When dealing with an insurance company direct, you might find they are not very forthcoming when it comes to paying out insurance claims.

Dealing with an insurance claim

If an insurance company makes you an offer of a lump sum for motor accident compensation you may find it falls short of what you are legally entitled to.

When it comes to accident injury claims it’s very much a case of ‘if you don’t ask you don’t get’. This is where a vehicle injury lawyer can prove extremely beneficial as they will prepare, negotiate and settle the best possible lump sum payment possible. Making a claim for motor accident compensation is likely to be more successful if you engage a vehicle injury lawyer.

When you are offered motor accident compensation in the form of a lump sum insurance claim it is extremely important to obtain legal advice from a vehicle injury lawyer of contact an injury helpline before accepting or signing the offer.

Who should be compensated following a road accident?

Not only are you entitled to claim for the damage to your vehicle you must also consider injuries sustained. You may have injuries yourself; your passengers might have injuries and so forth. The severity of injuries and impact injuries have had will effect motor accident compensation entitlements.

Fault and non-fault based schemes

As the laws across Australia are different between States and Territories these accident injury laws will determine legal entitlements to an accident injury road accident claim.

Some States operate a ‘non-fault’ based scheme which means a person can claim motor accident compensation regardless of whom is at fault. However, in other parts of Australia a ‘fault-based’ scheme may operate. This means motor accident compensation entitlement will depend on who is to blame, whether a person is partly to blame or completely at fault.

There are also schemes in place for hit and run accidents of where the other driver is unknown or not insured. It is extremely important to get advice from a helpline such as the Australian Injury Helpline who can point you in the right direction regarding your legal rights to a road accident claim.

Many people suffer injuries from road accidents every year and often of a serious nature. While injuries from accidents can be debilitating many are not. Many injuries can cause long term health problems. Whiplash for example, while it doesn’t sound like a serious injury, can stay with a person of any age for a very long time. Whiplash may inhibit certain careers such as sporting careers, police services and the army.

Realising your worth

What many people do not realise, is that you can claim for more than just the damage to your car. For more information on what you can claim in a road accident call: 1300 188 784.

When completing a motor accident claim form it is important to list all injuries as part of your claim. An insurance company may award you for those injuries and if they do, it is extremely important to stop and get the right advice. If there are grounds for injury compensation there is a good chance you will get a much better award if you engage a vehicle injury lawyer.

Accident injury benefits

Things you can claim include hospital and medical expenses, costs relating to rehabilitation, travel expenses, compensation for injuries, costs relating to domestic help, vehicle or home modification and a lump sum payment for your long term pain and suffering and economic losses.

Why engage a vehicle injury lawyer

A vehicle injury lawyer will fight your corner and obtain the maximum compensation award available. Your compensation award may be tens of thousands more and this will help you in the longer term. An insurance offer without the input of a vehicle injury lawyer might fall short of what you deserve.

Receiving an offer of motor accident compensation

When you receive an offer never sign or accept it, until you have discussed the offer with an injury helpline (call: 1300 188 784)  or a vehicle injury lawyer

Insurance companies will offer minimal payouts and often do not consider future economic losses. A vehicle injury lawyer will make a difference in the following ways;

• A lawyer will schedule a list of everything you are claiming
• A lawyer will prepare your claim with supporting necessary documents
• A lawyer will organise all the necessary medical checks
• A lawyer will negotiate the best possible compensation award
• A lawyer will settle your claim and you can put the past behind you
• A no win no fee lawyer will not charge you if they do not win your claim for compensation

A vehicle injury lawyer can fight for injury compensation and claim a number of benefits under the law of a particular State or Territory. Without the services of an accident injury lawyer you may find yourself short changed. By this we mean offered the bare minimum payout offered by an insurance company. They might say “Sorry that is all we are able to offer you”. You might be disappointed or you might be delighted by the offer. Until you have discussed your injuries with an injury helpline who work with accident injury lawyers you will never know. Call 1300 188 784 for free information, forms and advice.

A disappointing road accident claim offer may be transformed into a much more pleasing offer. A delightful offer may turn into a life changing offer allowing you to change your environment to support your injuries.

A road accident claim or any insurance claim is always a bit cringy. Contacting an insurance provider following a road accident can be daunting and often you notice a change of tone which might be “Ok – right you want money from us? Let’s see what we can do”.

Staff working within insurance road accident claim teams, are specialists in limiting payouts. It is in their best interest to do so and it is their job – you can’t blame them. Demotion may loom if they don’t fulfill their duties.

When it comes to the people at the top, insurance companies have profit margins and shareholders to be concerned about. If a claimant is unaware of their rights and entitlements they can basically miss out on tens of thousands of dollars. This is essentially unclaimed injury compensation and hundreds of thousands of dollars are lost by drivers, passengers and pedestrians injured in car accidents or motor vehicle accidents every year, simply due to a lack of knowledge regarding road accident claim rights.

Insurance companies are very good at selling insurance policies and are also very good at offering bare minimum payouts. This is not the case if you have a vehicle injury lawyer on your side.

Some States and Territories have ‘fault based’ and’ non fault based’ schemes.  Non-fault means you can claim injury compensation regardless of who is at fault. It doesn’t matter if you were to blame for the accident.

Under a fault based road accident claim scheme the CTP insurer of the party at fault will cover the insurance claim.

There are many motor accident compensation benefits and items may include;

Out of pocket expenses past and future might include but are not limited to;

• Hospital expenses
• Rehabilitation costs
• Travel expenses
• Compensation for injuries
• Costs of homecare
• Cost for vehicle or home modification
• Lump sum payment for pain and suffering

Remember strict time limits apply call 1300 188 784 today to find out your rights and entitlements to compensation or click here to contact us.

Numerous causes include speeding, drink driving and the improper use of seatbelts. Accident victims are mostly drivers and their passengers; – many of which are children followed by pedestrians and motorcyclists. Many of the drivers involved in this leading cause of death are under 25. The figures are alarming. More and more drivers are taking more risks by using their mobile phones and driving under the influence. Tiredness is also a major cause of motor vehicle accidents in Australia amongst all age ranges.

If you have been injured in a road accident you can obtain free advice today by calling 1300 188 784.

Education is key

What can we do to educate young drivers? Unfortunately there is always going to be the thrill of passing a driving test and taking risks on the road in order to learn the hard way. Young drivers can be quite confident on the road but also very careless too.

While some people say you never actually learn how to drive properly until you’ve had an accident or been close to an accident we really cannot afford this to be the case any longer. In order to reduce the fatalities we need to educate young people early on. TV campaigns to prevent drink driving and reduce speeding are too few and infrequent. Action needs to be taken now to educate these young and ‘silly’ drivers. Taking responsibility should be a lesson learnt as part of the national curriculum. Kids need to learn responsibility when they are young. Planting those seeds while they are young could save thousands of lives in the future.

Stricter penalties for younger drivers

The imposition of a stricter penalty for younger drivers might influence their attitude on the road. Such a notion could be just what they need to ensure they are on their ‘best behaviour’. Suspending their license for a first offence, may just be the deterrent they need. Anything is worth a try to improve the safety conditions on our roads.

Injured persons accident injury rights

When individuals have been in a road accident many are completely oblivious to their legal rights to claim injury compensation. Accident claims go way beyond the repair of your car and a medical condition such as whiplash can affect a person indefinitely.

Individuals can be reimbursed for hospital and medical expenses, the costs relating to rehabilitation of those injuries, losses of income and super are to name just a few. If you have suffered an injury which is permanent, you may also be entitled to injury compensation in the form of a lump sum.

A vehicle injury lawyer may be required to fight your accident injury claim to make certain you are claiming for everything to which you are entitled considering past, present and future losses. Your rights will depend on which State of Territory your accident occurred. Liability needs to be clearly established and proven. There are many factors that can affect a persons’ right to claim and every case needs to be assessed individually. You can contact a national injury helpline, such as the Australian injury Helpline for further information, claims and advice to get the facts and fast.

Many people are unaware of their rights when it comes to injuries or issues at work and suffer unnecessarily.  The fact is work injuries do not have to be in a physical form.  If you are suffering stress, anxiety, bullying or symptoms of depression, you may also be entitled to claim Workers Compensation.

Lets say you are injured on the job and unable to work. How will you receive income while being laid up? How will you pay your bills and put food on the table for yourself and your family?  What would happen if the injury turned into a long term disability leaving you unable to work again? These are all issues that can be taken care of under Workers Compensation as it is specifically developed to address such needs.

Unfortunately, there are many employees who have suffered a work injury but are simply too afraid to make a claim because of the negative stigma around Workers Compensation.  They feel that their family or fellow workers may doubt the validity of their claim or fear they will be the victim of gossip and ill treatment when and if they do eventually return to work. The fact is failure to report and address this situation immediately can lead to major long term problems for both you and your family.

If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, there are independent services available that can provide you with all of the information you need to determine your eligibility to make a claim. An Injury Helpline can answer any questions you may have and make you aware of all your entitlements which can include some of the following;

• Medical and rehabilitation expenses
• Loss of income
• Pain and suffering and loss of amenities
• Loss of superannuation entitlements
• Out of pocket expenses

Making a claim is not a difficult procedure.  There are many details that you need to be aware of so it can become overwhelming. An Injury Helpline is a free service that can help you find a lawyer who can guide you through the correct course of action and make the process a whole lot easier.

Counselling is also available to help you deal with any ongoing fear, anxiety or personal issues that may arise as a result of your Workers Compensation claim. There are several options available to you but first and foremost you must report the injury to your employer and see a doctor immediately.

A work injury can turn into a complex and extremely stressful situation if it is not taken seriously so do what is right for you and your family. All of the information you need is available to help you with your claim and ease your fears, allowing you to heal yourself and get your life back on track.

Know your Workers Compensation Rights today!

Unclaimed compensation is fast becoming more common than unclaimed Superannuation. The vast numbers of people who sustain and injury at work, in a car accident or in a public place and fail to lodge an accident injury claim is surprising.

Gary Whelan, Director and founder of the Australian Injury Helpline since 2000, says; “Many people are just unaware of their legal rights to compensation which means they simply miss out on what is rightfully theirs”.

Whilst the laws in Australia vary between different States and Territories, the common lack of awareness seems to be apparent nationwide.

Mr Whelan also said “People are missing out on tens of thousands of dollars in injury compensation mostly through failing to seek independent information”.

The following causes for such an upward trend as specified by the Australian injury Helpline include a lack of awareness and failing to follow protocol. The Australian Injury Helpline offer free services and can be contacted on 1300 188 784 for free information, forms and advice.

Lack of awareness

A number of people are unaware of their non-statutory rights. For example, people on workers compensation accept what is offered without seeking any legal advice. Legal advice is recommended by workers compensation insurers i.e. Work Cover. Often when a claim is accepted any future rights to compensation are lost.

If an accident has been due to negligence a common law claim can be sought.  A common law claim or negligence claim is an accident injury claim available outside of statutory compensation and the services of an accident injury lawyer can be detrimental for getting a sufficient payout.

Not following the right procedures

There is a correct process or protocol which needs to be followed to ensure you;

• Are eligible to claim accident injury compensation
  

• Receive sufficient accident injury compensation i.e. the maximum benefits

Taking the right steps following an accident is critical to the outcome. Failing to obtain the right information and ad

vice is a common mistake many people make. Not claiming within a certain time frame is another fatal error.

Failing to obtain legal advice

Discussing an offer of accident injury compensation with a legal representative or a vehicle injury lawyer means you will get an expert opinion on your award. Insurance companies offer lump sum payments which may or may not be sufficient. For example of you receive an offer of a lump sum payment for a permanent injury, will it be enough to cover future economic losses? Discussing your insurance claim with an injury helpline will assist you.

Not claiming within a reasonable time frame

There are rules that apply to accident injury claims. In most States and for most types of claims, accident injury claims have to be in a given time period. For example, a road accident claim must be reported to the police within 28 days. Failure to do so will mean you not be eligible to an insurance claim.

If you have suffered an injury from a road accident, at work or from a slip trip or fall in a public place always follow the correct procedures:

• Report the incident
• Seek medical attention regardless
• Call an injury helpline for information, forms and advice

Accident Injury Road Accident News

You can be the most responsible driver in the world and still be involved a road accident. More often than not a road accident story is about one person being in the wrong place at the wrong time while another person is being irresponsible, negligent or just plain silly.

For more information on injury compensation please call 1300 188 784 or click here to contact us.

With a world full of distractions the safety on our roads is further stretched. People can be driving along one minute, tweeting the next and end up in a ditch somewhere. Then their next tweet will be from their hospital bed, tweeting they wished they had never tweeted that last tweet!

Road accidents are caused by a number of different reasons and not just our addiction to social media. Below are just a few examples of how road accidents can occur.

Being in the wrong place at the wrong time

If you are a good driver, a safe driver and follow the rules of the road and still end up in an accident you are one of the unlucky ones. However, if it has happened to you and you have injuries you must make sure you receive your full CTP Green Slip Claim Entitlements. Injury compensation advice is given by an independent helpline.

Mobile phone users

Talking on a mobile phone while driving or even using a GPS can be hazardous. Is it really so important to read that most recent email, or start navigating your journey whilst moving? All you need to do is pull over it will only take a minute. Once you are safely off the road you can check your phone, make a call or set up your GPS. Don’t try to do a million things while you are driving – be sensible. If the police catch you using your mobile phone while driving you may be fined on the spot as it is an offence.

Drunken idiots

Drink driving is a serious matter. With so much public transport available you may be able to leave your car where it is, let your hair down and have a good time. You might even be offered a ride home on the local courtesy bus! Causing a death or an injury because you made a decision to drink and drive is no laughing matter. You will have to live with the pain and guilt for a long time after, knowing that your ‘silliness’ has cost a life or lives.

Drugged up clowns

Drug driving is a new phenomenon. As well as alcohol, driving while under the influence of class A or a class B drug is a crime.

Other silly causes of road accidents include, stress heads, fast drivers i.e. young hoons, slow drivers, nervous drivers (or Sunday drivers), road rage, kids or friends screaming in the back, conflict between people in the car, people with medical problems such as epilepsy or heart problems.

If you have been involved in a road accident do speak to someone such as an injury helpline just to see what you should do and where you stand. This way you can make sure you receive your full injury compensation entitlement under the law to help you with loss or rehabilitation. Some justice will help you put the matter to rest.

For more information or to speak to a lawyer or attorney call 1300 188 784 or click here to contact us.

For further information regarding injury compensation and for free advice and claim forms call 1300 188 784. This independent helpline is operated by the Australian Injury Helpline. We are completely on YOUR side.

An insurance company may try to make claiming a difficult task. It doesn’t have to be, when help is at hand. Let us do the hard work for you and you can focus on your recovery. By talking with us, you may gain a peace of mind having all your questions answered.

Here is a list below of the mistakes to avoid;

Check the damage to your car first – no! people first

People are a priority following a road accident. Stop and consider them, before you think about an accident claim. Check yourself,  your passengers and any pedestrians are ok before doing anything. Check the other driver is ok immediately. Call an ambulance if required and ensure everyone gets a thorough medical examination. Even if you doubt the injuries are serious you can have whiplash which can be long lasting if it goes untreated.  Medical treatment is a priority. Injured persons may be entitled to injury compensation and all medical attention must be documented in support of any accident claim or insurance claim.

Challenge the other driver - no! it’s not worth it

Emotions run high when a road accident has happened. If you or the other driver is angry it is best to approach the situation in a calm and controlled manner. The situation of being involved in a road accident is bad enough, without adding more fuel to the fire. Road rage can be dangerous and must be avoided. You do not know if the other driver is intoxicated or what they might do. Steer clear of conflict and try to exchange details calmly after you have switched on your hazard lights.

Keep the engine running – absolutely not

This is a great mistake. Always switch off the engine and put your car in park with the handbrake on. Then switch on your hazard lights.

Abandon your car regardless – no! first check it ’s safe to do so

Before you leave your car make sure it is in a safe place. If the car is in the middle of the road and is drivable it might be e good idea to move it to the nearest shoulder. Only if someone is fit enough to drive safety then this is recommended providing it is safe to do so.  If your car is abandoned it may cause a hazard and another accident.

Don’t call the police – BIG mistake you may affect your right to claim

This is a mistake many people make. A CTP Green Slip insurer may not accept your claim if you fail to  report the accident to the relevant authorities. In many parts of Australia, car accidents must be reported within 28 days. Failure to do so may affect your ability to claim on your insurance and your legal rights regarding injury compensation.

Leave everything to the police - no! offer a helping hand

Never assume the police will do a great job proving who was negligent. You yourself can collect information that will support any accident claim. Details you can collect include, the other drivers’ details and their insurance provider and policy number (if possible). Gather witness statements and contact details for witnesses. If you have a camera on your phone take photos of the accident scene. Supporting photos might include the rego of the other driver, the position of the cars and any skid marks on the road. Only take photos if it is safe to do so.

Admit it was your fault – Never

This is a definite ‘no no’. Never admit fault when you have been in a car accident. Negligence will be determined when all the details have been reviewed. Even if you think you are to blame other factors may suggest otherwise. You may be penalised by your insurance company who may increase your premium regardless.

Fail to seek independent advice – you MUST if you want justice

It is recommended you seek advice from an injury helpline. They will provide fact sheets, claim forms and tell you if you need to discuss your accident with a lawyer. Making once phone call can make a big difference to an injury compensation claim.

Forget to contact your insurance company – no! contact them straight away

Never wait to call your insurance company. Call them straight away as they may be able to assist in many ways depending on your policy. You may affect your ability to claim if you contact them too late or not at all.

For forms, advice or information or to speak to a vehicle injury lawyer call 1300 188 784 or click here to contact us.

Even in hit and run cases, you may be entitled to thousands of dollars in compensation. There are often schemes in place for these scenarios.

Pedestrian injuries can be serious and of a permanent nature. Many expenses can arise following serious injuries and these ay include;

• Prescriptions
• Therapy and rehabilitation
• Prosthetics
• Home modifications such as chair lifts or ramps
• Wheelchair
• Home help such as landscaper, cleaner or nanny
• Travel expenses

How the claims process works

If you have suffered injuries there is a very good chance you will require the services of a car accident injury lawyer or accident injury lawyer.  Car accident lawyers will prepare your claim for injury compensation taking care of all your legal requirements.

An experienced, highly skilled auto accident lawyer will claim for damages on your behalf. Through an accident injury lawyer you will obtain sufficient compensation and everything to which you are entitled.

Pedestrian accidents and injuries

Pedestrian accidents mostly involve a motor vehicle – usually a car.  Many of these accidents involve young children often with a high mortality rate.

Why do pedestrian accidents happen? Here are some examples;

• Speeding
• Drink Driving or drug driving
• Running red lights or ignoring other traffic signals or signs
• Motorists who fail to signal when switching lanes
• Motorists disregarding weather conditions
• Motorists disregarding changes to traffic conditions
• Drivers failing to indicate while switching lanes or turning

A pedestrian who has suffered in a motor vehicle accident may suffer injuries such as broken or fractures bones, spinal damage, a permanent disability, head or brain injuries, disfigurement, mental stress or even death.

When an injury is serious it is necessary to obtain legal advice and support. No insurance company will award a victim fairly if dealing with them directly.

The only way an injured pedestrian can be properly compensated is to have an auto accident lawyer prepare and negotiate their claim. All losses and expenses past and future need to be addressed and listed as part of the claim. The right investigations need to be made and the right documents need to be prepared to support your claim. Every angle needs to be reviewed in order to clearly establish negligence.

It is important never to assume negligence yourself. Even as a pedestrian, if you feel somehow you are partly to blame other factors need to be taken into account including a review of witness reports.

It is extremely important to seek medical attention and treatment. You may need a referral to a health provider to continue your treatment. Your car accident lawyer must be kept up to date with health check-ups and progress. Your lawyer will obtain medical reports to support your claim. For more information call 1300 188 784.

Firstly, speaking to the right people will put you in the know and give you an understanding of the process and what is required. Seeking medical attention straight away is a must as is following medical advice and taking steps towards recovering physically the best way you can.

Secondly, seeking advice from an independent organisation who speaks in ‘your language’. An injury helpline for example, who are not lawyers offer an independent case review, fact sheets, forms and can connect you with an accident injury lawyer for professional expert legal advice.

If you have suffered a slip, trip or fall at work or in a public place or have suffered in a car accident call 1300 188 784.

If your injury is serious and negligence can be clearly proven, you may receive thousands if not hundreds of thousands of dollars in accident injury compensation. To get everything you are entitled to claim you may require the services of an accident injury lawyer.

Gather as much evidence and information as you can!

Note everything down following the accident while it is fresh in your mind will help. It might be a good idea to keep a diary as some details are easily forgotten. In order to build a winning case everything you say or do will support your injury compensation claim.

Building a good claim is about gathering as much information as possible and it is wise to take the following steps towards a successful public liability claim;

Step 1:  Take photos (before notifying the owner)

Step 2:  Report the incident to the owner or occupier

Step 3:  Gather witnesses and information on prior incidents

Step 4:  Seek medical attention

Step 5:  Contact an Injury Helpline

Take photos of the location immediately

Take photos of the public place where the trip, slip or fall occurred. If you can obtain such evidence then seize the opportunity. Every item of evidence will support your injury claim further. This will help the accident injury solicitor to ascertain exactly what happened. Such details will help build a solid negligence or public liability claim.

Gather witnesses to the accident

If any witnesses were present, ask if you can have their details and confirm they are happy to be a witness to the injury which will be a great help to you. If anyone is aware of details of previous incidents make a note of this as well.

Seek Counsel from an independent organisation

Seeking advice soon after the trip slip or fall is important as strict time limits apply. If you miss the deadline you may miss out on thousands of dollars which legally and rightfully belongs to you.

Never accept an offer of compensation from an insurance company directly until you have sought legal advice or advice from an injury helpline. When you accept it’s the end of your claim. Many claims cannot be re-opened.

Your claim entitlements will depend on whether or not negligence can be clearly proven. It must be clearly proven for your case to win.

Keep a close eye on your injury symptoms, even if you don’t think they are that bad. Sometimes injuries get worse over time and sometimes they are permanent i.e. a person never fully recovers. If this is the case then you may have entitlements for future economic losses and expenses as well as past or present. Seek independent advice from a helpline such as the Australian Injury Helpline. Remember strict time limits apply so seek advice as soon as possible following an injury. For more information or to be connected with a lawyer contact us or call 1300 188 784.