If you’ve been injured in a hit and run accident in Nova Scotia, the first things you should do are get to safety, call the police, document the crash, and notify your insurer. The moment immediately after an accident is full of shock and uncertainty over what happens next, so knowing your first steps is vital to putting yourself in the best position moving forward.
Even if the driver is never identified, you may still be able to recover compensation after a Nova Scotia hit and run accident. The experienced personal injury lawyers at Valent Legal can help you explore your options and pursue the results you deserve.
- After a hit and run accident in Nova Scotia, you should first ensure your own safety, then document the scene, call the police, and notify your insurance company.
- Even if the at-fault driver remains unidentified, you likely have access to coverage under your auto insurance policy that can help pay for medical bills and repair expenses.
- The experienced car crash lawyers at Valent Legal can explain what to do after a hit and run accident and help you get justice.
Step 1: Get to Safety and Check for Injuries
The most important thing to do immediately after a hit and run accident is to ensure your own safety. If weather or traffic conditions on busy Nova Scotia roadways are bad enough on a given day to contribute to a crash, you’ll still be in danger of further accidents until you’re at a safe distance.
Check yourself and any passengers for any injuries. If anyone is injured or there are still dangerous conditions at the scene, call 911 immediately.
Accident victims often underestimate how badly they’re hurt, as adrenaline can mask any pain, so you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even seemingly minor injuries may lead to permanent impairment, and some injuries, like whiplash or head trauma, may only show symptoms hours or days after a crash. Getting an early medical evaluation and following up on any treatment can not only lead to a better recovery but can also generate a valuable paper trail documenting your injuries, which can serve as important evidence later.
Step 2: Document Everything While It’s Still Fresh
If you have the opportunity, documenting the crash scene can give you a leg up on building a strong case and protecting your rights. Here are some ways to gather evidence after a hit and run accident:
- Take photos of the damage to your vehicle and any others, including debris or property damage at the scene.
- Note the current conditions at the scene, including the weather, the flow of traffic, and whether the road is poorly maintained.
- Exchange contact information with any nearby witnesses. Their testimony can help confirm your version of events, and another driver’s dash camera may have captured the driver’s licence plate.
- Check if there are any nearby security or traffic cameras. You may be able to contact local businesses later to obtain footage of the crash.
Gathering evidence in the aftermath of a hit and run can be empowering, but it’s also important to prioritize your own safety. If you’re seriously injured, you should consider seeking immediate medical attention instead.
Step 3: Report the Hit and Run to the Police
If possible, it’s best to call 911 as soon as you can after a hit and run, as your memories may fade quickly. Regardless, you must file a police report within 24 hours of the accident. When reporting the crash to the police, make sure to provide:
- The approximate time the accident happened and where it occurred
- Any details of the hit and run vehicle you observed, including its make, model, colour, or licence plate number
- A description of the driver, if you were able to see them
- Contact information for any witnesses
- Photos or videos you took at the scene
- Any other information that might be helpful to law enforcement
You can also report your crash by sending an email to hrpsott@halifax.ca that includes details on what happened, your phone number, your driver’s licence number, your VIN, and insurance information.
Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company
Dealing with insurance issues after a hit and run accident can be stressful, but there’s no reason to panic. Every Nova Scotia auto insurance policy includes Section D coverage for accidents involving uninsured or unidentified drivers, which can help pay for your medical bills and repair costs if the at-fault driver is never found.
If the hit and run driver is eventually identified, you may be eligible to pursue a third-party liability claim against them to recover further compensation. You may also qualify for up to $50,000 in no-fault Section B coverage to help with medical expenses.
You’re required to file an insurance claim within 30 days of the crash, so it’s important to notify your insurer quickly. Our Nova Scotia hit and run accident attorneys can ensure you have all the information you need to make a successful insurance claim.
Step 5: Speak With a Nova Scotia Hit and Run Lawyer
Following the initial aftermath of the crash, your next move should be to consult an experienced Nova Scotia hit and run accident lawyer. Your lawyer can help you navigate an insurance claim, gather evidence, and pursue all available avenues of compensation, especially when the at-fault driver is still unidentified.
Getting professional legal advice early can help you protect your rights, avoid procedural mistakes, and give you the best chance at maximizing your recovery. The Valent Legal team is intimately familiar with Nova Scotia’s local laws, regulations, and insurers, helping us efficiently manage your case. Reach out to us today if you have any questions.
Nova Scotia Hit and Run Accident FAQ
What Happens if I’m Hurt in a Hit and Run While Uninsured?
If you don’t have an auto insurance policy, you may still be eligible to file a claim with the Facility Association of Nova Scotia after a hit and run accident. Our lawyers can help walk you through the process and help you recover compensation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Nova Scotia Hit and Run Accident Claim?
In Nova Scotia, you generally have 30 days after a hit and run accident to file an auto insurance claim. The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver is typically two years, but the deadline is not extended while the driver’s identity is unknown.
Will My Insurance Rates Increase After a Hit and Run Accident?
Even when a hit and run accident isn’t your fault at all, it’s still possible for your insurance company to decide to raise your premiums. Our attorneys can help you minimize any consequences of filing a claim after a hit and run.
Let Valent Legal Help You With Your Hit and Run Claim
Taking action early and knowing what to do after a hit and run accident in Nova Scotia are key to getting the recovery you deserve. If you have questions or need legal help to navigate a hit and run claim, the trusted Valent Legal team is here for you.
Contact us online or call (902) 443-4488 today for a free, no-risk case assessment.
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