If an injury has occurred because of a car accident, it’s worth discussing your situation with an experienced compensation lawyer to determine if/what you may be entitled to. In what can be a relatively stressful time in your life, a great lawyer will make you feel at ease and be able to answer all your questions without judgement and in complete confidence. The challenge for most is whether the accident they have been a part of is serious enough to make engaging with a motor vehicle accident lawyer worthwhile.
Is it worth getting a lawyer after a car accident?
The short answer: It can never hurt to know where you stand legally, especially when some law firms (including us!) offer a free case review. Every personal situation is unique and sustaining an injury as a result of a car accident is typically a highly stressful time for all parties involved. An experienced compensation lawyer can take the guess work out of any concerns you have about if and how you can move forward with a compensation claim. Asking the right questions before settling on a lawyer to help you through your compensation claim can be a challenging process but having a shortlist of questions to ask before hiring a car accident lawyer can make a world of difference on your mental health and stress levels.
When is it too late to hire a lawyer for a car accident?
If you’ve suffered an injury as a result of a car accident in Queensland, you have 9 months after the injury occurred to lodge a ‘Notice of Accident Claim Form’ to the CTP Insurer of the vehicle/s at fault. To claim for personal injuries sustained in an accident in Queensland, a claim must additionally and ultimately be filed within 3 years of the accident occurring. The best rule of thumb, however, is to make your claim sooner rather than later. This ensures you can more easily recall details and information about the accident that can have a significant impact on the outcome of your claim.
How long does a car accident compensation claim take?
While it’s a common question we get asked often, it’s impossible to give an expected timeframe for any compensation claim without understanding the details and circumstances of the car accident. There are multiple factors and people involved in a claim including evidence, witnesses, police, a CTP insurer, the length of time your injuries take to stabilise, and more that come into the process depending on your unique situation , and so, it has the potential to be a relatively drawn-out. Depending on the complicatedness of an accident and the aftermath of events, car accident claims can take anywhere between 12-18 months or more.
Is my car accident too minor to claim compensation?
No matter how minor, an injury is considered an injury if it has resulted in medical bills, financial outlay or if it has had an effect on your work and day-to-day livelihood. The compensation amount will differ depending on many factors, but most importantly the degree of and permanency of the impact of that injury, and its impact on your capacity to earn income.
Can I make a claim for psychological injuries after a car accident?
Yes, while physical injuries are visible and more easily identifiable, you can still make a claim for psychological damages after a car accident. This type of claim also extends to witnesses and/or loved ones who may have attended the scene of the accident, witnessed the accident from a secondary vehicle or lost a loved one.
At Gouldson, our goal is to get our clients the best possible outcome with the least amount of stress while going through the claims process. If you’re still unsure about your eligibility to successfully claim for a motor vehicle accident, get in touch with our team at Gouldson for a free case review.