What to do after an accident - how to find out if you can claim compensation

WHAT TO DO AFTER AN ACCIDENT

Depending on the type of accident that you have experienced, there may be different legal obligations for each party.

It is useful to know what your rights are and what actions should be taken to protect those rights.

What to do after a ROAD ACCIDENT

1) Both parties should exchange names, addresses, phone numbers and insurance company details. You should ALWAYS make a note of the other party's registration number.

2) Pin point your location at the time of the event - take photos with your phone camera of the position of the vehicles

3) Do not discuss liability / blame if this can be avoided and DO NOT make any admissions (verbally or otherwise) of any kind.

4) Note the names addresses and telephone numbers of any witnesses.

5) Inform the police - they may not wish to attend the scene but please notify them anyway

6) Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as you can. Thereafter cooperate fully with your insurers.

7) Seek legal advice if required.

What to do after being INJURED AT WORK

1) Go to the GP or the local hospital asap

2) Ask your line manager to make an accident book record of the event (this is very important) and check to ensure the record is correct

3) Make a note of any available witnesses. If no one witnessed your incident - discuss what happened and if you can show people the scene or aftermath

4) Be aware that if you are away from work for more than 3 working days - the HSE (Health & Safety Executive) may want to investigate the accident.

5) Seek legal advice if required to determine whether a compensation claim can be made.

Page at a glance

Is it worth making a claim? If you have suffered injury, you should consider claiming. The process is far simpler than you imagine

Do you need a solicitor to claim? You can make a claim without a solicitor. But you run the risk of receiving an unfair settlement and being dealt with harshly by the compensating insurers skilled claims teams

Who pays your legal bill? No win No fee - If you win the case the other party pays the bill. If you lose - there is no bill.

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