An accident can happen anywhere and at any time. They quite literally take us by surprise. These events can have a considerable impact on our daily lives if you’re seriously injured as a result. Medical expenses can build up, and your ability to work affected too.
Most people will have an accident and go through the recovery process, blaming themselves or lady luck for their misfortune. However, if you’ve had an accident that wasn’t your fault, then you are within your rights to pursue compensation.
Liability usually falls to the company owner or landowner where your accident happened. For example, a slip and fall on a wet floor in a supermarket would see the owner of that business responsible for your medical care and wage losses.
If you’ve been in an accident and are not sure if you can claim or how to proceed, then read on to find out what you should do.
Recover
Your health is paramount, and the very first thing you should focus on is recovery. If you’re planning to file a claim, then it’s best to see a doctor who’ll record their findings even if you think it’s just a bruise.
By doing this, you are not only ensuring that you receive the proper care after your accident, but you’re also starting a trail of paper evidence you’ll need for your claim.
An accident, however big or small, can have detrimental effects on your mental health. It’s vital that you take the time to speak to friends and family about how you’re feeling. Be open about any support you’ll need during your recovery period.
Collect Evidence
Additionally, to collecting doctors’ notes about your injuries, you should collate further evidence to support your claim.
This could be in the form of letters from your place of work giving you leave for recovery, photographs of the area in which your accident happened to prove its unsafe, witnesses, or CCTV footage to support your claim about warning signs or other accounts of the incident.
The more evidence you can gather, the stronger your case will be, and the more likely your claim will turn into compensation for your losses.
Contact a Lawyer
Seeking the services of a personal injury lawyer to represent you and guide you through the process is an option you shouldn’t dismiss. Yes, you can file independently, but your success rate is low if you don’t have the knowledge of the legal system or severe injuries with lengthy evidence for their liability.
A lawyer will help collect evidence and build a strong case for your settlement, speaking on your behalf and navigating the laws with your best interests in mind. Furthermore, if the accused take proceedings to court, your lawyer will be an asset you don’t want to be without.
With a lawyer on your side, you can be reassured that they have your case in their best interests. Personal injury lawyers recognize that a visit to their services gives you the necessary time to focus on your medical treatment rather than your claim.
Final Thoughts
Remember, health means more in life than money, and recovering from your accident should be your priority in any instance. With that being said, know your rights and take actions when you’ve had an accident that wasn’t your fault.
Don’t be out of pocket if your accident means time off work or medical expenses. Get a lawyer to represent you in claiming the funds you deserve. Remember to collect evidence along the way and speak openly and honestly with your representation and your family.