Sydney Car Accident Lawyers

After a car accident in Sydney, you may be overwhelmed by injuries, insurance paperwork, and financial stress. At NOVA Injury Law, our Sydney car accident lawyers are here to make sure you’re not left to figure it out on your own. We help car accident victims get the compensation they need — and deserve — to move forward.

We are a client-first law firm with a proven reputation across Nova Scotia. With an in-house doctor on our team, we’re known as The Doctor‑Lawyer Law Firm™ for a reason — our approach blends legal strength with deep medical understanding.

Check out our founder Jeff Mitchell’s story of how NOVA started
Meet our incredible lawyers.
Learn why NOVA Injury Law is known as The Doctor-Lawyer Law Firm™.
Hear our clients’ stories.
Check out our charitable initiatives in our local communities.

Watch Bionca and George’s testimonial on how NOVA helped them with their car accident claim:

What Sets NOVA Injury Law Apart?

We’re one of the only injury firms with our own in-house physician to help you create a bullet-proof case.
We offer free consultations with no obligation.
Technology allows us to easily communicate with clients anywhere, from small towns to large cities. However, if you prefer in-person consults, we proudly offer complimentary house-calls anywhere in Halifax or Nova Scotia.

Our payment is contingent on winning your case (no win, no fee), so you can focus on recovery.

How To Get a Fair Car Accident Settlement

Car accident claims in Nova Scotia can be complex. After a collision, you may be eligible to receive compensation through two primary sources: your own insurance policy and a claim against the at-fault driver. Our lawyers help you navigate both.

Nova Scotia follows an at-fault insurance system, which means the driver who caused the accident (and their insurer) is responsible for covering your losses. However, your own policy also provides Section B accident benefits, which includes medical coverage, income replacement, and rehabilitation costs, regardless of fault. Understanding how these two systems work together is crucial to maximizing your recovery.

A fair settlement should include all financial and non-financial losses related to your crash, such as property damage, lost wages, ongoing medical treatment, out-of-pocket expenses, and pain and suffering. Unfortunately, insurers often make early offers that undervalue the true cost of your injuries. At NOVA, we meticulously calculate your damages, gather medical and financial documentation, and negotiate aggressively for full compensation. If the insurer refuses to be fair, we’re prepared to take your case to court.

How Much Is My Sydney Car Accident Claim Worth?

After the dust settles from a crash, one of the first questions clients ask is how much their injury claim might be worth. The answer depends on many unique factors, since no two car accidents are exactly alike. In Nova Scotia, the value of a claim is determined by the severity of injuries, their impact on your life, and the financial losses you’ve experienced.

Severity of your injuries: Generally, the more serious and lasting your injuries, the higher the potential compensation. A sprained wrist will not be valued the same as a broken leg, and a broken leg will not be valued the same as a permanent spinal injury. Severe injuries that affect your ability to work or enjoy life typically lead to larger settlements or court awards because they involve greater pain, suffering, and long-term losses.
Duration of medical treatment and recovery: The length of your medical treatment is a major factor in assessing your claim’s value. Some injuries heal within weeks, while others require months or even years of care. Our Sydney car accident lawyers usually advise waiting until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) before settling, ensuring that your future treatment needs are fully understood. Settling too early can mean missing out on compensation for ongoing therapy, future surgeries, or complications that appear later.
Impact on daily life and work: Compensation isn’t limited to medical expenses. We assess how your injuries affect your ability to earn income and participate in everyday activities. Did you miss work or lose your job? Will you need to reduce your hours or change careers? Beyond lost wages, we also consider lifestyle impacts, such as pain during daily tasks, reduced mobility, or being unable to enjoy hobbies, which contribute to pain and suffering damages.
Economic vs. non-economic damages: Economic damages include tangible financial losses like hospital bills, treatment costs, and lost income. Non-economic damages compensate you for the harder-to-measure losses—pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Our lawyers ensure both are fully represented in your claim.
Nova Scotia’s minor injury cap: Nova Scotia has a unique rule known as the minor injury cap, which limits pain and suffering compensation for certain soft-tissue injuries to $10,402 (as of 2025). Injuries that cause a permanent or serious impairment, such as fractures or major neurological issues, are exempt from this cap. Don’t assume that your insurer’s classification of your injury as “minor” is accurate; It’s not uncommon for adjusters to mislabel injuries to minimize payouts. Even if your case falls under the cap, remember that it only limits non-economic damages. You can still claim all other losses, such as lost income and medical expenses, in full.

By evaluating these factors, our Sydney car accident lawyers provide an honest, evidence-based assessment of your claim’s potential value. We combine medical and financial expertise to ensure your settlement reflects the true cost of your recovery.

Do I Need to Finish My Treatment Before Settling?

It’s important not to rush into a settlement before your recovery is complete. Settling too early can result in accepting less than you deserve, especially if you later require surgery, physiotherapy, or other ongoing care. We advise clients to wait until they reach maximum medical improvement (MMI)—the point when their condition has stabilized and doctors can accurately predict future needs.

Our in-house physician helps identify when it’s safe to settle and calculates future medical costs so that your compensation covers everything from ongoing treatment to pain management. By waiting until your medical picture is clear, we ensure your claim fully reflects your recovery journey.

How Long Will It Take to Get My Settlement?

The timeline for settling a car accident claim varies depending on the complexity of the case. Straightforward claims may resolve within a few months, while cases involving severe injuries, disputes over liability, or long recovery periods can take longer.

Delays often occur because insurers wait for medical documentation or dispute key details of the claim. NOVA Injury Law manages all communications, gathers timely updates from healthcare providers, and keeps your case moving efficiently. Once a settlement is reached, most clients receive their payment within two to six weeks.

Why Am I Dealing With My Own Insurer If I Wasn’t at Fault?

Many Nova Scotians are surprised to learn they must first deal with their own insurer after a crash, even if they weren’t at fault. This is because your Section B accident benefits are designed to provide immediate coverage for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and partial wage replacement while your claim against the at-fault driver is ongoing.

Section B benefits typically include:

Up to $50,000 for medical and rehabilitation costs.
Weekly income replacement up to $250 per week.
Funeral and death benefits in fatal collisions.

Once your Section B claim is active, you can pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurer for losses not covered by your policy, such as pain and suffering, full wage loss, and long-term care costs. NOVA Injury Law helps you navigate both processes to avoid confusion and ensure you don’t miss out on any benefits.

Types of Car Accidents We Handle in Sydney

Our Sydney team represents clients who’ve been injured in all types of vehicle collisions, including the following:

Rear-end collisions: This type of collision is often caused by distracted or speeding drivers. We gather dashcam and witness evidence to prove fault.
Head-on collisions: When you’re struck head-on by another vehicle, it typically results in serious, sometimes catastrophic injuries. We pursue full compensation for medical and long-term needs.
Intersection (T-bone) crashes: This type of crash is common in busy intersections where drivers ignore lights or fail to yield.
Multi-vehicle pileups: Accidents with multiple cars are especially frequent in winter road conditions. We untangle complex liability issues involving multiple insurers.
Sideswipe and lane-change accidents: These accidents are often related to inattention or improper merging.
Hit-and-run incidents: We help victims file under uninsured motorist coverage when the at-fault driver can’t be identified.
Accidents involving impaired drivers: We pursue punitive damages when applicable.
Pedestrian and cyclist accidents: Our firm advocates for vulnerable road users struck by negligent motorists.

Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer in Sydney?

If you’ve been seriously injured in a car accident in Sydney, the answer is almost always yes—you should strongly consider hiring a car accident lawyer. That said, we understand that this can feel like a big decision, especially if you’ve never worked with a lawyer before. Many people wonder whether they can handle an insurance claim on their own or if hiring a lawyer is worth it for their situation. Here’s our honest take:

Minor accidents vs. serious accidents: If your crash was very minor and you weren’t injured, or you experienced only mild soreness that went away quickly, you may not need a lawyer. Many Nova Scotians handle small, straightforward car accident claims on their own. In fact, NOVA Injury Law provides free educational resources, such as our Car Accident Claims Book, to help self-represented claimants understand the process. However, even “minor” injuries can become complicated. If you’re unsure, it’s always okay to call us for a free consultation. We’ll give you an honest opinion about whether legal help would benefit your situation.
When injuries are significant: If your injuries are more serious, hiring a lawyer becomes critical. Insurance companies are focused on settling claims quickly and cheaply, not on ensuring your full recovery. Without legal representation, you might not realize the true value of your claim or the future costs associated with your injuries. Our team makes sure your settlement includes all of your losses, such as medical expenses, income loss, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering, so you’re not left struggling later.
Complex situations: Some cases are simply too complex to handle alone. If the other driver denies fault, if there are multiple vehicles involved (like in a highway pileup), or if the at-fault driver was uninsured or fled the scene, having a lawyer is essential. Our team can gather evidence, reconstruct the accident, and handle communications with multiple insurers to ensure you receive every dollar you’re entitled to.
Peace of mind and advocacy: Beyond legal strategy, hiring a lawyer gives you something priceless—peace of mind. When you hire NOVA Injury Law, we take over the stressful parts of the process: filing paperwork, dealing with adjusters, collecting medical records, and negotiating with insurers. If litigation becomes necessary, we’ll draft the court documents, represent you in hearings, and keep you informed every step of the way. With our help, you can focus on your health and recovery while we handle the legal burden.
Considering the cost: One of the biggest concerns people have about hiring a lawyer is cost. At NOVA Injury Law, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing up front and no legal fees at all unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or court award, and we’ll explain exactly how it works during your free consultation so there won’t be any surprises.

Hiring us is completely risk-free: if we don’t win, you don’t pay. We’re here to answer your questions, advocate for your rights, and guide you through every step of the process with compassion and expertise.

What Damages Can You Recover After a Car Accident in Sydney?

Victims of car accidents in Sydney can seek compensation for a wide range of losses, which are known in law as “damages.” While we’ve discussed several of these throughout this page, here’s a clear overview of the most common categories of damages you may be able to recover after a collision:

Medical expenses: This includes all medical and rehabilitative costs related to your injuries. That means doctor’s visits, hospital stays, surgery costs, emergency room bills, diagnostic imaging, prescription medications, physiotherapy, chiropractic treatments, massage therapy, and psychological counselling. Any medical care you require as a result of the accident should be covered. We also pursue future medical expenses, such as anticipated surgeries, continued therapy, or assistive devices you may need later in life.
Lost wages and loss of earning capacity: If your injuries forced you to miss work, you can claim lost income for the period you were off, supported by pay stubs, employer letters, or income tax records. We can also claim lost vacation or sick days used during your recovery. If your injuries affect your ability to earn income long term, whether you can only work part-time or must change careers, we pursue compensation for your reduced earning capacity.
Pain and suffering: Pain and suffering damages compensate for the physical pain, discomfort, and inconvenience caused by your injuries. While money can’t undo the trauma, Nova Scotia law recognizes that people who endure significant pain, loss of mobility, or reduced quality of life deserve compensation. The amount depends on the severity of your pain and how long it’s expected to last.
Emotional and psychological trauma: Many people experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a serious accident. These mental and emotional injuries are just as real as physical ones and are compensable under Nova Scotia law. We ensure psychological harm is properly documented through medical reports, therapy records, or expert assessments, so it is fully recognized and valued in your claim.
Out-of-pocket expenses: Any extra costs you’ve had to pay because of the accident can be recovered. Common examples include travel costs for medical appointments, parking fees, home help or cleaning services, and childcare expenses while you were unable to care for your children. Every receipt and invoice contributes to building a stronger claim.
Property damage: Your claim can include damage to your vehicle and any personal belongings that were damaged or destroyed in the crash, such as a mobile phone, eyeglasses, or laptop. While most property damage is handled through insurance adjusters, our lawyers will include unresolved or uninsured losses in your overall claim if needed.
Loss of housekeeping and valuable services: If your injuries prevent you from performing regular household tasks like cooking, cleaning, or caring for dependents, you may be entitled to compensation for the cost of hiring help. Even if family members stepped in to assist, you can claim the value of their unpaid time and services.
Future care costs: For serious or long-term injuries, we work with medical and life-care experts to project your future needs. This might include ongoing physiotherapy, home nursing care, mobility aids, or accessibility renovations like ramps or walk-in showers. Settlements must include sufficient funds to cover these foreseeable future costs so you aren’t left struggling later.
Punitive damages: In rare but serious cases, where the at-fault driver’s behaviour was especially reckless or malicious, Nova Scotia courts can award punitive damages. These are meant to punish egregious conduct, such as a drunk driver with prior offences causing catastrophic injuries, and to deter similar behaviour in the future. While most claims focus on compensatory damages, we pursue punitive damages when the situation calls for it.

At NOVA Injury Law, we take a detailed, evidence-based approach to ensure no category of damages is overlooked. Our goal is to restore your financial stability and ensure you’re compensated for every aspect of your loss. You deserve to be put back, as much as possible, in the position you would have been in had the accident never happened, and that’s exactly what we fight to achieve.

Our Sydney Office Location

NOVA Injury Law proudly serves the Cape Breton community from our Sydney office. Whether you prefer to meet virtually or in person, we make it easy to access trusted legal support close to home. We also offer home and hospital visits for clients who can’t travel. Wherever you are in Nova Scotia, our team is ready to help.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Nova Scotia

What should I do immediately after a car accident in Nova Scotia?

Immediately after a car accident, call 911 if anyone is injured, exchange information with the other driver, and gather photos and witness details. Report the accident to your insurer within the required time frame.

What are Section B accident benefits?

Section B benefits are mandatory coverage in Nova Scotia that provides medical, wage replacement, and rehabilitation support regardless of fault.

What is the Minor Injury Cap in Nova Scotia?

The Minor Injury Cap limits compensation for certain soft-tissue injuries to $10,402 (as of 2025). More serious injuries are exempt from the cap.

How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Nova Scotia?

You generally have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. However, shorter deadlines may apply for insurance reporting, so contact a lawyer as soon as possible.

What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?

If the other driver doesn’t have insurance, you can make a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage (Section D). NOVA Injury Law helps ensure you still receive fair compensation.

Can I claim compensation for emotional distress or PTSD?

Yes, you can claim compensation for emotional distress. Psychological injuries such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression are recognized under Nova Scotia law and can be compensated when supported by medical documentation.

How long will it take to receive my settlement payment?

Once your claim is resolved, most clients receive payment within two to six weeks after signing the release documents.

Do I need a car accident lawyer for a minor crash?

Even in smaller accidents, injuries can worsen over time. Speaking with a lawyer ensures your claim is handled properly and that no compensation is left unclaimed.

Call Our Sydney Car Accident Lawyers Today!

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Sydney caused by someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Talk to our team of Sydney car accident lawyers to understand your rights and take the next steps towards fair compensation. Our mission is to ensure you receive fair treatment and the justice you deserve.

Contact NOVA Injury Law today for a free case evaluation. There’s no pressure and no obligation – just answers to your questions and an explanation of how we can help. You can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone to schedule your free case evaluation. Alternatively, send us an email or fill out the contact form on our website, and we will get back to you promptly. We know accidents don’t just happen 9 to 5, so we make ourselves available whenever you need legal help most.

Remember, you won’t pay any legal fees unless we win compensation for you. Hiring our firm is a risk-free step to protect yourself.

Don’t delay in getting the advice you need. The sooner you have a dedicated lawyer on your side, the sooner we can secure the resources and compensation you need to move forward. Call our Sydney car accident lawyers today and let us start fighting for the fair compensation you and your family deserve.