Road traffic accidents can be an overwhelming experience if you’re injured, or your vehicle is damaged. As with other parts of the UK, people in Dundee can bring a personal injury claim if they are injured as a result of someone else’s negligence. Compensation can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and the emotional distress resulting from the accident. If you are in an incident like this, you know what to do right away to make the claims process smoother. In this article, we will show you how to take the necessary steps and how solicitors in Dundee can assist you with filing a successful personal injury claim.
Seek Medical Attention
The first and most important thing to do after any accident is to go to the hospital. If you feel fine, you should still see a doctor. Whiplash is a type of injury that may not immediately become apparent, and some injuries, for example, may not arise for hours, or even days, following the incident. It’s also important to have a medical record from a healthcare professional when you’re filing the claim, so it’s proof of your injuries and will help you determine how much you require payment for.
Report the Accident to the Police
Then, make sure that the accident is reported to the police, particularly if there are injuries or the cars are severely damaged. It’s a crucial document in the claims process: a police report serves as an official record of what happened. Other times officers will offer their findings or opinions as to who was at fault which can be vital when trying to determine liability.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you can do it safely, collect as much evidence from the scene of the accident as you can. Record the scene, including taking photos of your vehicle and any other vehicles that are involved, your surrounding area, and all visible damage or injuries. It’s always a good idea to get contact information from any witnesses to the accident. The more evidence you gather, the better your chances of getting compensation.
Document Your Injuries and Expenses
Make sure you keep detailed records of your injuries, and the costs you’ve had to incur as a result of the accident. These include medical bills, prescriptions, therapy sessions, and transportation costs for medical appointments. You should also mention any time off work and how your injuries have affected your ability to perform normal day to day tasks. It will be very important to this documentation in calculating your claim and proving the extent of damages.
Contact Solicitors
Legal expertise is important when it comes to filing a personal injury claim. If you want to make a personal injury claim, solicitors who specialise in personal injury law can help you with the complexities of the claims process. They will help you collect the necessary evidence, figure out what a fair compensation should be and negotiate with coverage providers. If the other party questions liability, a solicitor will also help you know what to do next.
Notify Your Coverage Provider
Contact your own coverage provider as soon as possible. If you don’t do this, it could affect your ability to make a successful claim. Be truthful and give all the details of the accident since all this will be used in support of your case. Some insurers may also help with pursuing your claim or offer legal support.
Understand the Legal Process
After you have spoken to a solicitor they will look at your case and advise you whether or not it is worth pursuing. The solicitor will talk to the coverage providers and the other party’s legal team and will gather all the necessary evidence and documentation. They will try and settle the case out of court if they can. But if a trial is needed, they will walk you through the litigation process.
Be Prepared for Delays
The personal injury claims process can be long, particularly if the claimant and defendant disagree about liability and the extent of the injuries. But don’t be put off. Be patient and keep in touch with your solicitor who will keep you informed. Remembering that the wait is worth it to secure proper compensation, a solicitor will work hard to get the best outcome for you.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been involved in a road traffic accident in Dundee, you’ll want to take the right steps as soon as possible, to help increase your chances of making a successful personal injury claim. Seeking medical care, reporting the accident, gathering evidence and consulting solicitors will help you protect your rights and make sure you get fair compensation. Although the process can be intimidating, with the right support you can walk through the legal hurdles and get the compensation you’re entitled to.
