St. John’s Car Accident Lawyers_.

Life after a car accident can feel overwhelming. Between medical appointments, time off work, and the stress of dealing with insurance companies, it’s easy to feel like you’re facing this alone. Speaking with an experienced car accident lawyer in St. John’s early on can help you understand your options and secure the compensation you need to move forward.

What to Do After a Car Accident in St. John’s, NL

If you’ve been involved in a crash in St. John’s, your first priority is safety. Once everyone is secure, take these steps to protect both your health and your legal rights:

1. Ensure safety and call for help: Dial 911 if anyone is injured or the road is unsafe. On busy roads like the Outer Ring Road or Goldstone Street, move vehicles to the shoulder if possible and use hazard lights.
2. Exchange information: Collect names, phone numbers, license plates, and insurance policy numbers from everyone involved. This information is crucial for filing insurance claims. 
3. Gather evidence: Take photos of the damage, road conditions, and surroundings (e.g., intersections near Kenmount Road). Gather witness contact info if available.These details can help establish what happened and who was at fault. 
4. Report the accident to police: In Newfoundland and Labrador, you must report accidents involving injuries or more than $2,000 in damage. Even in smaller collisions, having a police report creates a neutral record that can help later.
5. Notify your insurance company: Call your auto insurance provider promptly, and provide basic facts. Early notice ensures you can access Section B benefits for treatment and wage loss.
6. Seek medical attention: Visit the Health Sciences Centre, St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital, or your family doctor, even if you feel fine. Injuries like whiplash or concussions often don’t appear right away. A medical exam protects your health and creates a record of any injuries in case you pursue a claim. 

These steps not only protect your health but also strengthen any future claim. If you’re unsure about the process, our St. John’s car accident lawyer can guide you.

Do I Need to Report My Accident to the Police in St. John’s? 

Yes. If anyone is injured or the property damage is estimated at over $2,000, you’re legally required to report the collision to police. Officers will attend the scene, manage safety, and create an accident report.

Even in minor collisions, it’s often wise to call the police. Vehicle repairs can easily exceed $2,000, and some injuries are not immediately apparent. An official report provides valuable documentation if disputes arise later.

Suing after a car accident in St. John’s, NL

For more than 30 years, our team of St. John’s personal injury lawyers has represented people across Newfoundland and Labrador injured in motor vehicle accidents. Insurance companies often undervalue claims or push for quick settlements. We fight to ensure our clients receive every benefit and form of compensation they’re entitled to.

We’ll explain how the claims process works, guide you through Section B benefits, and build a strong case for your damages. If necessary, we’ll take your claim to court, though most cases settle before trial. Contact us today for a free consultation.

How Long do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in St. John’s?

In Newfoundland and Labrador, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to start a lawsuit, though some exceptions apply. Section B benefits also have their own deadlines. Acting quickly allows evidence (like skid marks, witness statements, and medical records) to be preserved.

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 Timeline of a Car Accident Claim in St. John’s

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

1. Immediate aftermath: Seek treatment, 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 evidence like police reports, medical records, and bills to support your claim. During this phase, Section B benefits may help with early expenses. 
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 send a settlement demand to the at-fault driver’s insurer. Then, both sides negotiate. This phase may take a few months. Often, a fair settlement is reached during negotiations.
4. Litigation (if needed): If no fair settlement is reached, a lawsuit may be filed. Most cases still 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 St. John’s 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.

When pursuing a claim, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of losses, including:

• Medical and rehab expenses (physiotherapy, chiropractic care, prescriptions, nursing care)
• Loss of income and future earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Housekeeping or home maintenance support costs if you’re unable to manage daily tasks
• 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.
• Weekly income replacement up to $250
• Housekeeping benefits up to $100 per week for 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

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 in St. John’s

We represent people who have been injured in many different types of motor vehicle collisions in St. John’s, including:

• Head-on collisions
• Highway crashes on the Outer Ring Road or Trans-Canada Highway
• Rear-end collisions
• Side swipes and collisions during a lane change
• T-bone accidents at intersections like Kenmount Road and Thorburn Road
• Collisions involving objects or wildlife in rural areas
• 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 Newfoundland and Labrador from our Downtown office. We can also meet by phone or virtually.