Injuries can happen anywhere, anytime, and to anyone. This applies whether you are a pedestrian or motorist, or at work or leisure. If you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be wondering how to claim compensation. In this article, we’ll discuss the process and provide some tips on how to be successful.
Involve A Lawyer
It is important to have someone on your side who knows the law and who can fight for what you deserve. They can also:
- explain what your rights are
- determine if you have a case
- calculate how much your case is worth
- gather evidence
- file paperwork
- negotiate with the other party’s insurance company
One of the easiest ways to find a local lawyer is to make an online search. In order to recover maximum compensation, you should seek an award-winning firm that can provide a free consultation. They can file your lawsuit within the state’s personal injury statute of limitations, working hard to reduce or eliminate any liability on your part.
Know What To Claim For
It is important that you make a list of the injuries you’ve suffered as a result of the accident. Be as specific as possible, and state:
- When the injury occurred
- How the injury has affected your life
- The severity of the injury
- Whether or not the injury is permanent
You’ll also need to think about any financial losses you’ve suffered as a result of the accident. They could include things like loss of earnings, damage to your property, and medical expenses. Some other things you could be compensated for include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Care and assistance
- Travel expenses
- House modifications
- Future medical treatment or medication
Notify Your Employer
If you were injured while on the job, notify your employer immediately. They’ll be required by law to have workers’ compensation insurance, which will cover your medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages. You’ll need to fill out a workers’ compensation claim form and submit it to your employer. They’ll then forward the form to their insurance company.
If your claim is approved, you’ll receive compensation – but if it’s denied, you may appeal the decision. Should this occur it’s wise to involve the services of a Workers’ Compensation lawyer.
Seek Medical Attention
Do this immediately after the accident, even if you don’t think you are injured. It is better to be safe than sorry, and many injuries – especially internal ones – may not present themselves immediately. If you wait too long to see a doctor, the insurance company may try to say that your injuries are not related to the accident.
Besides checking you out and creating a treatment plan, your doctor will document the extent of your injuries and how they’ve impacted your life. Without a medical opinion, it may be difficult to prove that your injuries are severe enough to warrant compensation.
Gather The Evidence
If you want to make a successful claim for compensation, you’ll need to gather evidence to support your case. This might include:
- photographic evidence of your injuries
- pictures of the accident scene
- medical reports detailing your injuries and treatment
- any police reports
- witness statements
This evidence will be used to support your claim that the other party was at fault for the accident and that you’ve suffered losses as a result. Without it, your claim is likely to be unsuccessful.
Submit A Compensation Claim
If you file a claim with the insurance company, they’ll investigate it and determine if you are entitled to anything. Insurance companies try to avoid paying out so that they don’t lose money. They may try to make you say something that would invalidate your claim.
This stage in the process can be difficult to do on your own, which is why it’s important to have a lawyer involved. They’ll know how to deal with the insurance company and aggressively fight your corner. If the insurance company decides in your favor, you’ll be given a settlement offer. Let a legal professional advise you whether to accept or reject it. Should things end up in court, your lawyer will represent you.
Research confirms that having a lawyer at your side from start to finish can help you gain a higher payout. You can be advised at every turn, having the peace of mind that an experienced and qualified lawyer is getting the best possible outcome for your case. In turn, you can focus on your physical well-being and getting your life back to normal once more.
