Tip 1: Claiming for injury: act fast.
It can be very important to make sure begin your claim as quickly as possible following an accident for a number of reasons.
Firstly there are time limits for certain types of accident claims. And you wouldn’t want to miss out on your compensation that you might be due because you took too long to claim would you?
Usually personal injury claims must be made within three years from the date of the accident (or date that you knew your injury related to the accident). If this time passes before you claim then the case may be ‘time-barred’ or ‘statute barred’. This means that regardless of fault, evidence or injury you will not be able to make your personal injury claim.
Make sure this doesn’t happen to you.
Secondly, making your personal injury claim quickly is important because the information about the events of the incident will still be fresh in your mind and the mind(s) of any witnesses. This can be vital in ensuring a successful personal injury claim.
Finally, the faster you claim, the faster the issue will be resolved and the faster you can get on with your life. So, if you’re involved in an accident that’s not your fault, don waste time
Tip 2: Claiming for injury: collect any evidence.
Collecting proof of any accident you’re involved in can be hugely important.
If you want to increase your chances of making a successful personal injury claim then you should remember that good evidence could make the difference between a successful claim and an unsuccessful claim.
It’s important that you give our expert accident injury solicitors as much information as you can. This can impact on the amount of compensation that you could receive. If you can comprehensively prove how much you’ve suffered mentally, physically or financially as a result of your injury then you could receive substantially more compensation. Never forget to collect evidence!
Good examples of evidence could include:
- Photographs
- Witness reports
- Medical records
- Receipts
Also make sure you:
- Make a note of anything unusual that led to the accident
- Find out the location of any CCTV cameras that are operating nearby
- Keep any damaged property
Don’t forget, if you want to make an accident claim then always collect as much evidence as possible.
Tip 3: Claiming for injury: keep a personal injury diary.
Keeping a diary can be an invaluable tool in keeping all your evidence organised and keeping track of your treatment and recovery process. All these factors can greatly effect the outcome of your personal injury claim.
In your personal injury diary you should record the events that lead up to your accident and any events that followed in the weeks and months after, including:
- Weather conditions on the day of accident
- Conversations between yourself and employers/insurance companies/doctors
- Loss of earnings
- Treatment costs
- Any pain you suffer (physical or emotional)
- Keep all letters received relating to the incident
Keeping a detailed diary can help substantiate your case and ensure that you receive the right compensation for your injury(s).
Tip 4: Claiming for injury: don’t hesitate to make a claim
Even if you’re unsure whether or not you could be eligible to make a claim you should contact a personal injury solicitor.
Even if you were partly responsible for the accident or you don’t think that you’ll be able to claim for whatever reason, you should speak to an expert before you decide to discard any potential accident claim.
Author
Gill Laing is a qualified Legal Researcher & Analyst with niche specialisms in Law, Tax, Human Resources, Immigration & Employment Law.
Gill is a Multiple Business Owner and the Managing Director of Prof Services - a Marketing Agency for the Professional Services Sector.
