Getting severely injured in a motor accident can have a tremendous impact on your life. When that happens to you, your only consolation is the thought that you can make a claim for personal injury compensation.
While being in this situation can be physically, mentally, and financially stressful, it is possible to stay financially secure—but only if you have proper knowledge of the law. Especially when your injuries are too serious to make it impossible for you to return to work, understanding your legal rights will help you get by.
Since making a claim is your only chance to secure your future following a motor accident, it is imperative that you make it right. Here are some of the things that will help you make a successful motor vehicle accident claim:
Don’t wait too long before you file a claim
One way of increasing your chances of making a successful claim is by making sure that you accomplish your Application for Personal Injury Benefits Form within 28 days of the accident. It is important to lodge your claim within the time frame provided, as this will ensure that your weekly wage does not stop after the accident. This will also ensure that all the expenses related to your treatment and recovery will be covered by the responsible party.
While you can complete your application within three months, it is best to claim your statutory benefits shortly after the accident so you won’t have to spend a penny on your medical treatments out of your own pocket and continue getting your wage every week.
Make sure to report the accident to the police
The reason behind this is that you cannot claim for statutory benefits unless the accident has been verified—which means it has been reported to the proper authorities within 28 days of its occurrence. Don’t miss out on this part since if you fail to report the accident within the timeframe provided, you run the risk of not being able to claim your statutory benefits.
If the motor accident is serious enough, chances are authorities will arrive at the scene and provide you with a police event number. Take note of that number since you will need that when it is time to make a claim. If no authorities arrive at the scene, you need to get in touch with the police to notify them about the accident and obtain an event number.
Make sure all your injuries are documented
If your injuries are not that serious, you may consider skipping the hassle of seeing a doctor and just have yourself treated at home. While you can do that, it won’t help your case if you are planning to make a claim. Why? Because you will need all your clinical records to support your claim. When you have a licensed physician to check up on you after the accident, you have someone to take care of your medical records, which should detail all your injuries. These records will also document whatever symptoms you may have—both minor and major—as a result of the incident.
Claim for common law damages promptly
Aside from statutory benefits, you are also entitled to common law damages when you get injured in a motor accident. Under the law, you should be able to claim these damages within 20 months after the accident. Don’t risk making a claim beyond the allowable time frame if you don’t want your weekly wages to stop. With the assistance of an experienced lawyer, you can easily accomplish your Application for Common Law Damages form and have it forwarded to the insurer. That is usually all it takes to continue getting your weekly payments and payments for medical expenses until your claim has been finalized.
Choose an experienced lawyer
Of all the items on this list, this is probably the most important. You know, it is almost impossible to make a successful motor vehicle accident claim without a lawyer representing you throughout the process. With experienced lawyers like Turner Freeman, car and motor accident lawyers in Perth, you know your chances of success, what compensation you are entitled to receive, and how long your case will take to come to a settlement. Make sure that your lawyer tells you every detail relevant to your claim from the outset.
Remember, you only have one chance to make a motor accident claim and get the compensation that will guarantee your financial security. If you end up choosing the wrong lawyer, you run the risk of making wrong decisions that might only sabotage your claim.
