Articles
This is some text to introduce the articles
• Back Injury
• Blindness and eye injuries
• Broken bones
• Burns and scarring
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Catastrophic injury
• Deafness and hearing problems
• Fatal injuries
• Food poisoning
• Hand arm vibration syndrome
• Head or brain injury
• Loss of limb
• Loss of taste and smell
• MRSA
• Muscle / soft tissue injury
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
• Skin conditions / dermatitis
• Spinal injury
• Stress at work
• Whiplash
• Preventing Accidents - Children
• Preventing Accidents - Drivers
• Steps for Car Accident Insurance Claims
• Claim for Personal Injury and Car Accidents in the UK
• Why You Need a Skilled Car Accident Lawyer
• After a Car Accident-Do You Need a Lawyer?
• What You Need to do to Protect Yourself After a Car Accident
Asbestos-related illnesses top
Back Injury
A back injury is literally a pain in the neck for thousands of people in the U.K.
Back pain, especially in the lower back, effects most people in the U.K. and the causes are varied, but a back injury is the most common culprit. But if you feel that it has been caused at work, or through someone’s negligence, then maybe there is case for a claim.
Most people view a back injury as a fact of life, but you should not suffer, as such injuries can not only effect your life in financial terms, but also in your enjoyment of life.
Pain from a back injury is usually gone by six weeks and is known by the medical profession as acute at this stage. If it lasts for over three months it is known as chronic and attention is highly recommended.
Most back injury accidents occur at work and usually involve poor lifting techniques. It is up to the employer to firstly assess the risks involved in performing a particular task and whether a particular part of the process at their premises puts their employees at risk.
If they fail to do this, or ask an employee to perform an unsafe task, then it needs investigating. Even being asked to lift boxes of paper to load into a photo-copier might be judged in hindsight as unwise.
It’s advisable that people do not underestimate the seriousness of a back injury and professional help should be sought.
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Blindness and Eye Injuries
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Broken Bones
Broken bones are painful, inconvenient and can take a long time healing.
And broken bones can result in long term health problems which if not addressed, can have a detrimental effect on a person’s financial wellbeing.
Broken bones can occur in many ways and it can be a very painful condition which can take a long time to mend. And if the condition is not treated properly from the outset, it can lead to many complications, including many forms of arthritis.
There are two main types of broken bones: a simple, or closed fracture (one which has not broken through the skin); or, a compound, or open fracture (where the bone has broken through the skin).
Implications of having broken bones include: a great deal of pain; swelling around the broken bone; unable to move around as before; certain tasks cannot be performed; many weeks of treatment; or, possibly physiotherapy.
Broken bones can result from a simple slip, or trip, or follow an accident at work, or a road traffic accident.
And broken bones need long term medical attention.
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Burns and Scarring
Burns and scarring do not only affect the body physically.
The pain, potential scarring and disfigurement, and the emotional trauma of being burnt, all add up to a complex condition. Once the physical signs of burns and scarring have disappeared, the psychological effects can last for years.
Fortunately, most people suffer only minor burns and scarring, which do not involve hospital visits. But for those that have suffered serious burns through the negligence of another party, then claiming for compensation should be seriously considered.
There are a number of ways someone can sustain burns and scarring, and most often they happen at work, or in road accidents. Naked flames, burning liquids, or toxic chemicals are the main culprits.
It is also worth noting that, sadly, nearly 50% of people who are burnt are children, mainly from accidents in the kitchen, or being exposed to a too hot bath. So incidents of burns and scarring are not limited to major accidents; they can happen anywhere and with little warning.
Burns and scarring are, unfortunately, facts of life and they need to be treated seriously.
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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
In the U.K., an average of 30 people a year are killed via carbon monoxide poisoning.
The awful fact about carbon monoxide poisoning is that the gas in question is a silent killer. It does not announce its presence; it is a gas which has no smell, taste, or colour.
And most people are exposed to the devastating effects of carbon monoxide poisoning via central heating boilers, whether in their own home, their place of work, or on holiday. And all too often its blame in accidents is overlooked.
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include dizziness; difficulty in breathing; and, sickness.
Because it is difficult to spot and diagnose, many people have been repeatedly exposed over a long period of time to the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning.
The U.K. Government has recently warned GPs to remember to consider the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning when they examined patients who were complaining of headaches and general restlessness.
The effects of carbon monoxide poisoning can last for years and cause permanent problems.
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Catastrophic Injury
A catastrophic injury has a dramatic impact upon a person’s life.
Nothing in life is for certain and sustaining what’s known as a catastrophic injury, such as a loss of a limb, a brain injury, or major burns, will have far-reaching consequences, both emotionally and financially.
But catastrophic injuries are complicated issues. It is not just a matter of getting treatment, being cured and getting better. The long term effects are usually substantial and the more help you can get, over a longer period, the better.
A catastrophic injury will undoubtedly change a person’s life, but one of the main considerations, is that although the injury will have an immediate disabling effect, the recompense is not immediate and can take years to win. So, interim payments become a priority and part of the reason in seeking professional help with all such cases, is to ensure that the person effected is not financially distraught while compensation is claimed.
So, a long term catastrophic injury requires a long term approach from a highly professional team.
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Deafness and Hearing Problems
As people age, most people will be hit with deafness and hearing problems, but going gradually deaf through old age is somewhat different from going deaf through work related noise, or from poor treatment after an illness.
The problem of deafness and hearing problems is that many people do blame the ageing process, or even deny any problem at all, which mainly comes down to vanity.
But for those that have worked in jobs where noises are common, deafness and hearing problems, should not be treated as an inconvenience. It deserves attention.
Many people become aware of deafness and hearing problems
through a condition called tinnitus, which can seriously impair their hearing. It involves a ringing in their ears which can happen all the time, or periodically. Either way, it can literally drive people to despair.
What many people might not realise is that exposure to the deadly gas carbon monoxide is often a cause of deafness and hearing problems. And with many people unknowingly exposed to this gas via faulty boilers, it has become a major problem in the U.K.
And if your deafness and hearing problems have been caused by a negligent employer, then you should be taking the appropriate steps to make a claim.
Deafness and hearing problems can seriously impact upon a person’s life, so they need to be addressed very quickly.
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Fatal Injuries
Fatal injuries are one of life’s great traumas.
A fatal injury, such as a loss of a relative can not only leave emotional scars, it can have a singularly catastrophic effect on a family’s well-being, especially when considering the financial implications of a fatality.
But there is a high emotional impact with a fatal injury, as so many other people are affected. Partners, children and other relatives are all pulled into a dramatic event which can tear families apart.
Professional help is needed when it comes to fatal injuries, and a specialist team is needed tounderstand what a difficult time a death caused by an accident can represent. People need help through every part of the process and beyond.
Professional help when it comes to fatal injuries should also offer the relatives a counselling service which includes legal advice and looking after their best interests.
Claims in the area of fatal injuries might include long term financial help, short term help (such as funeral costs) and compensation for all the stress and pain involved.
Fatal injuries should not be endured alone.
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Food Poisoning
Food poisoning is a fact of life and one of the risks everyone has to face if they want to eat out, or buy food from the shops.
Millions suffer from food poisoning every year and most of us grin and bear it, but sometimes it can be so dramatic, that deaths have occurred.
Food poisoning usually happens because of bad food, or poor hygiene in the preparation process and the symptoms are quite easy to spot, as they can be particularly unpleasant. They include
stomach ache, sickness, diarrhea, high temperature and listlessness.
Food poisoning is caused by parasites and viruses coming into contact with the food, and in most cases, the human body can often fight them off without too much effort. But in more serious cases, it can lead to major complications and needs investigating.
But although many people have strong bodily defenses against food poisoning, it can have terrible consequences in the most severe of cases, causing serious illness, or even death.
Food poisoning can be easily avoided, so when a person gets ill because of carelessness, or from cutting corners, then a claim should be seriously considered.
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Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome
Hand arm vibration syndrome is a particularly nasty condition.
And those who have spent some years working with vibrating tools will know this condition only too well. Hand arm vibration syndrome can effect the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders and back; often causing a great deal of pain. If you feel that you are suffering this condition because of your job, then you should talk to us.
There are few effective treatments for hand arm vibration syndrome, which is also known as vibration white finger (because the fingers turn white) and it does cause people serious problems, including a loss of sensitivity in the hands and the inability to pick things up, or to write.
Most at risk from hand arm vibration syndrome are those that have worked with vibrating tools for a good part of their careers and employers are bound by health and safety laws to limit their employees exposure to such conditions.
But what people have to bear in mind when considering a hand arm vibration syndrome claim, is that if the effects were caused before 1975, it is unlikely they will succeed, as the employer cannot be held responsible before that date.
Hand arm vibration syndrome is a condition that can last for a whole lifetime and as there are few effective treatments, it does require some serious consideration.
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Head Injury, Brain Injury
A head injury, or a brain injury are not straightforward.
And it is a sad fact that over 150,000 people are affected by a head injury, or a brain injury every year because of accidents.
But people have to understand that a serious head injury, or brain injury, can effect the rest of your life.
And what makes the situation even more tricky is that it is not always obvious as to what kind of damage the head injury, or brain injury, has caused.
The effects of a head injury, or brain injury, can last hours, or years, and with such injuries you should seek the best medical advice and help.
The symptoms of a head injury, or brain injury can include dizziness, sickness, or partial loss of sight. And even if the symptoms are not obvious at first, they can manifest themselves much later.
If in doubt, do not take any risks with a head injury, or brain injury. Always err on the side of caution.
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Loss of Limb
The loss of a limb following an accident has major implications not only for the person concerned, but also the people around them.
With the loss of a limb, the health and psychological implications are immense, so expert advice is needed.
The issues surrounding a loss of a limb are complex and involve long term medical care, rehabilitation back home, financial considerations and emotional trauma.
The loss of a limb will mean that returning to what you might consider normal, everyday life, will take years to achieve, so it’s a matter that deserves care and attention.
You will need help when it comes to the loss of a limb.
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Loss of Taste and Smell
Along with eyesight, taste and smell are key senses that people usually take for granted. But if you experience a loss of taste and smell, then the consequences can be very significant indeed.
The loss of taste and smell will have a dramatic effect on your life, not only in terms of enjoyment, but also in terms of health. Taste and smell help protect you against many dangers, so they should be working as well as possible.
There are a number of common causes for the loss of taste and smell and these can clear up, but problems can also occur if your nervous system is damaged, say from a blow to the head, or exposure to dangerous chemicals.
If you are suffering from a loss of taste and smell, then you need professional medical assistance as quickly as possible.
The loss of taste and smell, like the loss of eyesight, is no laughing matter and if they have been lost because of an accident, then people can rightly claim some redress.
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MRSA top
Muscle Injury, Soft Tissue Injury
A muscle injury, or a soft tissue injury, basically refers to general bruising, strains, dislocations, or sprains. These are quite common and can be caused by a number of situations, including trips, slips, tears, or knocks whilst walking, driving, playing sport, or shopping.
A soft tissue injury is caused by broken blood vessels under the skin and the resultant bruising can cause a great deal of discomfort. And it usually follows a physical knock, or blow. Bruising can also have other complications, so it should not be dismissed as unimportant.
A muscle injury is a particularly painful condition and might involve, for example, a bone that has become dislocated from its natural position. Shoulders are particularly vulnerable to such problems and although medical treatment can quite quickly alleviate the pain, long term problems can persist.
A sprain is also a type of muscle injury which sounds innocent enough, but a major sprain can cause a lot of pain and last for some time, especially if it needs the help of a plaster to heal.
Technically, a muscle injury sprain concerns the stretching, or tearing of ligaments that connect bones, and the ankle is particularly vulnerable.
Another kind of muscle injury is a strain, which involves the twisting, or pulling of a muscle, or a tendon, and although they cause less pain than sprains, or their effects don’t last as long, they can be a real nuisance, causing a necessary change to your life.
Muscle injuries, or soft tissue injuries, are the sort of problems that are far too easily dismissed as irrelevant. But their effects can be significant and can have long term financial implications.
So don’t dismiss the impact that a muscle injury, or a soft tissue injury can have upon your life.
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Post-traumatic stress disorder
Most people have heard of post-traumatic stress disorder, especially when reading about soldiers returning from war zones.
But few realise that post-traumatic stress disorder can happen to anyone, not just soldiers.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is basically a severe emotional reaction to an event which threatens your life. Therefore, surviving a major car crash, or a train, or plane crash, can lead anyone to suffer from the condition.
And post-traumatic stress disorder can also afflict those who witness a major traumatic event.
Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder include nightmares;
flashbacks; reliving the occurrence; guilt; not sleeping; unable to concentrate; lack of interest in everyday life; relationship difficulties; irritability; sweating/shakes; and, illness.
What makes post-traumatic stress disorder worse is the inability of many doctors to diagnose it properly, or for many, including the sufferers, to admit that it is exists as a medical condition.
But, because the whole subject of post-traumatic stress disorder is so wrapped up with emotive arguments, and is viewed by many as a medical grey area, it is worth getting serious professional help.
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Repetitive Strain Injury
The problems caused by repetitive strain injury affects literally thousands of people every day in the U.K.
Repetitive strain injury occurs when people are involved in a repetitive physical tasks which places stress on certain parts of the body.
Repetitive strain injury affects workers across a wide range of jobs, including machine operators, computer users and musicians.
The symptoms of repetitive strain injury include tingling/numbness in hands; stiffness in fingers; pain in a joints, arms and back; and, pain relief when stopping the task.
Repetitive strain injury symptoms can take six months to become apparent.
Repetitive strain injuries cover a number of conditions, including: carpal tunnel syndrome; tendonitis; and, tenosynovitis. People are not often properly aware of the damages that it can cause, but if the condition is ignored, then it will get worse and worse, leading to quite severe complications.
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Skin conditions / dermatitis top
Spinal Injury
A spinal injury can be a very serious injury and should not be treated lightly. The human spine is a very vulnerable part of the body and damage in this region can have very serious consequences.
With a spinal injury, a person’s life can be severely restricted. It can lead to a paralysis of the legs (known as paraplegia), or arms and legs (known as tetraplegia). But that’s not all, also problems with bowel function, sexual activity and a general slowdown in mobility.
Thus, a spinal injury can lead to major financial problems for the parties affected. And in this instance, you might need help with interim payments to ensure you still get the best out of your life.
A spinal injury is not something that you can put right quickly. It takes time and patience, and the help of a specialist team, behind you.
A spinal injury can have a devastating effect to a person’s life, so it should be treated seriously.
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Stress at work
Stress at work is a common problem.
But when stress at work gets too much and effects your performance, and your home life, then matters should be addressed as quickly as possible.
And if the stress at work is directly down to unfair conditions at work, then a claim can be made.
Stress at work shows itself in many forms, so keep an eye open for the common symptoms which include headaches, palpitations, irregular breathing, panic attacks, crying, stomach ache, fainting and black-outs.
The long term effects of stress at work can be asthma, depression, heart attacks and ulcers. If not addressed, it can cause major problems.
A number of things can cause stress at work, including bullying, harassment, unreasonable demands, rows over pay/conditions, disagreements with colleagues, bad working conditions, or, physical danger.
Your employer has a duty to ensure that you are as free from stress at work as possible. This does not mean an excuse to underperform, but a right to operate within the perimeters of your job description.
Stress at work has to be treated seriously and not regarded as something to be borne without complaint.
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Whiplash
Whiplash is not just about being jolted forward in a car accident. It can be caused by doing something quite innocent, such as holding a phone to your ear for long periods of time, and suffering strain in the neck.
The symptoms of whiplash include neck stiffness, muscle spasms, dizziness, shoulder pain, tiredness and blurred vision.
The jolt of the head following a crash in a car is the commonest cause of whiplash. It comes from the sudden movement of the head which damages the muscles in the neck.
One of the unfortunate things about whiplash is that it can take days to appear and gradually gets worse. Often people will say they are okay after an accident, but then notice their pain increasingly over time.
With whiplash, it is important to not delay, but act quickly.
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Preventing Accidents - Children
We can all do our bit in preventing accidents, especially when it comes to cutting down the tragic amount of child road deaths.
In 2006 alone a staggering 169 children were killed on the U.K.’s roads, an increase of over 13% over 2005. And of the 169, some 71 were child pedestrians and what’s more, 55% of those that were killed, were cycling. So when it comes to preventing accidents, children must become a priority. They have to be taught how to behave on the roads and what dangers they will face.
The age group most vulnerable to road accidents is those kids under nine, as they are too young to judge speed, distances and developing situations. And as they are small, they are also harder for drivers to spot. So for them, preventing accidents is crucial.
The role of the parent is therefore very important when it comes to preventing accidents as they can do much to educate their child about the dangers of the road. Under fives need special attention and the parent should, when the opportunity presents itself, show a child how to cross a road, how to walk safely along a pavement, avoid parked cars when crossing the road and to keep clear when vehicles are maneuvering.
The next age group, the five to nine-year-olds, have the advantage of being able to understand more of what’s happening around them, so it is easer to teach them when preventing accidents is the main concern. This age group can safely rationalize a number of things, including road signs, traffic lights, crossing the road rules and cycling on a pavement whilst under supervision.
Once the child gets to ten, they really should be fully conversant with roads, the dangers they represent and the basic safety measures, as this makes preventing accidents a lot easier.
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Preventing Accidents - Drivers
Lets face it, when it comes to preventing accidents, driving is one of the biggest worries. Driving is a dangerous activity and there are a number of things that crop up each time there is a road accident. Such things as speed and road ‘attitude’ are two of the biggest worries.
Take speed first; this is the cause of the majority of road accidents and until drivers, especially young drivers, fully appreciate the inherent dangers of fast driving, then preventing accidents will be increasingly difficult.
Unfortunately, to fully appreciate the dangers of speed whilst driving, requires a degree of experience and for those that have just passed their test, that is in short supply. Newly tested drivers are the most vulnerable, but also the most reckless, so in recognising this and as a way of preventing accidents, the law comes down hard on young speeders. Few people realise that they can be banned from driving within two years if they accrue six points on their licence for speeding. And they will have to re-take their licence.
So when it comes to preventing accidents and speed, the best advice for any young driver, is to stick to the speed limit. Although, with today’s proliferation of speed signs and road furniture, this is often harder than it sounds.
And young drivers would do well to take on the concept of defensive driving when preventing accidents. The correct attitude when driving is essential. Drivers should not see their car as a weapon which they can wield, subject to their mood swings.
Defensively driving is now taught at driving schools and comes down to anticipating trouble way before it happens and taking the appropriate action, whilst staying calm and in control. It is playing a large role in preventing accidents and will become increasingly important over the years.
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Steps for Car Accident Insurance Claims
Car accidents can lead to severe injuries, permanent disability, and even death. Apart from the physical pain, the bearer also goes through emotional trauma as well as property damage and loss of income. All this can be compensated for either by the party at fault or the insurer. After an accident, the first and foremost thing to do is to seek compensation for the damages.
Time is an important factor so ensure that your claim to the insurance company is made as quickly as possible, as insurance companies usually provide a time period in which you need to fill in the claim. If that time period is missed, then there are chances that the claim will not be valid.
Do not take as gospel everything that your insurance agent tells you, especially with regard to your claim. Most insurance companies like to settle claims for an amount smaller than that actually suffered.
Under uninsured motorist coverage, you can file a claim against the party at fault. Once the former has been filed, you can also file a claim against the insurer. Be patient as this process is often long and tedious. The Accident Advice Centre can do all this for you saving you time and hassle.
Following are crucial dos and don’ts that need to be considered when filing your insurance claim:
- Keep a copy of the police report.
- Read carefully the protection that your insurance policy will provide.
- Keep a medical release copy of the medical record as it will be presented to the insurance company. Ensure that you make a claim for physical injuries under medical pay coverage. Attach any relevant storage and towing bills for your vehicle as well.
- Ensure that you acquire at least two car repair estimates if your car is written off. Attach estimates and permit the concerned party to photograph your car. If further damages are discovered during the repair process, notify your agent.
- Get as many details as possible of the accident. Take pictures of the damaged vehicle, as well as acquiring the contact numbers of any witnesses.
- Ensure that you keep a written account of your conversations with the insurance agent and other people involved in the accident.
- Consult the Accident Advice Centre as soon as possible and we will handle all aspects of the claim for you - and it won’t cost you a penny.
- Consult a car insurance lawyer as he will be familiar with the legal procedures and provide better guidance. Do not give anything in writing to your insurance officer especially if you do not understand some part of the claim. If you are asked to sign papers, contact your attorney.
- Be sure that the final payment has met the damages as well as the compensation expectations. Do not sign the final papers until this has been confirmed to your satisfaction.
How to Make a Claim for Personal Injury and Car Accidents in the UK
Sadly in life, accidents happen and when they do, there is often damage and loss of property and sometimes loss of life. If you are the victim of a motor accident, or have suffered an injury that is due to negligence on the part of another person or organization, then you may be able to receive compensation through a personal injury claim. A personal injury can be a physical injury, disease or illness, or a psychological injury or illness.
There are many companies all over the U.K. who can assist in car accident claims, car accident insurance claims, personal injury claims, personal injury settlements and many other claims for compensation related to accidents.
In the UK a number of companies offer a ‘no win no fee’ service for personal injury claims, which means that if your claim is unsuccessful, you do not need to pay your solicitor a fee. This process has become highly successful and popular as usually as both the case and a compensation agreement is quickly arrived at. The ‘no win no fee’ scheme is risk free and you will not be asked to pay any expenses as the case proceeds. Any cost that is incurred in dealing with the case will be fully financed by the solicitor. The deadlines differ in personal injury cases; for discrimination cases it is three months while in an employment matter or any other case it can be as long as six months. In some cases, a court may decide to extend a time limit, depending on the circumstances of the case.
There are different types of accident compensation claims including vehicle collisions, trips and slips in private or public places, and accidents at work. Legal firms settle a wide range of cases varying from minor whiplash to spinal injury, brain damage and other fatalities.
It is always better to take personal injury claims to a legal representative as they will assist you and answer all of your queries. You may not have any idea yourself about how to proceed, and approaching them can stop you from making any mistakes, or receiving inadequate or no compensation. It is important to choose a competent personal injury lawyer to make a claim in a ‘no win no fee’ case.
If you have met with an accident due to the negligence of somebody else, it is usually possibly to seek a claim for it. Your solicitor should be able to advise you as to whether or not you have a case. They will take your case and provide the guidance to arrive at a suitable claim. Personal injury claims are based on you being wounded in the last 3 years due to no fault of your own. If this can be substantiated, cothen you may receive mpensation from the individual/organisation/company that was at fault and caused the injury.
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Why You Need a Skilled Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been involved in an accident that has led to pain and suffering, loss of consortium due to a spouse being injured, or physiological injuries that may have long term effects due to a car accident then you should acquire a skilled car accident lawyer who may be able to help you to receive the compensation that you deserve.
You may not require an attorney for very minor injuries but severe injuries with long term consequences require an experienced attorney who will advise on legal rights, and provide assistance for the losses that you have incurred due to another party.
Whether it is over the phone, in the hospital, at your home, or online, an accident lawyer will offer free and immediate consultations. The earlier that you contact an attorney, the better your chances will be to receive compensation. An accident lawyer’s goal is to go over the case in minute detail and recover compensation for the emotional and financial losses you have sustained as a result of the injury.
A skilled lawyer will investigate the scene of your accident. He will research the accident site and your vehicle, and look into any other evidence that came into play at the time of your car crash. He will also be well-known with the judges and court clerks, which can help move things along in a timely manner.
The Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA) popularly known as ‘no win no fee’ between the law firm and the client is a fee structure adopted by countless attorneys in the UK. The term ‘no win no fee’ commonly denotes that you will only pay your solicitor if your claim is successful. This motivates the solicitor to ensure that your claim does succeed. However, if the attorney wins the case then you will be paid 100 percent compensation while the solicitor receives their payment from the insurance company.
The victim is entitled to special damages such as medical bills, loss of wages, cost of medicines etc. as well as general damages for pain and suffering, physiological injuries, etc. Compensation for special damages is relatively easy to calculate, but it’s difficult for a person to evaluate general damages which includes pain and suffering, and other subjective issues.
An accident solicitor uses medical bills or "special damages" as a way to calculate general damages. Some solicitors multiply the medical bills by two, others by three or even four times. The insurance adjuster will argue with your lawyer over the damages especially the general damages which are for pain and suffering as it is difficult if not impossible to calculate this damage. In many cases personal injury and accident compensation claims can be handled alone by the solicitor whilst you get on with your life.
After a Car Accident–Do You Need a Lawyer?
If you are involved in a car accident and suffer injury, the severity of the accident is an essential factor in deciding whether you can manage the litigation through an insurer, or whether you need to involve a lawyer. You may need a lawyer after a car accident if you have suffered a permanent injury which has led to loss of time in terms of work, education or household responsibilities. If you have suffered from any physical or psychological injury, then you should contact a lawyer
For car accident cases you need a lawyer who specialises in personal injury claims. There are some cases that need a lawyer’s immediate attention; if your accident involves any or several of the following issues:
- Serious injuries that resulted in broken bones, injuries and hospitalisation.
- Death due to a car accident.
- Involvement of more than two parties such as pedestrians and other vehicles.
- If there is an issue over who is at fault for the accident
- Inaccuracies in the police report that make you the one at fault.
- If an involved party has no insurance, was unable to pay insurance premiums or had problems with their insurer.
If the accident was just a minor prang, or no-one suffered any injury, then you can probably just leave the case to your insurance company, as there is no point in consulting a solicitor. If all liabilities have been clearly defined, and the party at fault has acknowledged their culpability, then once again you probably don’t need a lawyer’s assistance. If there are issues over insurance coverage, existing injuries which have been aggravated, or any other complications over the circumstances surrounding the accident, then it is best to involve the services of an experienced solicitor.
It’s also best to consult a solicitor if you are confused about how to make your claim, uncertain about where fault lies, or unsure about how to negotiate your settlement. Also if you are not happy with the offer made by the adjuster or if you are told that the money will be payable in parts rather than in whole then you may wish to consult a solicitor.
Consult a car accident lawyer immediately if
- Your claim is denied by the insurance company
- You have huge medical bills and have only residual disability (i.e. your injuries have caused you to suffer a partial loss of income of 20% or more so your policy does not cover all your medical bills)
- If the injured person is a minor
- Proof of loss is intangible
- The facts surrounding your accident are not clear
- An injured party is suing you
Remember, you cannot use the consumer-friendly small claims court which only covers claims up to £5000; you need a lawyer who knows the law well, and will have a fair chance of winning your case and getting you adequate compensation when your case goes to court.
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What You Need to do to Protect Yourself After a Car Accident
It’s becoming harder to feel safe on the road nowadays, especially when there are innumerable car accidents on UK roads everyday. There are almost 20 thousand car accidents and 290,000 car accident injuries per year on British roads, which is a frightening statistic. Therefore it’s important to be prepared for the worst with information at hand on how to protect yourself if you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a car accident.
Here are some guidelines on what you should do to protect yourself in the event of a car accident:
Call for Help
Firstly, don’t panic! It’s difficult to deal with an accident situation all by yourself, especially if you are injured so call for help immediately. You may need to call the fire department if there is any chance of fire, or an ambulance if someone is hurt. The police should also be contacted as insurance companies need accidents to be officially reported.Remember to provide exact details and don’t put the phone down until the operator confirms the situation and the location – they may also offer advice on dealing with injuries etc if needed.
Cooperate
If anyone is injured, or property has been damaged, it’s important to stop and provide your name, address, driver's license and insurance information to the person who is injured or whose property is damaged, and also give these to the police officers at the scene. If for any reason you are unable to do this at the time, you should go to the nearest police station as soon as possible. Make sure that you cooperate with the investigating officer as it will benefit your case later.
Be truthful but be careful to follow whatever instructions the police give you. Note the police officer's name and number, also the police station where they are based. Ask
how you can acquire a copy of the police accident report. Whatever you do, do not admit fault, especially if you are in shock. Do not volunteer any unnecessary information as anything you say to the police or the other driver may be used against you later. Contact your insurance agent and if it is necessary, your lawyer. Do not pay for damages or sign anything until you have checked with your insurance company and/or lawyer.
Map the Accident
Note the accident details such as date and time, road conditions, weather conditions and
speed of all the other cars involved if known. Draw a diagram of the accident to indicate the position and direction of the cars before and after the accident. If you have a camera or camera phone with you, take pictures to record the damages. It is advisable to take your own photographs especially if there is any area you can see that may cause future argument. The police will thoroughly photograph the scene but it’s always advisable to have personal copies of the scene.
Exchange Information.
Name, address, phone number, insurance company, insurance policy number, driver
license number and license plate number must be exchanged. If the driver’s name
differs from the insured persons, make sure you take down both names and addresses.
Get Witness Information.
Witnesses may be able to help you if other drivers dispute your version of the accident. Make sure you take the names, addresses and telephone numbers of any witnesses. Ask them to have a word with the police before they leave if they have any relevant details. Take down the license plates of their vehicles (if they have one) if they refuse to identify themselves.
Contact Your Insurance Company.
Make sure you call your insurance company immediately as well as sending a written notice to them. Ensure that your report contains the names of all injured persons and drivers and the names of all available witnesses.
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