If you have suffered a personal injury, there are several steps you need to take in order to achieve the best probability of securing appropriate compensation. First and foremost, seek medical attention to address your health needs and to document your injuries for any potential legal or insurance claims. It is also important to preserve evidence such as photos of the accident scene, witness statements, and medical records. Be aware of the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in your province or territory.
To secure compensation, you must prove that someone else was at fault for your injury. Calculate your damages, which include both economic damages such as medical expenses and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. Consider hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer to help you navigate the legal process and negotiate with insurance companies. Review your own insurance policies, as well as those of anyone who may be responsible for your injury, to determine what types of compensation may be available.
It is important to be patient and persistent, as personal injury claims can often be complex and take time to resolve.
Preserve evidence:
Gather any relevant evidence, including photos of the accident scene, witness statements, and medical records. Preserving evidence after a personal injury is essential to securing compensation. To effectively preserve evidence, it is recommended to:
- Document the accident scene with photos
- Gather witness statements and contact information
- Keep all medical records, bills, and receipts related to your injury
- Save any physical evidence
- Make a written record of all details related to the accident including the date, time, and location
Additionally, seeking legal advice from an experienced personal injury attorney can be extremely helpful in properly preserving evidence and building a strong case. It is important to act quickly and gather as much evidence as possible as soon as the accident occurs, as memories can fade and physical evidence can be lost or destroyed over time.
Know the statute of limitations:
In Alberta, there is a general 2-year limitation period for personal injury actions. If you miss the deadline for filing a claim, you may be barred from collecting compensation for your injuries, even if you have a strong case. It’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an injury to determine the applicable statute of limitations and ensure that you take action within the required time frame.
Determine fault:
In order to secure compensation, you must prove that someone else was at fault for your injury. Determining fault in a personal injury case is crucial in securing compensation. The process of determining fault typically involves gathering evidence and establishing that the other party was negligent or acted in a way that caused your injury. This may involve:
- Investigating the accident
- Reviewing applicable laws and regulations
- Determining cause and effect
- Consulting with experts
- Reviewing insurance policies
- Seeking legal advice from an experienced personal injury attorney
An attorney can help you gather evidence, navigate the legal process, and negotiate with insurance companies to secure the compensation you deserve. While determining fault can be complex, it is a necessary step in securing the compensation you are entitled to after a personal injury.
Calculate your damages:
This includes both economic damages (such as medical expenses and lost wages) and non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering). Calculating damages in a personal injury case is an important step in securing compensation. Damages are the monetary compensation you are entitled to receive for your injuries and related expenses. The types of damages that can be claimed in a personal injury case include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Loss of consortium
To accurately calculate damages, it may be necessary to consider past, present, and future expenses, consult with experts such as economists or medical professionals, and take into account non-economic damages such as physical pain and emotional distress. An experienced personal injury attorney can assist with calculating damages and negotiating with insurance companies to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Understand auto insurance policies:
Review your own auto insurance policies, as well as the policies of anyone who may be responsible for your injury, to determine what types of compensation may be available. Securing compensation for a personal injury after a car accident may require a thorough review of your auto insurance policy. To begin, gather all relevant policy documents, including your auto insurance policy, declaration page, and insurance ID card. Next, familiarize yourself with the policy coverage, including liability, collision, and medical payments coverage, as well as the limits of each type of coverage. It is important to also understand your deductible and whether you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
If you have been involved in an auto accident, report it to your insurance company as promptly as possible. It’s highly recommended to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can assist with the claims process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. By taking these steps, you can increase your chances of securing a favorable outcome for your personal injury claim.
Consider hiring an attorney:
An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and negotiate with insurance companies to secure the compensation you deserve. A personal injury attorney is knowledgeable about the legal process and has experience negotiating with insurance companies, which can help you secure a fair settlement. They also have expertise in evaluating damages and providing access to resources such as medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and economists, which can strengthen your case. Hiring an attorney can also relieve some of the time and stress associated with pursuing a personal injury claim, and many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you do not have to pay any upfront costs. With the help of a personal injury attorney, you can increase your chances of securing the compensation you deserve for your injuries and navigate the complex legal system with confidence.
At Stillman LLP, our priority is the best interests of our clients. We achieve this by providing our clients with customized solutions that match their unique circumstances and objectives. After being retained on any file, our lawyers, in direct consultation with you, will come up with a plan that fits your needs, budget, and expectations. Find the right competent lawyers in Edmonton by choosing Stillman LLP and get the help you need. Contact us today.
