Insurance companies often make quick settlement offers, but these are usually lower than what your claim is truly worth. Once you accept, you typically give up your right to claim additional compensation if new injuries or costs arise. Speaking with a Fredericton car accident lawyer before signing anything ensures your settlement reflects the full extent of your losses.
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Being involved in a car accident in Fredericton can change your life in an instant. From dealing with injuries and doctors’ visits to navigating insurance adjusters and time off work, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Getting trusted legal advice early can make all the difference. A local Fredericton car accident lawyer can guide you through the claims process and fight to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Fredericton, New Brunswick
After a car accident in Fredericton, your first priority is safety. Once everyone is out of danger, take the following steps to protect your health, your rights, and any potential insurance claim:
- Ensure safety and call for help: Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt or the scene is unsafe. If possible, move vehicles out of traffic to a safe spot, especially on busy roads like Hanwell Road or the Princess Margaret Bridge.
- Exchange information: Get the names, phone numbers, license plates, and insurance policy numbers of all drivers involved.
- Gather evidence: Use your phone to capture pictures of the vehicles, road conditions, and any injuries. Note the time and location — whether it was on the Trans-Canada Highway or downtown on Queen Street. If there are witnesses, get their names and contact info. These details can help establish what happened and who was at fault.
- Report the accident to police: In Fredericton, you must report accidents that involve injuries or more than $1,000 in damage. Even with smaller fender-benders, a police report provides an unbiased record that can protect you later.
- Notify your insurance company: Report the accident to your auto insurance provider promptly. This helps preserve your right to Section B accident benefits like medical and wage-loss coverage.
- Seek medical attention: Visit Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital or your family doctor as soon as possible. Many injuries, including whiplash and concussions, can appear hours or days after a crash. A medical exam protects your health and creates a record of any injuries in case you pursue a claim.
The moments after a crash can be overwhelming, but following these steps will help protect you both medically and legally. If you’re unsure about the next steps or feeling stressed, our car accident lawyers in Fredericton are here to support you. Contact us for a free consultation.
Taking Legal Action After a Car Accident
For over 30 years, our Fredericton personal injury lawyers have represented people injured in motor vehicle accidents across New Brunswick. Insurance companies are known to undervalue claims or pressure victims into early settlements. Having a lawyer on your side levels the playing field.
Our team will:
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Explain your rights and available benefits
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Handle communication with insurance companies
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Build a strong case for maximum compensation
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Take your case to court if necessary
Most claims are resolved through negotiation, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. That preparation often leads to better settlements for our clients. Contact us for a free consultation.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Fredericton?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a motor vehicle accident claim in New Brunswick, although there are exceptions. There are also other time limits that apply to no-fault claims under your Section B insurance.
Acting quickly ensures important evidence, like witness statements or accident scene details — isn’t lost. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to sue the at-fault driver. We recommend that you engage a car accident lawyer as soon as possible to secure your right to compensation.
Typical Timeline of a Car Accident Claim
Every car accident claim in Fredericton is unique, but most follow similar stages to reach a resolution. Here’s an overview of a typical claim timeline:
- Immediate aftermath: Seek medical help, report the crash, notify your insurer, and speak with a personal injury lawyer.
- Investigation and documentation: In the weeks after the accident, you (and your lawyer) will collect police reports, medical records, and repair estimates.
- Claim evaluation and negotiation: Once your injuries stabilize, your lawyer will calculate damages (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering) and begin settlement talks. This phase may take a few months. Often, a fair settlement is reached during negotiations, and the claim is resolved without seeing a courtroom.
- Litigation (if needed): If a fair settlement isn’t reached, your lawyer can file a lawsuit. Most cases settle before trial. If a trial does happen, the court will decide the outcome and award compensation.
Overall, a car accident claim can resolve in a few months or take a few years, depending on factors like the complexity of the case and whether a lawsuit is required. Throughout this process, an experienced Fredericton car accident lawyer will keep things on track and fight for your rights while you focus on recovery. Our team works to resolve claims efficiently while maximizing the compensation you receive. Contact us for a free consultation.
What Can You Claim After a Car Accident?
A claim’s value is based on many factors. These factors fall into legal categories called “heads of damages” that set out the types of damages that may be recoverable in a lawsuit.
The severity of your injuries is a major factor in valuing your claim. Our clients’ injuries range in severity, from whiplash and soft-tissue injuries, to broken and fractured bones, to more severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, paraplegia and quadriplegia. We also help people who suffer from chronic pain and psychological injuries such as PTSD.
When pursuing a claim, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of losses, including:
- Medical expenses (physiotherapy, chiropractic care, prescriptions, nursing care)
- Lost wages or reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Housekeeping or home maintenance support
- Funeral expenses and death benefits in fatal accidents
You may also have access to Section B insurance benefits following an accident. These benefits are paid by your own insurer in the event of a motor vehicle accident, and cover reasonable and necessary treatment costs, as well as some other associated costs, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. This includes:
- Up to $50,000 for medical and rehabilitation expenses, such as physiotherapy, massage, chiropractic, and nursing care.
- Income replacement up to $250 per week, when you are unable to work due to your injuries
- Housekeeping benefits up to $100 per week for 52 weeks
- Funeral and death benefits up to $25,000
You can use our Injury Claim Calculator to learn more about how to evaluate your claim.
Like each person, each case is unique. The best way to learn the value of your claim is to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer who can ensure you receive fair compensation.
Common types of collisions We see in Fredericton
We represent people who have been injured in many different types of motor vehicle collisions in Fredericton, including:
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end collisions
- Side swipes and collisions during a lane change
- T-bone collisions at intersections like Smythe Street or Regent Street
- Collisions with wildlife in rural areas
- Highway crashes on Route 2 (Trans-Canada Highway)
- Hitting a parked car
- Run off the road by another vehicle
- Vehicle rollovers
- Being hit when turning left into traffic
- Cyclist accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
If you have been injured in an accident and need help determining who is at fault and what compensation you are entitled to, contact us for a free consultation. We serve clients throughout New Brunswick from our Moncton office. We can also meet by phone or virtually.
Do I have to call the police After a Fredericton car accident?
Yes, in most cases. New Brunswick law requires that you report the collision if there are injuries or if damage exceeds $1,000. Even when an accident seems minor, it’s often smart to involve the police — vehicle repairs can cost more than expected, and hidden injuries sometimes surface later. Having an official police report on file strengthens your case if disputes arise.
Do I have to make a statement to my insurance company?
Yes, you must notify your own insurer about the accident within the required time limits, but you are not obligated to provide detailed statements to the other driver’s insurance company. Be careful with what you say — even casual comments can be used to minimize your claim. A lawyer can handle communication with insurers on your behalf.
How long do you have to file a claim in New Brunswick?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in New Brunswick. There are also shorter deadlines for no-fault Section B claims. Acting quickly ensures important evidence isn’t lost.
How is fault determined in a car accident?
In New Brunswick, fault is decided based on whether a driver breached their duty of care under the Motor Vehicle Act or general negligence law. Evidence such as police reports, witness statements, accident reconstruction, and traffic laws are used to establish responsibility. A lawyer can help gather and present this evidence to support your case.
What If my Injuries show up days or weeks later?
It’s common for injuries like whiplash, concussions, or soft-tissue damage to appear days or even weeks after a crash. Don’t settle a claim too quickly. If you develop new symptoms, get medical treatment right away and notify your insurer. Our lawyers can adjust your claim to include these new injuries.
What If the other driver was uninsured or fled the scene?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured — or flees the scene — you may still be covered under Section D uninsured motorist protection, which all New Brunswick auto policies include. This coverage can provide up to $500,000 in compensation. These cases can be complicated, but our team has handled many uninsured and hit-and-run claims successfully.
Can I sue if a loved one was killed in a car accident in Fredericton?
If a loved one is killed in a Fredericton car accident caused by negligence, certain family members may pursue compensation. In New Brunswick, you generally have 12 months from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim.
Can I sue if I was injured in an ATV, snowmobile, or boat accident?
Yes. If another person’s negligence caused your injuries in a recreational vehicle accident, you may have the right to pursue compensation. These claims often involve unique insurance policies and liability issues, so legal guidance is important. Our lawyers have experience handling ATV, snowmobile, and boating accident claims in New Brunswick.
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for on our website, send us a message.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I help my personal injury lawsuit to get the best settlement?
- 7 steps to take after a car accident to help your injury claim
- How can a lawyer help with my personal injury claim?
- Can you sue a driver whose identity or insurance details are unknown?
- Is the parking lot 50/50 myth true?
- Can apologizing after an accident impact your claim?
- Am I covered by insurance if I was driving someone else’s car?
- Can I still sue if I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt?
- Can I sue my rideshare (Uber, Lyft) driver?
- What is whiplash?
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