How to win an accident compensation claim
Annually, there are 11 million cases of accidents in the UK. 2 million out of these 11 million are caused owing to somebody else’s negligence.
The law entitles anyone who is a victim owing to somebody else’s negligence to claim compensation.
Accident claim compensation therefore is beneficial but has some guidelines. Insurers have pointed out these rules, so claimants who operate within these regulations stand the best possible of chance of winning accident compensation claim.
Timescale: A solicitor is not likely to accept your case if it has been 3 years or more since your accident. 3 years is the limitation period for most accidents and personal injury claims.
The matter becomes statute barred if the proceedings of the case are not issued in a court of law before the stipulated time frame. Exceptions to this rule only apply if the victim is under aged. This means that the time period does not count until the victim is 18 years of age.
Records: The doctor who treats the injury will issue medical records. These medical records are very important when making an accident compensation claim. The solicitor will use these medical records as proof in a court of law.
The medical records will assist in describing the type and the cause of the injury. As the case proceeds, secondary medical specialist opinions may be obtained. When you injure yourself, it is important that you get medical attention by a general practitioner as soon as possible.
Police: If a policeman has witnessed the accident, the success rate of your accident compensation claim rises. An accidents claims solicitor will coordinate with the policeman who might have been present at the site of the accident.
The law figure will bear witness to the actual incident that caused the accident or the events that followed thereafter. A copy of the police accident report will be obtained and the statements and events corroborated. A policeman/woman may be called in any civil court case for claiming damages.
Witnesses: If there are witnesses around the site you should ensure that their statements are collected immediately. Your case will gain better support if you have witnesses to second your claim. Do not try to personally obtain these statements. Rely on a solicitor or an enquiry agent to obtain a signed statement verifying your version of the events.
Evidence: You should collect a lot of evidence in order to boost the success rate of your accident compensation claim. Take detailed photographs of the location and any form of injury suffered. You may also maintain a daily diary that marks your course of recovery from injury. This will be useful in assessing compensation payable for pain and suffering.
All the receipts for the expenses that you incur during your course of treatment should be retained. These will be a rough indicator of the exact amount you will receive in compensation.
In addition to these tips, you should look for an accident compensation claims specialist. Find out their rate of success at accident compensation cases previously and make a decision only after you have carefully reviewed these matters.
Updated on 13/01/2010