AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT CASES
Automobile collisions are the most common cause of personal injury in Nova Scotia. A report by the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Public Works concluded that, in 2003, approximately 30,000 people in Nova Scotia were involved in motor vehicle collisions. Of that group, 1962 suffered minor injuries, 2732 suffered moderate injuries, 268 suffered serious injuries, and 61 died of their injuries. The Nova Scotia government has not released statistics for 2004 or 2005.
Because so many people are injured in automobile accidents, the Government of Nova Scotia has passed laws making it mandatory for every automobile to be covered by insurance. Insurance is mandatory so that innocent victims have a reliable source for financial compensation for their injuries and losses.
Drivers have a responsibility to act safely and responsibly while sharing the road with other drivers. When people drive irresponsibly, they put their own health and the health of their passengers, and other drivers at risk.
The rules of the road and other responsibilities of drivers, pedestrians, and automobile owners are set out in the Nova Scotia Motor Vehicle Act.
Risky behaviors that commonly result in accidents include, speeding, driving too fast for the road conditions, not paying attention to the road, talking on a cell phone while driving, eating while driving, following too closely behind other cars, passing other cars when it is unsafe to do so, driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol, or driving when one is too tired or otherwise impaired by a health condition.
Personal Injury law holds people responsible for their own actions. If a driver chooses to drive irresponsibly, and injures other people in the process, then the driver is responsible to compensate the other people for their injuries and losses.
If you have suffered injuries in a automobile accident, caused by the wrongful acts of another person, then you may be entitled to compensation.
Nova Scotia has special laws and regulations that apply to compensation for injuries suffered in automobile accidents. For example, if you are injured in a automobile accident, you must file a claim with the court within 3 years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file a claim with the court within three years then you may lose your right to have the court enforce your right to compensation.