If you have been injured in an accident and it was not your fault, then there’s a very strong chance that you will be eligible for compensation. The amount of compensation due to you depends upon the severity of your accident.
In order to receive the compensation that you deserve, there are some things that you need to do, from contacting a lawyer to recording evidence of your injury.
If you don’t take the right steps, then you won’t receive the compensation that you deserve. This article will tell you exactly what to do:
Phoning An Ambulance
After you have been injured because of somebody else’s negligence, you should phone an ambulance. This is so that you can receive medical treatment and receive a written statement, proving that you were indeed injured in the way that you claim that you were. If you don’t believe that your injuries warrant an ambulance, then you should go to see your doctor the next day, but we will address this in greater detail further on in this article. If the person responsible for causing your injuries appears intoxicated or unstable, then you should also phone the police.
Visiting Your Doctor
As mentioned previously, if your injuries don’t warrant a trip to the ER, you should see go and see your doctor the next day. The reason for this is so that you can get a medical certificate. A medical certificate will then be used by your lawyer to argue compensation. If your case ends up going to court, then a medical certificate will tip the case immeasurably in your favor. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most doctors appointments are taking place over the phone, so make sure that you photograph your injuries ready to send to them.
Documenting Injuries
You also need to document your injuries, which you can do on the scene or later. A photograph or video will suffice. In addition to documenting your injuries, if you are able to be on the scene, then you should take an additional photograph or video of the person that is responsible for causing your injuries. This will add a lot of weight to your case, proving that the person was there which they may argue they weren’t. If you have any friends or loved ones with you, then they can also appear in court, or provide a written statement.
Contacting a Lawyer
A lawyer is one of the first people that you should contact after your injury takes place. There are lots of personal injury attorneys available online, each specializing in their own field of law. Some specialize in car accident law, while others wrongful death. Make sure to do your research online in order to find a lawyer whose field relates to your injury. A lawyer will contact the person responsible and their insurance company, notifying them that a claim is being made against them. Most personal injury lawyers provide their services on a no-win-no-fee basis, so you won’t have to pay outright for their help.
Telling the Truth
When you are giving an account of the accident to your lawyer, make sure that you stick to the truth. After you have been involved in an accident, it’s very easy to drift into exaggeration and embellishing elements of the accident. Unfortunately, if you do this, your entire case can be dismissed and thrown out. Any lies that are told will inevitably be discovered. If you tell a single lie, the person responsible and his insurance company may refuse to comply and issue any compensation.
Recovery Time
Once you have contacted a lawyer, there’s very little that you need to do. Your lawyer will handle every aspect of your case, including chasing compensation. Instead of micromanaging, sit back and let your lawyer work. If you have sustained serious injuries, then you need to focus on your recovery, not chasing compensation. Recovering from a serious injury can be very stressful, especially if you are trying to involve yourself in your compensation claim. Your lawyer will keep in touch by email and phone, notifying you of every update in your case as soon as there is one.
Compliance
Finally, you need to be compliant with your lawyer’s wishes. If they ask you to do something, then make sure that you do it. Your lawyer may need your help with some things, such as filling out forms and answering questions. If you delay helping them, your claim could in turn be delayed.
If you don’t handle your compensation claim the right way, then the amount of compensation that you receive could be reduced, or you could receive none at all. By following this article’s guidance, you will be able to ensure that you get the maximum amount possible.
