forward during an overwhelming time.
How Long Do You Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Nova Scotia?
In Nova Scotia, most injured pedestrians have two years from the date of the accident to begin a legal claim. This limitation period is firm, and missing it can prevent you from seeking compensation altogether.
Reaching out for legal guidance early can help protect your rights. A lawyer can make sure important evidence is preserved, deadlines are met, and that you clearly understand how the timelines apply to your situation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Pedestrian Accident in Nova Scotia
Knowing what not to do after a pedestrian accident is just as important as knowing the proper steps to take. Certain actions can unintentionally weaken your claim, limit the benefits available to you, or make it harder to prove what really happened.
Here are key mistakes to avoid:
- Not getting immediate medical attention
- Failing to call the police right away
- Speaking with the driver’s insurance company before getting legal advice
- Admitting fault or apologizing at the scene
- Failing to document your injuries, symptoms, and expenses
- Neglecting to gather or keep copies of important records
- Posting about the accident on social media
- Waiting too long to report the accident or get legal guidance
Avoiding these pitfalls can help protect your rights and support any future claim you may need to make.
Speak With Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today
Valent Legal offers free, confidential consultations and works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay anything unless you recover compensation.
If you’re looking for guidance you can trust from a team that understands pedestrian accidents in Nova Scotia, reach out to Valent Legal at (902) 443-4488 or online for support and direction.