HALIFAX Truck Accident Lawyer
Weighing as much as 62,500 kg, semi-trucks barrel down highways throughout Nova Scotia as they haul freight from ports and make deliveries across the province. Due to their immense size, commercial trucks cause some of the most devastating accidents on our highways.
Trucking accidents often cause serious injuries, and sometimes even death – especially for the occupants of smaller vehicles involved in the accident. The losses of a truck accident victim can extend far beyond physical injuries. Accident victims often suffer emotional distress, decreased earning potential, loss of enjoyment of life, and many other problems.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident due to another driver’s negligent or reckless behavior, the experienced truck accident lawyers of Valent Legal are here to help you recover the compensation you are legally entitled to.
Although no amount of money could ever truly make up for what you have suffered, a financial settlement ensures that you can pay for your treatment needs and take time off from work to heal, without worrying about your family’s finances. To find out what our lawyers can do for you, contact our Halifax office today for a free truck accident claim review and discussion about your legal options.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Why Choose Our Halifax Truck Accident Lawyers?
- Why Are Truck Accident Cases More Complicated?
- Determining Truck Accident Liability in Nova Scotia
- Evidence We May Use in a Truck Accident Case
- Compensation in a Semi-Truck Accident Claim
- Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Nova Scotia
- Catastrophic Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents
- How Our Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers in Halifax, NS Can Help
- Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents
- Talk to a Nova Scotia Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Why Choose Our Halifax Truck Accident Lawyers?
Truck accident claims are often complex, involving serious injuries, multiple insurance policies, and several parties who share responsibility. Having a legal team that understands these challenges can make a significant difference in how your case is handled.
At Valent Legal, our Halifax truck accident lawyers specialize in helping injured individuals and their families recover fair compensation following serious collisions. We carefully review the facts, explain your options, and work to protect your rights under Nova Scotia law at every stage of the claim.
Our Client Testimonials
Many clients have described how our team supported them through the aftermath of a serious accident, from answering questions to guiding them through the legal process. Their feedback reflects our commitment to clear communication and compassionate service.
Our Awards and Certifications
Several organisations have recognised Valent Legal for our work in personal injury law and client service. These acknowledgments reflect our ongoing commitment to providing thorough and attentive representation to injured individuals throughout Nova Scotia.
Awards and recognition we’ve earned include the following:
- BBB: Rated A+
- Best Lawyers: Recognised with the Best Lawyers Firm Award for 2025 and 2026
- Best Law Firms in Canada: Included in the 2026 national listing
- Canadian Lawyer: Named a Top Personal Injury Boutique Firm for 2025
- Consumer Choice Award: Received the Personal Injury Law Firm award for seven consecutive years
- Lexpert Ranked: Listed in the Lexpert rankings for 2021 and 2025
- ThreeBestRated: Selected for Personal Injury Lawyers in Halifax for 2025
Meet Your Halifax Truck Accident Attorneys
Our truck accident team comprises Halifax-based personal injury lawyers with experience in handling serious motor vehicle claims, including collisions involving commercial trucks. They will investigate, gather evidence to build a strong claim, negotiate for a full and fair settlement, advocate for your best interests, and, when necessary, litigate your case in court.
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 Are Truck Accident Cases More Complicated?
Truck accident claims are often much more complicated than accidents involving only cars for reasons such as:
- Severity of injuries. People who are involved in truck accidents are at higher risk of suffering severe or fatal injuries than those who are involved in accidents that involve only passenger cars, SUVs, or pickups. The more serious the injury, the more complex the recovery is likely to be. The reason for this is twofold. First, when a serious injury is sustained, the injured person often seeks compensation for future losses that can be hard to calculate – for example, future anticipated medical expenses, or lost earning capacity. Second, the more money that is at stake, the harder insurance companies and defendants will fight to avoid payment or minimize what they have to pay out.
- Proving fault. Proving fault in a truck accident case generally requires the plaintiff’s lawyers to conduct a significant amount of investigative work to build their case. For example, it can require considerable investigative work to demonstrate that a truck was improperly loaded, that its brakes were not properly maintained, or that its driver was overworked or fatigued.
- Multiple potential sources for recovery. Truck accident injury lawsuits often name more than one defendant. This fact alone makes these cases significantly more complex, legally speaking, than an ordinary auto accident involving only one defendant.
Determining Truck Accident Liability in Nova Scotia
Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, a person injured in a truck accident may be able to hold any of the following parties liable in a court of law:
- The truck driver. All drivers, whether private or commercial, are legally required to drive in a safe and responsible manner. However, commercial drivers, such as truck drivers, are often held to an even higher standard of care, given that they are professional drivers. Therefore, if the trucker’s reckless or negligent behavior caused the accident that injured you, then you may be able to hold the trucker liable for your injuries.
- The trucking company. The trucking company that employed the truck driver at the time of the accident can often be held liable for the negligent or reckless actions of its employee if that employee was working within the scope of employment at the time of the accident. For instance, a trucking company may be liable for hiring or continuing to employ a driver with an unsafe record, or for requiring a truck driver to continue driving past the point of exhaustion.
- The owner of the truck and trailer. In some situations, different parties own the truck and trailer. If the equipment has not been properly maintained, for example, the owner could be held responsible for the accident.
- The owner of the cargo. A cargo owner might be liable in a truck accident, particularly when the cargo was hazardous and not properly secured.
- The cargo loading company. If a separate cargo loading company improperly loaded the truck, and as a result, the truck crashed, the cargo loading company could be held legally liable for any resulting injuries.
- The truck manufacturer. A manufacturer could be held liable if a defective part is found to have been responsible for causing the accident or for making injuries worse than they otherwise would have been.
Evidence We May Use in a Truck Accident Case
In the aftermath of a truck accident, an injured individual is faced with the task of gathering evidence proving both the cause of the accident and the extent of their injuries. To accomplish this, the Halifax truck accident lawyers at Valent Legal conduct a thorough investigation and gather as much pertinent evidence as possible.
Evidence frequently used in truck accident injury cases includes the following:
- Police reports
- Cell phone records
- The trucking company’s compliance history
- Medical bills
- Data from the truck’s “black box” electronic data recorder
- Documentation about the cargo
- The trucker’s driving record
- Truck inspection reports
- The trucker’s qualifications
- Photos of the accident scene
- Photos of any resulting injuries
- The measurements of any skid or gouge marks left on the road
- Company driver logs
Compensation in a Semi-Truck Accident Claim
To a large degree, the amount of compensation that an injured individual can recover after a truck accident depends on the extent of the losses they have incurred as a result of their injuries. The amount of insurance coverage available also frequently plays a role.
The compensation that a truck accident victim in Nova Scotia can recover often includes the following losses:
- Cost of future care
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Loss of valuable services
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Out-of-pocket expenses
When a family files a wrongful death lawsuit because they lost a loved one in a truck accident, they are often able to recover compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses for the deceased before their passing
- Funeral expenses
- Fees paid for grief counseling
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Nova Scotia
The truck accident lawyers at Valent Legal have unfortunately seen many examples of how truck accident injury cases are handled. Time and time again, we have seen the following common causes of truck accidents in Nova Scotia:
- Fatigue: Truckers are often expected to meet nearly impossible deadlines, and as a result, they frequently drive while overly fatigued. Driving while extremely tired can be very dangerous, as tired drivers tend to have much slower reaction times and run the risk of dozing off while behind the wheel.
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol: Unfortunately, far too many truck accidents are caused by drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Trucking across the country all alone can be very isolating, and this challenging lifestyle sometimes leads drivers to indulge in drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism while on the clock. Truckers may also abuse legal drugs in an effort to stay awake.
- Distracted driving: Long road trips can be boring, and this boredom sometimes causes truck drivers to find ways to entertain themselves in unsafe ways. Distracted driving is any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road. It can be something as simple as changing the radio station or something as obviously dangerous as watching a video. Like all drivers, truckers face distractions from cell phones and other technology.
- Speeding: Since truckers are often on tight schedules, speeding can seem like an attractive option. However, trucks are massive and require a significant distance to come to a full stop—a distance that is even greater when they are speeding. Excessive speed coupled with the weight of a tractor-trailer can cause serious damage when an impact occurs.
- Unsafe lane changes: Most trucks have huge blind spots, some of which are so large that cars can be hidden. Because of these blind spots, truck drivers who make unsafe lane changes can easily cause accidents.
- Tailgating: Following too closely behind the vehicle in front of you is a common cause of rear-end collisions. Tailgating accidents can be particularly hazardous when a truck is involved, as its massive size can cause significant damage to smaller vehicles.
- Improperly loaded trucks: When a truck is improperly loaded, its cargo can shift, causing the truck to swerve or topple over. Improperly loaded cargo can fall off the truck and strike cars, even if they are a safe distance behind the truck.
- Delayed truck maintenance: Trucks that are not timely and properly maintained can malfunction and cause accidents. This is particularly true of a truck’s brakes.
- Poorly trained drivers: Safely operating a long-haul truck is serious business. If a driver is not properly trained before taking to the road, their inexperience could cause an accident.
Truck accidents often involve more severe injuries and complex cases. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, let our experienced team help you navigate the legal process.
Catastrophic Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are frequently devastating and often cause much more extensive damage than ordinary motor vehicle accidents.
Truck accidents are frequently devastating and often cause much more extensive damage than ordinary motor vehicle accidents.
Some catastrophic injuries that are often caused by truck accidents include:
- Crush injuries: These injuries occur when excessive pressure or force is applied to a body part. Truck accidents often cause crush injuries, especially when a semi-truck rear-ends or broadsides a smaller vehicle.
- Traumatic brain injuries: TBIs most frequently occur when the head strikes another object. TBIs can also occur when the brain strikes the inside of the skull. Both situations often occur during truck accidents.
- Lacerations: Lacerations caused by shattered glass or jagged metal can be extremely serious and frequently occur in truck accidents.
- Spinal injuries and paralysis: The trauma endured during a truck accident can cause a victim’s spinal cord to stretch or be severed. This type of spinal injury can cause permanent paralysis.
- Wrongful death: Truck accidents are more likely to cause fatalities than other types of accidents on the road.
How Our Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers in Halifax, NS Can Help
Truck accidents differ from car accidents in several important ways, making them significantly more complex from a legal perspective. Therefore, it is critical for anyone who has been seriously injured in a truck accident to retain the services of an experienced truck accident lawyer immediately.
At Valent Legal, our lawyers handle many truck accident injury cases. We know what it takes to secure full compensation for accident victims.
When a truck accident victim contacts us, we offer a free initial consultation to review their case. During this meeting, we listen to the story of what happened, discuss legal options with the clients, and provide advice about the best legal course of action.
If the client decides to retain our services, our legal team gets right to work gathering evidence and building a case. We will negotiate with the at-fault party or parties, as well as their insurance providers, and advocate for our client’s best interests. If we can’t negotiate a favorable settlement outside the courtroom, we will put our firm’s extensive litigation experience to work in front of a judge.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents
How Do I Know if I Have a Case for a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Nova Scotia?
Determining whether you have a valid claim depends on the circumstances of the collision and the losses you experienced. Under Nova Scotia’s contributory negligence rules, compensation is adjusted based on each party’s share of responsibility. Valent Legal can review your situation, assess whether a claim is viable, and explain any factors that may strengthen or complicate your case.
You may have grounds to pursue a truck accident claim if:
- You suffered injuries or financial losses.
- Another party’s negligence contributed to the accident.
- There is available evidence showing how the collision occurred.
- A responsible party or insurer can be identified.
What Are the Typical Steps Involved in a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Halifax?
Each case is different, but many truck accident claims follow a similar path:
- Initial consultation: You meet with a lawyer to discuss what happened, your injuries, and possible legal options.
- Investigation: Your legal team gathers evidence, including police reports, electronic data, maintenance records, photographs, and witness statements.
- Medical documentation: Your injuries, treatment, prognosis, and potential long-term effects are documented through medical records and reports.
- Negotiations: Your lawyer communicates with insurers and other parties, sets out your losses, and works toward a fair settlement.
- Litigation: If a settlement is not possible, your case may proceed to court, where your lawyer presents evidence and arguments to a judge.
These steps help ensure your claim is supported by the strongest available evidence and reflects the full impact of the accident on your life.
How Long Do I Have To File a Truck Accident Claim in Nova Scotia?
In Nova Scotia, most truck accident claims must be filed within two years from the accident date or the date the injury should reasonably have been discovered. Some claims, such as those involving minors or accidents involving municipalities or the Crown, may follow different timelines or require earlier notice. Reaching out to a lawyer early can help ensure every deadline and notice requirement is met.
What Should I Do Immediately After Being Involved in a Truck Accident in Halifax?
Taking careful steps after a truck accident can help protect both your health and your legal rights. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, take the following steps:
- Seek medical care: Get checked by a doctor, even if injuries seem minor at first.
- Contact the police: Report the collision to create an official record of what occurred.
- Document the scene: If it is safe, take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, visible injuries, and any other relevant details.
- Gather information: Collect names, contact details, licence plate numbers, and insurance information from the truck driver and any other drivers involved.
- Notify your insurer: Report the accident to your insurance company within the required timeframe.
If you feel uncertain about what to do next, Valent Legal can explain your options, help you understand your rights, and guide you through the next steps after the accident.
Can I Recover Compensation if the Truck Driver Wasn’t the Only Party Responsible for the Accident?
Yes. Many truck accidents involve multiple liable parties. Under Nova Scotia law, liability and compensation are apportioned based on the degree of fault assigned to each party involved.
Depending on the circumstances, potentially liable parties include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The owner of the truck or trailer
- Maintenance providers
- Cargo loading companies
- Manufacturers of defective parts
Valent Legal can investigate all aspects of the collision, identify every party whose conduct may have contributed to the accident, and pursue compensation through all available insurance policies.
Talk to a Nova Scotia Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Interested in filing a truck accident claim, but unsure if you have a case? The knowledgeable Nova Scotia truck accident lawyers at Valent Legal would be happy to review your claim and discuss the most beneficial course of action given your unique circumstances.
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t owe us anything for our services unless and until we recover compensation for you. Our lawyers are easy to talk to and ready to hear about your situation. Contact us now for a free case discussion.