Accident Compensation

Accident compensation: the first steps

If you have been in an accident that you believe was caused by another persons negligence then it is important you collect as much supporting evidence as you can in order to make a claim. In the workplace there is a whole range of legislation to support you in addition to the normal laws of negligence and that make it much easier to succeed with claims. In all cases you want as much detail to corroborate your story as you can get.

For example, if you have been in a road traffic accident then get the personal details of as many witnesses as you can. If the police attended the scene then get the attending officer’s name. If you are injured at work then make sure you complete an accident report and that your employer passes on details of the accident to the Health and Safety Executive. If you trip and fall then take measurements and a photo of the obstacle you fell into/over, that caused your accident, and make a careful note of the time and place you fell.

Always seek medical treatment from a GP or hospital as soon as you can after the accident. You could well be suffering from shock that may disguise a trauma so it is worth being examined even if you think the injury is only minor. Keep a note of all expenses you incur as a result of the accident, especially if you suffer from any loss of earnings. It is also important not to lie about the extent of your injury or exaggerate your claim as this could result in you not receiving anything.

Once you have definitely decided to go ahead with your claim it is important to get good advice. Accident compensation is a complex area of law and you may need to see a lawyer. The first step is to visit a Citizen’s Advice Bureau or Local Law Centre. If you are going to claim under $1000 then you can do this yourself in the Small Claims Court. For larger amounts you would be better off seeking legal advice before proceeding. There are plenty of lawyers who specialize in this area and they may be happy to assess your case for free before proceeding.