Motor Accident Claims
Regrettably, most of us
will experience a motor accident at some
time in our lives. If you are involved a road
traffic accident, even if you are fortunate
enough to not be injured, there is valuable
advice you should follow including things that
you should and shouldn't do.If you, a friend
or a loved one is unfortunate enough to suffer a
personal injury from a motor accident,
you should consult a
personal injury solicitor
Don't Move!
If involved in a motor accident
resulting in injury, or sizeable damage to
your vehicle, don't move from the scene of
the accident until the police arrive and
advise that you're ok to leave. If you're in
any way unsure about the 'quantum' or amount
of financial damage caused by an accident;
take care of your actions as these can
impact on any claim you make and affect any
testimony you may have to make in court.
Seek Medical Help
Has someone been injured in the motor accident? Are you or anyone at the
scene trained first aid? Then get them, or
yourself to the injured immediately. Ensure
that injured person isn't moved. Instruct
the nearest person to contact the police and
report the accident. Giving details of who
is injured, how many persons are involved so
that suitable emergency help is dispatched.
Do what you can to warn and divert oncoming
traffic away from the accident using hazard
lights and any warning triangles available.
Collect Information
Whether a motor accident, or any
other type of accident, be sure to detail
the following information about:
A.
Any
witnesses details including:
i) name
ii) address iii) telephone number.
B.
The other
drivers details including:
i) name ii) address iii) insurance
details iv) license plate and vehicle
information
C.
Location of the accident
including:
i) where the accident happened ii) road
conditions iii) speed limits iv) traffic
signals v) weather & lighting conditions.
D.
Police
officers details including:
i) police officer's number ii) an
incident number iii) an accident report. The
office should be happy to furnish you with
this information.
E.
Accident
details
including
i) how the accident occurred ii)
direction of travel of the vehicles involved
in the accident ii) what the cars were doing
at the time of the collision.
Keep these notes safe as they may be
required if you have to go to court.
Don't admit liability
In many motor accidents liability
may seem clear, but in the shock of the
situation it's safer not to admit liability.
A number of factors which may have played a
role in the accident may come to light after
investigation which may lay the liability at
the door of the other driver.
The only statements you have to make is
to the police and no-one else as this may
affect a testimony you may have to make at a
future date. Only detail the facts to the
police and they will assess the information
at hand themselves in their report.
Seek Medical Attention
However minor you injury, to seek medical
attention makes sense as a simple bruise may
lead to internal bleeding for example if not
checked out by a professional. Getting a
handle on the severity of the injury at the
time will also help you in any motor accident claim you may decide to put
forward.
For example, if your injuries are not
reported immediately the other driver may
argue that the injuries sustained are not
related to the accident and happened before
or afterwards.
Typically, shock and adrenaline caused by
any accident can hide the true symptoms of
your motor accident
Be sure to give the medical practitioner as
much information as possible about how
you're feeling as a result of the road
traffic accident including:
i) loss of memory ii) headaches iii)
blood or fluid in your ear iv) dizziness v)
ringing in the ears vi) disorientation
vii)nausea viii) confusion or other unusual
physical or mental feelings
To
prevent the onset of a concussion or other
head and brain injuries do not avoid
speaking to a medical practitioner or a
doctor.
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