To make a genuine personal injury claim for any type of accident should be a relatively straight forward process. Following common sense and simple rules should see you through a successful personal injury claim. Wish things were that easy and simple. External factors, out of your control can lead to you making hasty or wrong decisions. This article will help you in some ways in making a successful personal injury claim.
Record, document, note all aspects of your accident. Depending on your accident type, for example road traffic accident or work accident etc., you need to accordingly keep records of that accident.
Road traffic accident
Details that need to be noted for a road traffic accident are listed below and we are aware that not all bit of information can be retrieved or recorded therefore collect as much information as possible and the rest will be gathered by your personal injury solicitor.
- Contact the required emergency authorities. Even if the accident does not require the need for an ambulance it is always in your best interest to request the assistance of the police. They will keep a record of the accident itself, including statements, and can provide useful information on the accident by analysing the factors surrounding the accident. Be sure to note any police officer details such as badge numbers/officer numbers, names and the station they work at.
- Time and date of the accident
- Location
- Registration plate details
- Vehicle make and model(s)
- Concerning accident parties details such as names, addresses and contact numbers
- Insurance details of the parties involved in the accident
- If any, witness details of people who saw the accident and are willing to give a statement, if required at all, at a later date. Witness statements are not necessarily required if the accident case is a straight forward one and liability is accepted but certainly can help the credibility of your case if and when it is required.
- If possible take pictures, maybe using your mobile phone, of any damages, injuries and location of the accident.
- Seek medical attention for any injury that you sustain from the accident. Never leave anything to chance no matter how minor or serious your injury is.
Work accident
Here are the steps to take when you are involved in a work accident:
- Report the work accident to a first-aider and get medical treatment (if required).
- Log the work accident in the incident book which all employers should have. Write down the time, date, when and how it happened.
- Gather witness details and statements. These will prove useful later on in your pursuit of your Work Compensation Claim.
- Your employer, person in charge of the premises or the self-employed should report the incident to the RIDDOR, which is the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995.
- Visit the hospital or your GP as soon as possible, depending on how serious your injuries are, and seek expert medical attention. Do not take any chances for any injury sustained no matter how minor or serious it is.
- Keep records of bills, receipts and other evidence that might help you recover your losses.
Public liability accident
In the event your accident occurs at a supermarket, restaurant, or other type of shop/premise, the owner of the business will be legally responsible for your injuries, as this is public liability and should not be confused with slip, trip, or fall, even though the circumstances surrounding the accident are similar.
- Reporting the occurrence to a staff member or owner and having them record the accident in their accident book.
- Getting names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses.
- Take photographs of the location of the accident including any injuries sustained that are visible.
- Always seek medical attention which in turn aids your recovery and provides official documentation of the injuries.
Slip, trip or fall accident
Slip, trip or fall compensation relates to compensation resulting from an injury that occurs outside and not privately owned businesses/premises, even though the accident results from similar circumstances.
- First of all, you should always call an ambulance in the event the injuries are severe. You should also make a note of exactly where the accident occurred and take a picture of the area, if possible. Always date and sign the back of the pictures, if applicable.
- You should also get the contact information of any witnesses.
- Be sure to disclose all of your injuries to the doctor/physician who is treating you so there is a record of your injuries.
- You should then notify the council or owner responsible for the area where your slip, trip or fall accident occurred in writing about the event.
- Keep a log of any physical or psychological symptoms. Keep any receipts for medication needed as well as any travel expenses and loss of income.
Please remember, for all the above personal injury claim categories, you have 3 years within to make a claim otherwise you will not be able to pursue a claim for compensation.