How to Claim Compensation After an Accident

 

To err is human. Therefore, little incidents and accidents here and there are part of our daily lives. You can get involved in an accident when you least expect. This being the case, it is important to know what to do when involved in an accident. In this case, you should hire a personal injury lawyer to help you seek compensation.

 

The most common accidents involve automobiles and those that happen at the workplace, especially at construction sites. When you are hurt due to the negligence or actions of another party, the first thing you should do is report the matter as soon as possible. This is irrespective of the severity of the injuries. In Columbia, SC, to claim compensation in case of an accident, there is a timeline within which you must file a claim. The claim must be made within four years for the case to be valid. However, the sooner you file a claim, the better.

 

Some accidents, however, occur due to mistakes made by both parties. If you are involved in such a case, all is not lost. You can still be compensated thanks to the statute known as 'shared fault.' In such a case, it may be proven that your injuries occurred as a result of wrong doing on both your part and that of the other party. A percentage of your fault will be determined and then you will then be compensated for the rest. In such a case, it is difficult to determine on your own to which degree the accident happened due to your wrong-doing. A personal injury lawyer comes in handy in such a case. Visit us at http://lawconnell.com/  for more info.

 

Let's look at an example. Let's say you slip in a grocery store and break your neck and leg and file for compensation amounting to $10,000. From the CCTV footage, it can be seen that despite the floor being wet, you were texting and hence didn't look where you were going. The court may then determine that 30% of the accident was your fault and 70% is the fault of the store. In such a scenario, you would be compensated $7,000 instead of the $10,000 you had originally claimed.

 

For your claim to be considered, you must prove that you were hurt during the accident. Hurt is relative and you can seek compensation for both physical and emotional pain sustained. A personal injury columbia sc persoanl injury lawyer can help you determine how much to claim in such circumstances. You can also learn more about accident attorneys by checking out the post at http://how-to.wikia.com/wiki/Category:Personal_Injury.