If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you’ll probably be going through a mix of emotions. Having to deal with a serious injury is painful and frustrating. It can also turn you off from driving much more than you’d think! If the accident was clearly the fault of another party, then it may be possible to claim some compensation. Here are some steps for going about this.

If you didn’t call the police at the scene of the accident, do it as soon as possible. The car damage, and even your injuries might be fairly minor. However, it’s still advisable to have the authorities look into the situation. This way, you’ll know there will be an official report of the incident. Get your hands on a copy of the report and keep it safe. The details on this report will be important later in the process, when you’re actually filing your claim. Sometimes, if the incident was clearly the fault of one party or another, the police officer’s opinion might be included in the report. This is fairly rare though; if there’s a shadow of a doubt, the officer involved has to stay impartial.

The police report is just one part of the documentation you need to gather to help in the case. When you have the time, start writing down an account of the accident. Include every last detail you can remember. It’s surprising to see what turns out to be important in law sometimes. It may help to gather photos of the vehicle, and the scene of the accident. If you remember at the time, it’s a good idea to take photos of your injuries straight after they happen. Medical materials can be important too. Keep hold of any doctor’s memo’s, prescriptions, and x-rays. If you need to see a physical therapist, ask them for some written details on your sessions with them. Wherever possible, get documentation which is signed and dated.

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Your final step is to find legal counsel. Once you find a personal injury lawyer who suits your needs, they’ll be able to guide you through all the remaining steps in the process. When you have a respected solicitor in your camp, your insurance company will stop offering you settlements to dismiss the case. Many car insurance companies are able to save millions by putting a quick settlement on the table, and keeping people out of the court room. When you’re first approached with one of these offers, they might look great. However, in most cases, they’re far lower than the compensation you’re actually entitled to. A good lawyer will pursue your case aggressively, and be able to give you helpful information regarding your case. Also, if the other party has a solicitor and you don’t, the case is as good as lost!

Personal injury law can often feel complicated and stressful. However, getting the compensation you deserve is far from impossible. Approach each step with caution, and always take the advice of your legal aid. It’ll take some doing, but soon enough you’ll get the justice you’re perusing.

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