If you’ve been injured in an accident, then you may need to file a personal injury claim to receive compensation from the person or entity responsible for the accident. Personal injury claims are not always black and white, which is why you should work with an experienced lawyer. If you’re unsure how to navigate this type of claim, working with a lawyer specialising in personal injury claims, like Adendorff Attorneys Inc., is your best option.
After an accident, it can be challenging to figure out what to do next. But the steps you take right away could have huge impacts on your claim later. This article will cover some important tips for personal injury claims to make the journey easier for you.
Tip 1: Be Careful What You Say
Accidents happen. And they happen quickly. While speaking with the other parties involved may be necessary, it is important to exercise discretion when communicating with the other parties. You are under no duty to state whose fault the accident or injury was, or to offer any additional information in the case of a car accident. Making statements at the scene of a road accident may make your chances of a successful personal injury claim more difficult later on.
Tip 2: Always get a Medical Examination After an Accident
After being injured in an accident, the most important thing to do is to seek medical treatment. Many people think that if they don’t feel any pain or discomfort right after the accident, then there is no need for examination. Make sure you get medical treatment even if you don’t feel any pain or distress right away. The chances are you might experience severe pain or discomfort in the future. Brain injuries, for example, may only show symptoms at a later stage.
You put your injury claim at risk if you don’t go to the doctor following an accident. The person responsible for your injury could use the fact that you didn’t seek medical treatment to call into question the severity of your injuries and your compensation claim.
Tip 3: Report the Accident to the Police
If you’re in an accident and don’t think you have been seriously injured, you should still report the case to the police. In South Africa, you are not allowed to leave the scene of an accident if someone is hurt. It might seem like a hassle, but it’s an opportunity to get important facts documented and to get support from law enforcement. In addition to having records of the facts of the accident, a police report would likely be used in court if you proceed with a personal injury case.
Tip 4: Keep Records of Everything You Can
There are likely multiple costs and expenses which will arise related to a car or train accident. This may include hospital bills or property damage. You may lose wages because of missing work. Write down all information you have relating to the accident while it is still fresh in your mind. It may seem unimportant at the time, but it will all help your personal injury claim. In the case of a train accident, details such as train departure times and arrivals, a copy of ticket and witness statements are essential.
Tip 5: Don’t Sign Anything!
It is important never to sign anything that pertains to personal injury without understanding the legal ramifications. For example, you shouldn’t sign a release form if you don’t understand what it will mean for you in the future. In the case of the Road Accident Fund (RAF), don’t agree to a settlement figure until you have consulted with your personal injury lawyer. Adendorff Attorneys inc. will assess your case for free.
Tip 6: Consult a Specialised Personal Injury Lawyer
After you’ve been injured, it’s important to find the right personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Finding the right lawyer is an important factor in your recovery from losses and injuries to justice and compensation.
The bottom line: if you’re injured and need ongoing medical treatment or financial support, you need the help of a personal injury firm like Adendorff Attorneys Inc. to recover the maximum payout from the negligent party.
Need help with a personal injury claim?
Our friendly attorneys are waiting for your call. Adendorff Attorneys Inc. has over 20 years of experience helping victims with claims for compensation from the Road Accident Fund (RAF) and the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA). We will help you obtain all the information and documentation you need for your claim.
