Road accident & its legal issues ???

Question

I've had an accident in my car yesterday. I was waiting at the roundabout & someone's van just smashed into me from behind.

Firstly, I thought I'd get over it simply by having a good night sleep but the pain started the moment I woke up. It's a whiplash injury making it harder to make any quick neck movement along with severe headache.

Although, I'd this accident at around 6pm yesterday, on my way back from work, would it be possible to do something about it NOW i.e. after 24 hours ??? Is there any insurance issue that I need to consider, regardless of the fact that it was someone else's fault & I've fully comprehensive insurance ??? What are the legal issues, if it applies, that apply to someone in my position ???

What exactly needs doing that benefits me ??? I'm heading to the local NHS infirmary shortly & see if that's of any help.

Just to add on that I was driving my uncle's car & his insurance covers someone in my position, as well.

Just to zip the lips of certain pea-sized intellectual individuals around branding me being a fan of "compensation culture", that this is NOT quite the case. Never had been a moment I remember claiming a single penny in such an unethical way, since I believe "man without a principle is like a women without a make-up" & hence it'd be just beyond the pale for me to "join" this trend of "milking" the system.

Answer 1

Excellent question

Soft tissue damage [commonly called whiplash in the case of road accidents] is very hard to prove so you must be careful to document everything that occurs. your note to us is one documentation and I urge you to print it out.

You need to obtain and keep copies of your NHS record and any prescriptions - plus any medications you are taking in addition to the prescription drugs.

By all means tell your insurance company immediately what you are going through. In this case, your insurance company may be your best friend. Do NOT hold anything back..

Consult an attorney who specializes in auto accidents. Just being represented by counsel ought to increase the settlement considerably - also, your lawyer will help you avoid the common mistakes litigants make when injured.

Do NOT, under any circumstances, take any illegal or unauthorized drugs. i had a client who smoked some marijuana, it came up on a defense-called medical examination, and my client's foolish actions almost made a pig's ear out of a silk purse.

Since the other driver hit you from the rear, unless you were backing up at the time, you probably have a great case.

Meanwhile, take care of yourself - a firm mattress and plenty of rest are in order so you recover soon. And listen and follow your doctor's and your physicians instructions. They really are on your side.

Sincere best wishes for a speedy recovery

Answer 2

Just tell your insurance company.
If you've paid for or have free legal cover they'll set a rotwieler on the other guy until the make a massive amount of money and give you some of it.

Don't worry next year when your insurance along with everyone elses goes up by 20% then the insurance company will get it's money back. The share holders will get a dividend, the goverment will get more tax.

AND THE POOR MOTORIST RELYING ON HIS CAR TO GET TO WORK AND MAKE A LIVING AND TO TRY AND HAVE SOME FAMILY LIFE AND SOCIAL LIFE WILL BE EVEN POORER.

Answer 3

Most insurances now include legal services and they will automatically include your injury in the claim. Going to see a doctor is important - for you as well as the claim. Later on they will ask you to see the insurance companies doctor to see if there is any lasting damage. If you were hit from behind most insurance companies do not even consider you to be involved so it doesn't effect your no claims bonus. Call your company and they will ask if you have suffered an injury and will tell you to call back if further symptoms develop.

Answer 4

You need to see a Dr at the hospital or your GP so that it is recorded. Then inform your insurance company they will let their legal people know and then they will get in contact with you and sort out the rest. They will get you to go see a specialist who will write a report its all pretty straightforward so dont worry too much. Most whiplash injuries actually dont appear until up to 24 hours after the actual incident anyway.

Answer 5

You should be able to claim off their insurance for the whiplash to cover your suffering and treatment.
Go see the doctor as you need your neck problem to be recorded by the doctor otherwise you have no proof if you need to claim.
Your own insurer may cover you for such claims also so see what they say.

Answer 6

i got hit from behind...as long as he admits its his fault n u ask for a hospital report thn phone his insurance company( assuming u wouldve got out n spoke to him) and inform them of the injury...as part of the claim they'll take into account injury's and offer u a payment for those injuries i.e. loss of earnings and unable to do ur daily duties whiplash ussualy gts around 6-800 ( tht being the amount i got v's friends who've had the same)

Answer 7

i hope you reported it to the police immediately.. otherwise you can get done for not reporting it.. you should have got out holding your neck and got his/her details..taking pictures too... there are no real legal issues for you to worry about, the van drivers insurance will sort it all out..... make sure your insurance co' knows all the details asap.... go and see your doctor soon too

Answer 8

Well look around the hospital if you can. There's usually leaflets,regarding claims it seems to be a compensation culture. And that were the clients seem to go and the sharks follow

Answer 9

Go see an attorney ASAP