Image source – http://www.thebluediamondgallery.com/tablet/images/compensation.jpg
If you have been involved in an accident that was not your fault, and you are thinking about making a claim for compensation, it is important to do your research first. A lot of people make the error of diving right in without really knowing anything about the claims process. With that being said, read on to discover some of the most common myths regarding compensation claims so that you can separate the lies from the truth.
Myth #1 – You can claim whenever you want – This is one of the most common myths believed by people when it comes to making a claim. In fact, the sooner you claim the better, as you can see in one of our recent blog posts at http://www.thefinancialfairytales.com/. In most cases, there is a three-year time limit on claims. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, which is why it is not worth taking any risks. For example, for criminal injuries, you may only have two years. On the other hand, if you have been the victim of an industrial injury and you cannot pinpoint an accident date, you will have three years from the date of your diagnosis instead.
Myth #2 – You can claim without seeing a doctor – This is another myth that could jeopardise your entire case if you believe it. A lot of people hate nothing more than having to go to hospital. Therefore, when they sustain a minor injury, they attempt to look after themselves. They avoid a trip to the doctor’s office and they simply rest up at home and allow themselves to go better in this way. Not only is this not advisable for your health, but it can also have a damaging impact on the chances of your claim being a success too. This is because the medical report that your doctor puts together is the most important piece of evidence in any claim. This report will state the injuries you have suffered, how long it will take for you to get back to full health, if indeed you will, as well as your recommended course of treatment and any medication you need to take. This will then be used to determine how much compensation you will receive.
Myth #3 – All personal injury solicitors are the same – As is the case with all services, there are different levels in terms of the quality provided. The same applies when it comes to personal injury solicitors. You need a company that has a lot of experience and the capacity to handle a case of your magnitude and nature. It’s also important to look for a business like www.lawsonlegal.com.au who represents clients in a holistic manner in regards to their needs. Aside from this, you need to take the time to read reviews that have been left by previous personal injury victims as well to make sure the legal firm has a good reputation.
Myth #4 – You cannot claim if you were a passenger in the offending vehicle – A lot of people assume that they will not be able to make a claim for compensation if they were injured in a road traffic accident and they were in the offending vehicle. So long as you did not cause the accident, you can still make a claim. For example, if you were a passenger in the vehicle of a driver who was speeding and crashed, and you sustained whiplash because of this, you would have grounds for compensation. In fact, even if you were partly responsible, you may be entitled to a payout. Nonetheless, the amount you receive will be lower to reflect your involvement.
Myth #5 – No Win, No Fee guarantees you won’t pay a penny – This does depend on the legal firm you work with. Some legal firms are true to their word and No Win, No Fee, therefore, means that you are only going to pay legal fees if your case is successful. Nonetheless, there are some companies that still do implement small charges even though they follow the No Win, No Fee approach. This is why you need to read the terms and conditions of your contract before proceeding.
As you can see, there is a lot of misinformation on the Internet these days, but hopefully you now have a better understanding regarding what is the truth and what isn’t. This should make you feel more prepared for launching your compensation claim and getting the payout you are entitled to.
