How Do I Claim Car Accident Compensation Gold Coast?

Claiming compensation after a car accident on the Gold Coast can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t need to be. The thoughts of car accident compensation claims leave many of us unsure where to turn or what the first steps should be.

Today, we are here to help. Our brief guide outlines how you can claim car accident compensation in the Gold Coast to ensure that you are properly compensated after an accident that was not your fault.

How Do I Know If I Have A Car Accident Compensation Claim?

You can make a car accident compensation claim if you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident on the Gold Coast, especially if your injuries mean you cannot work or you are left with expensive medical bills to pay.

You might have been involved in one of the following common accident types that can cause injuries:

Rear-enders: where a driver has not paid attention to the vehicle in front of them or has driven too close without adequate space to stop safely
Head-on crashes: where two cars collide bonnet first, with an amplified force of impact. These crashes can cause severe injuries or death
Side-on impacts: where a vehicle moving in one direction strikes another car on its other side, creating a t-shape where they meet. These are very dangerous for passengers on the side that has been struck
Side Sweeps: where two vehicles travelling side by side strike one another. These can be caused by failing to check blindspots when merging or changing lanes and can send the other car into oncoming traffic

You can also speak to a personal injury lawyer if unsure whether you have a car accident compensation claim. Most lawyers will agree to an initial, free phone call or consultation to learn more about your accident and injuries to see if you are entitled to financial compensation.

How To Claim Car Accident Compensation Gold Coast?

Claiming car accident compensation in the Gold Coast is straightforward and can be done with the help of a personal injury lawyer. Below, we have outlined three easy steps to allow you to lodge a claim successfully.

Step 1 – Seek Medical Advice

You should see your doctor or a medical professional after the crash or when an injury presents itself. Make sure to explain to your doctor the circumstances surrounding your injuries; the more information you can provide here, the better, as it will help your doctor accurately diagnose you.

When speaking to your doctor, make sure everything is noted down in your medical records and ask for a copy of any record that relates to your injuries. These will be needed to file your compensation claim.

Step 2 – Report Your Accident

You should do this immediately after your crash, but if you haven’t already done so, file a police report. This will be used for your initial claim form and can be essential to your case, especially if the driver at fault failed to stop and does not have insurance or a valid license.

You can ask for assistance to complete the police report if needed, but it will usually ask you to describe the accident, including a diagram or pictures, and provide information about the at-fault party.

Step 3 – Contact A Car Accident Compensation Lawyer

Once you have completed the above steps, we recommend that you reach out to a compensation lawyer. It is never too early to seek legal advice, especially if you have been left with severe injuries, stress, or expensive medical bills. While it is excellent to seek legal advice early, you must know the full extent of your injury before settling a car accident claim. There is time for this, as you usually have nine months to lodge a claim, but you can speak to your doctor for a diagnosis and your lawyer for any advice you need.

What Does Car Accident Compensation Claims Cover?

A car accident compensation claim can cover the following:

Out-of-pocket medical expenses now and in the future relating to your injuries. These include rehabilitation aids, appointments, and pharmaceutical expenses
Wage losses, past and future earnings where you have been off work recovering from your injuries. You can also claim a loss of ability to earn money if the accident leaves you unable to work
Ongoing pain and suffering, also known as general damages, can be mental and physical pain or suffering caused by the accident
Housekeeping, caregiving and attendant care costs where you require help and assistance after your accident. This needs to be documented, even if the help is not paid for

Final Thoughts

Being involved in a car accident is scary, but there is help to support you afterwards. You can claim compensation if you have lost earnings, cannot work in the future, are in pain, or are left with expensive medical bills. A personal injury lawyer can help you file your claim and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Ann Mazotta, California Business Journal