A guide to help you through a personal injury claim
If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident, it can be an incredibly stressful and traumatic time.
Not only are you dealing with the physical and emotional effect of the accident, but it can be confusing and overwhelming knowing what you should do, whether you are entitled to compensation or simply who to turn to for advice.
Whether it was an auto accident, a slip and fall or medical malpractice, the steps you take immediately after an accident or injury where you were not at fault are crucial to getting the compensation you deserve.
Are you unsure of what to do when you get into an accident? Here’s our guide to help you through a personal injury claim.
Gather all the information you can
Immediately after the incident or accident, get in touch with a car accident lawyer and gather as much information and documentation as you can to support your personal injury claim.
If it was a road traffic accident, gather witness details, take photos and file a police report. For all events, make accurate notes of date, time, location and full details of the incident, as well as any other documents that may support your claim.
Get medical attention
It is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident and continue with any treatment you may be prescribed. And always fully describe the nature of your injuries and the level of pain you are in.
Seek professional help: don’t delay in getting professional legal advice as their support will be crucial. A specialist personal injury lawyer will be able to accurately assess your situation to confirm whether you have the grounds for a claim and that it is made within any timescale limitations.
They will also make sure you get the right treatment, advocate on your behalf with third parties and ensure you have the best chance of making a successful claim.
Your personal injury claim options
Your personal injury lawyers will take you through the options open to you and advise you on the right route for you to take; whether that’s to file a lawsuit to take to court, go to arbitration or to settle out of court with the other parties and their insurance companies.
Settling a case
Settling a case out of court means you accept financial compensation in return for dropping your Personal Injury Claim. Your personal insurance lawyer will advise you as to whether this is an acceptable route but the final decision to settle is yours.
Taking a claim to court
If you file a court case, you become the plaintiff and the person you are taking the claim out against becomes the defendant. At this point, both sets of lawyers gather facts and depositions in a process called ‘discovery’.
Most cases are settled after this point, with only a small number of personal injury actions ever getting to trial. If you win at trial, the judge or jury will award you financial damages for your injuries.
Getting the right advice is crucial to every stage of making a personal injury claim. And that means finding the very best personal injury lawyer for your case.
As an attorney and medical referral service, 1800 Injured can advise you from the point of accident or incident and match you with the right attorney from our extensive personal injury lawyer network. And your initial case consultation is free, so you can be sure you are getting the very best advice without any obligation.
Photo by Franck V.
