HALIFAX Hit and Run Accident Lawyer
Suppose you’re driving in Halifax and have just been rear-ended. You’re likely stressed out, breathing heavily, and likely in pain. Right as you muster up your strength to get out of the car and exchange insurance information, you notice the other driver speeding away, running from the consequences of what they’ve done to you.
A hit and run can make an already stressful situation all the more frustrating. While you may not be able to determine who is responsible for your injuries, you can still access compensation for your medical bills and other expenses. The experienced Halifax hit and run lawyers at Valent Legal can help explain your options. Contact us online today for a free consultation.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Why Are Hit and Run Cases More Complex Than Other Crashes?
- How Our Halifax Hit and Run Accident Lawyers Can Help You
- Why Choose Valent Legal for Your Hit and Run Claim?
- What Compensation Can I Recover After a Hit and Run?
- What Should I Do Immediately After a Hit and Run in Halifax?
- How Are Hit and Run Claims Handled in Nova Scotia?
- What Evidence Will I Need for My Hit and Run Claim?
- FAQs: Halifax Hit and Run Accident Lawyer
- Speak With a Halifax Hit and Run Accident Lawyer
Why Are Hit and Run Cases More Complex Than Other Crashes?
Multiple aspects of the legal process for a hit and run accident claim are more complicated than in accidents where the responsible parties are identified. With no identified driver to pursue a third-party claim against, you must typically focus on obtaining compensation through your own insurance policy.
Insurers often scrutinize hit-and-run claims more closely because the victim may be the only witness. Meanwhile, you won’t have the at-fault driver’s vehicle to analyze for damage, meaning a significant portion of the relevant evidence from a crash remains missing. Additionally, being unable to hold the at-fault driver accountable for their recklessness can end in a lack of closure, adding an element of emotional frustration to your case.
About Valent Legal
Valent Legal is proud to serve their Nova Scotia community. Learn more about our firm and the steps we take to help you secure justice after an injury.
How Our Halifax Hit and Run Accident Lawyers Can Help You
Our experienced car accident lawyers understand how to build a strong claim with limited information. Our team will work to preserve available evidence, handle all communications with your insurance company, and pursue all available options for compensation.
We prioritize accessibility and personalized service for our clients. While we work to resolve your case, we’ll keep you informed and guide you through every step of the legal process, ensuring you’re never left in the dark during a complex and uncertain situation.
Mike is the founding partner of Valent Legal. His entire career has been dedicated to representing victims of serious injuries, sexual abuse, medical negligence, and corporate and pharmaceutical wrongs. Over the past decade, he has built a reputation as a tireless victim advocate and a strong promoter of access to justice.
Phil is a partner and a founding member of Valent Legal. He was born in raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He practices personal injury law and is dedicated to advancing and protecting the rights of injury victims. He has extensive Courtroom experience and has appeared at every level of Court in Nova Scotia.
Basia joined Valent legal in May of 2020. She started as an articling clerk and now works with us as a litigation lawyer. Basia obtained her undergraduate degree from McGill University in 2017, and her law degree from Dalhousie University in 2020.
Why Choose Valent Legal for Your Hit and Run Claim?
With decades of combined experience, our award-winning legal team has a strong track record of handling cases involving unclear liability and complex circumstances. We have deep roots in Atlantic Canada, and our lawyers have developed a thorough understanding of Nova Scotia’s insurance framework, local laws, and court system.
On top of our reputation for results, we pride ourselves on friendly, down-to-earth client service. We’ll communicate in plain language and remain open and approachable throughout your case, providing the support you need to stay stress-free and focus on healing. We won’t charge any fees unless and until you win compensation.
Hear From Our Satisfied Clients
We understand the financial and emotional strain you’re under. We’re committed to earning your trust with first-rate, client-focused representation, serving and supporting you with the professionalism you deserve.
Here are some of the testimonials we’ve received from personal injury clients we’ve helped:
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Hit and Run?
Without an identified liable party, you’ll have to turn to your own insurance policy to recover damages. The following two types of mandatory coverage under your Nova Scotia auto insurance policy can provide compensation in this situation:
- Section B: This provision provides no-fault coverage that can pay for up to $50,000 in medical bills and 80% of lost income while you miss work because of your injuries.
- Section D: This provision kicks in when you’re hurt in a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver, providing up to $500,000 in compensation for expenses related to the accident.
Your individual recovery will depend on what coverage you’re entitled to and the strength of the available evidence.
If you’re uninsured, you may be able to recover limited compensation through the Facility Association of Nova Scotia and its Uninsured Automobile Fund. If the police later identify the liable driver, you can then file a third-party claim against their own insurance policy.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Hit and Run in Halifax?
Taking action right after a hit and run can help set you up for a successful claim. Since there’s limited evidence in a hit and run, it’s critical to preserve what you can quickly. Here are some key steps to follow in the aftermath of a crash:
- Move to safety and check yourself for injuries.
- Remain at the scene and take pictures of the damage if you can. Note any nearby cameras and collect contact information from any witnesses.
- Call 911 and report the crash to the police.
- Get immediate medical attention.
- Notify your insurance company about the crash.
- Talk to an experienced Halifax hit and run lawyer to start your claim.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it’s crucial to understand your rights. Valent Legal is here to guide you through the process and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
How Are Hit and Run Claims Handled in Nova Scotia?
Section D coverage is mandatory in Nova Scotia. Thus, your policy will include a pathway to compensation for a hit and run accident. However, you’ll have to comply with the following reporting requirements to ensure you can benefit from your coverage:
- You must report the crash to the police within 24 hours.
- You must file a claim with your insurance company within 30 days of the crash.
Even in a hit and run, your insurance company may still dispute the valuation of your claim and attempt to minimize its liability. A skilled Halifax hit and run accident lawyer can handle communications with your insurance company and work to ensure you receive full compensation for your injuries.
What Evidence Will I Need for My Hit and Run Claim?
With most details involving the liable party missing, the evidence available to you becomes that much more important in a hit and run case. Key types of evidence that can help support your claim include:
- Photos of the damage
- Witness statements
- Police reports
- Traffic or security camera footage
- Medical records
- Damage reports from your vehicle
Even partial details can make a difference in your claim, such as descriptions of the at-fault driver’s vehicle, where it went, and when the accident occurred. Our Halifax hit and run lawyers can help you gather evidence and ensure your claim is fully documented.
FAQs: Halifax Hit and Run Accident Lawyer
How Long Do I Have to Report a Hit and Run Accident in Nova Scotia?
You should report a hit and run accident to the police and to your insurance company immediately, but you generally have up to 30 days after the crash to file an insurance claim.
Can I Make a Hit and Run Claim if I Was a Pedestrian or Cyclist?
Yes, if you’ve been hurt in a hit in run as a pedestrian or bicyclist,
you can still file a claim with your insurer under your own auto insurance coverage.
Will Filing a Hit and Run Claim Affect My Insurance Rates?
No, if you are not at fault, a hit and run accident claim should not raise your insurance premiums.
What if the Driver Is Never Found?
If the hit and run driver is never identified, you won’t be able to make a third-party claim against their insurance policy. However, it won’t affect your Section B or Section D claims under your own policy.
Speak With a Halifax Hit and Run Accident Lawyer
You have rights, and we work hard to protect them. If you were hurt in a hit and run accident and don’t know what to do next, our lawyers are ready to help you.
Contact us online or call (902) 443-4488 today for a free consultation.