Traffic accidents are sometimes devastating. Car accidents can lead to catastrophic and complicated outcomes, especially injuries. One of those complex situations is when the injury symptoms appear days after the accident. This kind of outcome might leave us confused and unaware of the legal steps to take. Do not worry. The accident lawyers at Kitchen Simeson Belliveau LLP are here to help. Today’s blog will discuss the legal steps you must take if your injury symptoms appear some days after the accident.
STEP 1: Notify the Authorities and Ensure Safety
We understand that you must be anxious immediately after an accident. However, it is of the utmost importance that you ensure your safety first and then proceed to the next step. Check your well-being and others involved in the accident. Then, relocate to a safe place, if possible, and immediately call 911 to inform the authorities about the accident.
STEP 2: Document Anything and Everything about the Accident
Documenting the entire accident is a necessity. Note down every detail. Try to capture as much evidence as possible. This will help you provide a crystal-clear picture of the accident for further legal proceedings. Remember to take photos of the scene from as many angles as possible. Try to acquire the contact details of the witnesses, if any, and whether they wish to state the accident they saw.
STEP 3: Report the Accident to your Insurance Company
The next step is to inform your insurance company about the injuries after the accident. According to Ontario law, this is urgent as there is a deadline for reporting the accident to a collision reporting center and your insurance company. Since your injuries have become apparent after many days, you must immediately do the formalities. The law also states that you are supposed to report the accident to a collision center in case the police do not complete an accident report. You will need a detailed statement about the accident to lodge a report. It includes three main components: the circumstances of the accident, the extent and nature of damage to the vehicle, and the injuries sustained. However, if you have already performed this step before the injuries showed up, then contact a personal accident lawyer immediately.
STEP 4: Consider Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
A personal injury or accident lawyer is more than someone from whom you will get legal advice. There are three reasons why:
- They will traverse the legal framework to make your work easier.
- They will initiate negotiations with insurance companies to ensure you receive the best benefits.
- They will represent you in the court of law if the case reaches that stage.
STEP 5: Claim Compensation for Your Injury
The ideal way to claim compensation for your injury is by taking the help of a personal accident lawyer. They will help you evaluate your claim accurately by navigating all potential areas of compensation. This also includes the ones you might overlook, such as emotional distress and future medical costs.
Choose Kitchen Simeson Belliveau LLP for a Personal Accident Lawyer
If you are looking for a personal injury lawyer in Oshawa and Whitby, your search ends here. At Kitchen Simeson Belliveau LLP, our lawyers will guide you through proving your case and claiming the compensation that’s yours. To know more, contact us today.