Charlottetown Car Accident Lawyers_.

The aftermath of a car accident in Charlottetown can feel overwhelming. From missed work and medical appointments to dealing with insurance adjusters, it’s a lot to handle. Speaking with an experienced Charlottetown car accident lawyer early on can help protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

After a car accident in Charlottetown, 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: 

1. Ensure safety and call for help: If anyone is hurt or the road is unsafe, call emergency services right away. On busy routes like University Avenue or the Trans-Canada Highway, move vehicles out of traffic if you can. 
2. Exchange information: Collect contact and insurance information from all drivers involved. Write down names, phone numbers, license plates, and policy numbers. This information is crucial for filing insurance claims. 
3. Gather evidence: Use your phone to take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and injuries. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information. These details can help establish what happened and who was at fault. 
4. Report the accident to police: In PEI, collisions causing injury or property damage over $2,000 must be reported. Even for smaller accidents, a police report creates an unbiased record that can protect you later.
5. Notify your insurance company: Contact your auto insurer as soon as possible to report the collision. Provide them with the basic facts. Prompt notification is often required by insurance policies and it ensures you can access benefits like vehicle repairs and medical coverage. 
6. Seek medical attention: Visit the Queen Elizabeth Hospital or your doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as whiplash or concussions, may take hours or days to show symptoms. A medical exam protects your health and creates a record of any injuries in case you pursue a claim. 

Taking these steps not only protects your health but also strengthens any future claim. If you’re unsure about the next steps or feeling stressed, our car accident lawyers are here to support you. Contact us for a free consultation. 

Do I Need to Report the Accident in Charlottetown? 

Yes. Under PEI law, you must report a crash to police if anyone is injured or if property damage exceeds $2,000. Police officers will attend, secure the scene, and complete a report.

Even if your accident seems minor, it’s often wise to file a report. Vehicle repairs can quickly surpass $2,000, and hidden injuries may not show up until later. Having an official record provides protection if disputes arise with insurers or the other driver.

Along with reporting to police, you must notify your insurance company as soon as possible. This applies even if the accident wasn’t your fault. Failing to notify your insurer could affect your ability to claim Section B benefits. When you call, stick to the facts — your lawyer can handle negotiations later if needed.

Taking Legal Action After a Charlottetown Car Accident in Charlottetown

Insurance companies often undervalue claims or make quick offers that don’t reflect the true cost of recovery. An expeirenced car accident lawyer will:

• Explain your benefits under PEI auto insurance

• Collect evidence to build your case

• Negotiate directly with insurance adjusters

• Take your claim to court if a fair settlement isn’t offered

For over 30 years, our Charlottetown personal injury lawyers have represented people across Prince Edward Island injured in motor vehicle accidents. Contact us today for a free consultation.

How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Charlottetown?

In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to start a lawsuit in PEI. There are also shorter deadlines for no-fault Section B claims. Acting quickly ensures that 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 lawyer as soon as possible to secure your right to compensation.

Typical Car Accident Claim Timeline in Charlottetown

Every car accident claim in Charlottetown is unique, but most follow similar stages to reach a resolution. Here’s an overview of a typical claim timeline: 

1. Immediate aftermath: Get medical care, report the accident, notify your insurer, and consult a lawyer.
2. Investigation and documentation: In the weeks after the accident, you (and your lawyer) will collect police reports, medical records, bills, and repair estimates. During this phase, you may receive Section B accident benefits to cover immediate medical expenses or lost income while you recover. 
3. Claim evaluation and negotiation: Once your injuries have stabilized and you have a clear picture of your prognosis, your legal team will calculate your total damages (medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses) and negotiate with the the at-fault driver’s insurer. This phase may take a few months. Often, a fair settlement is reached during negotiations.
4. Litigation (if needed): If needed, a lawsuit can be filed within the two-year limit. Litigation adds time to the process, but a settlement can still occur at any stage. Most cases settle before reaching 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 Charlottetown 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.

How much is my car accident injury worth?

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.

Damages depend on the seriousness of your injuries and the impact on your life. You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (physiotherapy, prescriptions, nursing care)

• Loss of income and reduced earning ability

• Pain and suffering

• Housekeeping or home maintenance support

• Funeral costs 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. These benefits includes:

• Up to $50,000 for medical and rehabilitation expenses

• Weekly income replacement up to $250

• $100/week for housekeeping assistance (up to 52 weeks)

• Funeral coverage up to $2,500 and death benefits up to $25,000

You can use our Injury Claim Calculator to learn more about how to evaluate your claim.

Injury Claim Calculator

What If My Injuries Show Up Days or Weeks Later? 

Not every injury from a car accident is obvious at the scene. The body’s adrenaline response and shock can mask pain for hours or even days. It’s common for issues like whiplash, concussions, back pain, or muscle strains to develop gradually. You may feel fine right after the collision, only to wake up days later with stiffness, headaches, or reduced mobility.

If you begin to notice new symptoms after your accident:

1. See a doctor immediately: Tell them you were in a motor vehicle accident and describe all symptoms, even if they seem minor. Medical records are critical for both your health and your claim.

2. Follow treatment plans: Keep copies of all diagnoses, prescriptions, and therapy appointments. This documentation connects your injuries to the accident.

3. Update your insurance provider: Notify your own insurer (and the at-fault driver’s insurer if a claim is ongoing) about the newly identified injuries. If your claim is already filed, it can be amended to include additional medical costs, time off work, or long-term treatment needs.

In Prince Edward Island, you generally have up to two years from the date of the accident to bring a personal injury lawsuit, but it’s best to act quickly once you realize you’re hurt.

Be cautious about early settlement offers. Insurance companies sometimes encourage quick payouts before the full extent of your injuries is known. Accepting money too soon could prevent you from seeking further compensation later.

Our Charlottetown car accident lawyers have extensive experience with delayed-onset injuries and know how to ensure you’re treated fairly. Whether your symptoms appeared right away or developed weeks later, we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation.

What If the Other Driver Was Uninsured or Fled the Scene? 

Being hit by an uninsured driver or the victim of a hit-and-run is frightening and frustrating. However, even if the at-fault driver has no insurance or cannot be found, you still have options for compensation in Charlottetown. Provincial law and standard auto insurance policies provide protections in these situations. 

Claims Against Uninsured Drivers

If the other driver is identified but has no insurance, you can make a claim through your own auto insurance under your “uninsured motorist” coverage (also called Section D in Prince Edward Island). All vehicles in Charlottetown must have this coverage by law, which typically provides up to $500,000 for injuries and losses caused by an uninsured driver. Essentially, your own insurer steps into the shoes of the at-fault driver’s insurer and compensates you for things like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering up to the coverage limits. 

Claims After a Hit-and-Run Accident

If the driver fled the scene and cannot be identified, a similar process applies. To protect your right to compensation, you must:

• Report the accident to Charlottetown Police within 24 hours

• Notify your insurance company immediately

Your insurer will process the claim under the uninsured/unidentified driver provisions of your policy, treating the crash as though it was caused by an uninsured motorist.

Why Legal Help Matters?

Uninsured and hit-and-run claims are often more complex than regular car accident cases. Even though you’re working with your own insurer, remember that insurance companies aim to minimize payouts. Having an experienced Charlottetown car accident lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your claim is valued fairly.

Our team has successfully handled many uninsured and hit-and-run accident cases across Prince Edward Island. We’ll guide you through the extra steps, advocate for your full compensation, and provide peace of mind while you focus on recovery. Contact us for a free consultation.

Common types of collisions in Charlottetown

As a growing city, Charlottetown faces issues of traffic and congestion. We represent people who have been injured in many different types of motor vehicle collisions in Charlottetown, including:

• Head-on collisions
• Rear-end collisions
• Side swipes and collisions during a lane change
• T-bone accidents at busy intersections like Belvedere Avenue and St. Peters Road
• Collisions with objects or animals
• 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 Prince Edward Island. We can also meet by phone or virtually.