If you've been in a car accident in Nova Scotia, the legal and insurance side of things can often feel more overwhelming than the accident itself. Most people aren't sure what to do first, what deadlines matter, or what they might be entitled to. And the reality is that what you do in the days after the accident can have a significant impact on your claim.
Last updated: June 12, 2026
To file a car accident claim in Nova Scotia, most people will do four things:
Below is a step-by-step breakdown of what Halifax and Nova Scotia drivers typically need to do following a collision, what documents to keep, and when it makes sense to speak with a personal injury lawyer.
Under Nova Scotia law, you must report the accident to police within 24 hours if:
You can report the accident at the scene (if the police attend), or at a collision reporting centre or police station afterward. When you report it, you'll receive a report number (GO#). Keep this number as it's commonly required to start or support your insurance claim.
Helpful tip: Even when you're not sure your injuries are "serious" or if you are unclear if you should report the collision, it's still a good idea to make sure the accident is properly documented. Symptoms like headaches, neck pain, and concussion symptoms sometimes show up later. When in doubt, make the police report.
You should notify your insurer as soon as possible, even if you believe you were not at fault. Many policies require notice within about 7 days of the collision.
When you call, be ready to provide:
Your insurer will open a claim and assign an adjuster.
A practical note: Stick to the facts. It's okay to say "I'm not sure" if you don't know something yet. If your injuries are still developing, avoid making statements like "I'm fine" or "it's nothing". Keep it simple and accurate.
If you suffered any injury (concussion, soft tissue injury, back pain, etc.), you may qualify for Section B accident benefits.
These benefits are generally no-fault, meaning you can apply regardless of who caused the accident. They are designed to help cover medical treatment, rehabilitation expenses, and a portion of lost income.
In Nova Scotia, Section B benefits provide up to $50,000 in medical and rehabilitation coverage over a four-year period following the accident.
Your insurer will provide forms that typically need to be completed by you, your healthcare providers and your employer.
Why acting early matters: Deadlines and paperwork requirements can be strict. If you wait too long, you risk delays, disputes, or denial of benefits that could otherwise be available.
Concrete evidence and documentation helps ensure your claim is taken seriously and fairly valued. More evidence is generally better than not enough.
Evidence can include:
One thing to note is that injuries can develop and worsen over time, so ongoing documentation is something to be mindful of.
After a collision, there's often pressure to "wrap things up quickly." That can be a mistake if you're still in pain or still being assessed.
Common issues that come up:
You don't necessarily need a lawyer immediately but if you're injured, it's worth getting advice before you sign something you don't fully understand.
Here's a practical checklist you can follow:
The more organized you are, the easier it is to move your claim forward.
If you live in Halifax Regional Municipality, you'll be dealing with the same steps as anywhere else in Nova Scotia: proper reporting, prompt notice to your insurer, and careful medical documentation. What tends to make the difference is not where the crash happened, but how well the claim is documented and how quickly benefits, and treatment, get started when injuries are involved.
Not always. In general, reporting is required when there are injuries, a hit-and-run or dangerous driving is involved, or the property damage appears to exceed $2,000. If you're unsure, it's safer to confirm with police or a collision reporting centre and make sure the incident is properly documented.
A GO# is the police report number you receive when an accident is reported. Insurers commonly ask for it because it helps confirm the collision was reported and allows the insurer to reference the report when assessing the claim.
If you're injured, you should treat the situation seriously even if the vehicle damage looks minor. Injuries can appear later, and proper reporting and documentation can matter. You should still notify your insurer right away and ask about Section B benefits if you have symptoms.
Section B refers to the accident benefits coverage that can help pay for things like medical treatment, rehabilitation, and certain income replacement benefits after a motor vehicle accident in Nova Scotia. These benefits are generally available on a no-fault basis (meaning anyone who is in an accident can access benefits regardless who caused the collision).
Nova Scotia policies provide up to $50,000 for medical and rehabilitation benefits under Section B.
That's common. Concussion symptoms, neck pain, back pain, and soft tissue injuries can take time to show up. If symptoms begin later, see a healthcare provider as soon as possible, tell your insurer, and document the timeline clearly (what started when, and how it affects your day-to-day life).
In most cases, the general limitation period to start a lawsuit for personal injury is two years from the date of the accident. There are exceptions to this limitation period (i.e. fatal injuries, suing public bodies), so if you think legal action might be necessary, it's worth getting advice sooner rather than later.
Yes. Section B accident benefits are designed to apply regardless of fault. Liability disputes usually matter more for lawsuits and damage claims than they do for no-fault benefits.
No. If you're still being treated, still off work, or still getting medical assessments, it may be too early to know what your claim is worth. A quick settlement can be tempting, but it can also prevent you from being compensated for the full impact of the injury.
You may want to speak with a lawyer sooner if:
Early advice can help ensure your claim is properly documented and that you receive full compensation.
At Wagners, we help Nova Scotians every day who have been injured in car accidents and are looking to learn more about their rights. If you have questions about your claim, Section B benefits, or next steps, contact our Halifax car accident lawyers for a free consultation.