A car accident is never the same, similar but never the same. So logically a car accident claim can never be the same. Accidents do on the other hand occur in the millions every year, however making a successful compensation claim is difficult to get right if you don't make the right moves. All Car Accidents Are Unique There's one thing you need to beware of and that is accident 'management' companies either attending the scene or hospital. Theses are salespeople who work on a commission basis. You always have the good and the bad ones. Your job would be to distinguish the good from the bad. 99% of the time, these people will want your injury claim. Even if it means by-passing the small print! Another thing to note is, never listen to previous case success stories. What happened in the last case can't be guaranteed in your case. So don't fall for the money, settlement time or success stories. Tips To Make A Successful Car Accident Claim Car accident injury claims are major players in the 'personal injury litigation' market. They are straightforward as liability is admitted and vital information is exchanged at the scene. Information such as driver and insurance details, where the accident took place, when and how. If the police attend the scene, both parties will be given a producer, which states that the accident did occur. Further from there it will be logged on the national database for any inquires. Now For The Secrets... A 'quality' accident solicitor will explain the procedures in 'full' and then ask if you have any questions. Don't ever say NO! You could be falling into a trap. Do ask these important questions such as... " Will I get the 'whole' of my compensation? If yes... continue
" Will I need to pay a fee? If no... continue
" Do you recover costs from the other side (i.e. people at fault)? If yes... continue
" Would I need to pay anyone any money once my claim is settled? If no... proceed. Passengers In A Car Accident Passengers are innocent victims in a vehicle and can be from either, the fault or non-fault side. Passengers are not in-charge of the vehicle at hand. Therefore they can always make a successful compensation claim provided they have been to a hospital or visited a doctor. A passenger can be in the form of, a husband, wife, child, cousin or a friend, at fault or not, they are entitled to claim compensation. They can make a claim against the people who have hit them whilst in the car. Liability acceptance for an accident can cause confusion in itself. Do you think it was your fault? Either way, you can still make a successful claim! If on the other hand you are the driver and it is your fault, then you won't have any success of making a claim, however, the passengers will. Payment Factors There are circumstances where compensation payments are reduced for a number of reasons. The most common ones are for not wearing a seat belt, which marginally reduces the payment by 25%. Another major factor is for drink driving. If a passenger knowledgably knew the driver was unfit to drive due to excess intoxication, a reduction will be made accordingly. There are cases where the driver admits part liability on a proportion basis. Generally it's 50/50, but it needs to be assessed by an investigator who will examine who's at fault before concluding. There are even some cases that result to 80/20. Decision Dilemmas You DO NOT need to hold back thinking it was your friend's or family's car. They pay insurance premiums every year to ensure if anything happens, they're covered and so are their passengers. You also need NOT WORRY if you were in a taxi, bus, train or any other form of public transport. You can still proceed with an accident compensation claim, as the drivers are insured, as is the taxi, train and bus driver. Companies pay thousands every year in insurance premiums to cover passengers for these unfortunate accidents and injuries. On speaking to a quality car accident solicitor will you be able to eliminate doubts in your head about payments, fees and procedures! |
