Avoiding Common Mistakes After an Accident

Having an accident can be a stressful and confused time. Even though your safety and well-being should always come first, it’s important to know that how you handle the fallout can have a big effect on your chances of getting paid. After an accident, a lot of people make these mistakes. Here are some ways to avoid them.

Failing to Report the Incident

Not reporting the crash at the time is one of the worst mistakes. Many people don’t tell the right people about their injuries because they are embarrassed or think the harm isn’t serious. If you fall in a public place, for example, you should tell the owner or group in charge of the area. When you report an incident, you make an official record that is very helpful when you are making a claim.

You can send an email or web report after the fact if you can’t fill out the accident report at the scene. You should always ask for a copy of the report or write down the complaint number and the name of the person you talked to. If you report something late, you might lose important evidence, which would make it harder to show your case.

 Not Getting Any Proof

A personal harm claim that is successful must be based on evidence. Not writing down what happened can make it hard to prove who is responsible for the accident. As soon as possible, take pictures of the scene, making sure to include any dangers that may have caused the accident.

Pro tip – To show scale in pictures of flaws like uneven pavement, use a known object like a coin or a card.

Do not forget to get the witness’s contact information. The more witnesses who agree with your story of what happened, the stronger your claim will be. Also, ask about CCTV footage and make a written request that it be kept. This can be very helpful visual proof.

Not Getting Medical Help

A lot of people play down their injuries or don’t go to the doctor because they don’t have time or because the adrenaline rush makes the pain less intense. A medical test, on the other hand, not only makes sure that your health is taken care of, but it also gives you independent proof that you were hurt. Call your doctor or go to the emergency room, even if the damage seems small.

Make sure that the medical professional writes down all the correct information about what happened. This paperwork will be very important as proof when a claim is being made.

Not Seeing Financial Losses

Besides hurting people physically, accidents at work or on the road often cost a lot of money. They may also include costs that you have to pay, such as hospital bills, lost wages, and property damage. If you don’t keep track of these loses, you might miss out on the money you are owed.

Keep all of your receipts, bills, and records of interactions. You can claim even small costs, like parking fees for doctor’s visits or over-the-counter medicines. If you can, pay with a credit card so that you can keep a record of what you buy.

Not Making the Case for Negligence

To win a personal injury case, you have to show that the other person was careless and didn’t follow through on their duty of care to you. You’re building a strong case by reporting the accident, gathering proof, getting medical help, and keeping track of your losses.

What SilverOak Solicitors Can Do To Help

We at SilverOak Solicitors can help you if you’ve been hurt in an accident that wasn’t your fault. You will have the best chance of getting pay because our experienced personal injury team will help you through every step of the claims process.

To get in touch with us right away, call 020 8578 7778 or use our online form. Please let us help you get what’s right.