Nobody wants to sit on the sidelines of life, attempting to recover from a slip and fall incident or a car accident. We want to live our lives without significant downtime, especially if it is spent in the hospital or in bed, watching “Coronation Street” and eating cups of chicken noodle soup.
That said, one aspect of life are accidents. You can’t do anything about them. But if you fall prey to an accident, then you should be justly compensated.
Unsure what to do?
Here are five legal tips from accident lawyers if you are injured:
1. Never Admit to Fault After an Accident
Let’s be honest: Canadians are nice people – well, most of them anyway!
Because of their polite behaviour, they may admit to things that were not their responsibility or their mistake. They just don’t want to create negative tensions with other people, except during rush hour on the way home from work.
It can be understandable that should you be involved in an accident – medical, slip and fall, or automobile – that you might apologize or concede it was your doing. Even if this is your inclination, it is best to just close your mouth rather than admitting to anything. This may be used against you, particularly if there are any witnesses around.
2. Seek Medical Attention ASAP
It would be strange if you file a legal claim and have yet to visit a medical expert.
Following every accident, it is imperative that you book an appointment with your family doctor, see a general physician, or go into a walk-in clinic. By doing this, you will have a professional medical opinion about your injury, whether externally or internally.
Without their analysis, it can be pretty difficult to receive a verdict in your favour.
3. Don’t File a Legal Claim Without a Lawyer
The do-it-yourself (DIY) bug has inflicted every industry, from home improvement (thanks HGTV) to medical (hello Dr. Google). But it has also seeped into the legal industry, too. And this can be dangerous.
With this in mind, prior to filing a legal claim, it would be a prudent idea to hire an accident lawyer who knows what he or she is doing. Doing this on your own is like entering the courthouse blind. You need the legal expertise on your side to get what you’re owed, either through a settlement or mediation.
4. Refuse to Sign Any Documents
The person responsible for your accident – doctor, property owner, or motorist – may want you to sign a document following the incident. This is a terrible idea. You mustn’t sign anything.
First, you don’t know what’s in the documents. Second, you’re in no condition to sign anything. Third, you should always have an accident lawyer with you before you sign any piece of paper.
Any damages you may be entitled could go out the window because you signed on the dotted line.
5. Maintain Accurate Records from the Start
From the very first day to the time you’re in court, it is essential that you establish, maintain, and update accurate records on everything. From your medical visits to your dwindling bank account, you must have records that related to your injury, your agony, your physical anguish.
Once you have paperwork to prove everything, the odds are in your favour!
Whether you have been the victim of medical negligence or you have suffered whiplash from an auto accident, any type of incident that leaves you on the sidelines can have a lasting effect. Your entire livelihood is impacted: you can’t work, you can’t walk, you can’t eat, you can’t do what you did just a week ago. It’s a terrible feeling to be helpless.
Before you search for legal recourse, it would be a great idea to hire an accident lawyer. With this legal professional, you can navigate through the complex world of law and ensure you are remunerated to the fullest extent and the defendant is penalized.
