Following an accident, it can be confusing to know which steps to take. We have provided this handy guide to help you successfully navigate this difficult period.
Things You Should Do Following an Injury or Accident
1. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION
Seek medical attention if you’ve been injured in an accident the first thing you want to do is seek a qualified medical professional. Make sure to keep detailed records of every doctor’s visit, x-rays, MRI’s or any other applicable medical files.
2. CONTACT A LAWYER
You should have a lawyer represent your case because they know how to fight and negotiate the legal system in order to get you the highest possible compensation. At Mirian Law Firm, we have a team of lawyers that specialize in personal injury law.
3. DO NOT DISCUSS YOUR CASE WITH ANYONE
It is important that you understand you are not to give statements in writing, verbal or otherwise to anyone but your lawyer or the firm’s staff, unless instructed by us. If you have volunteered any information previously, please advise us as soon as possible.
4. APPOINTMENTS AND CORRESPONDENCE
If you are unable to keep an appointment with your doctor, our office, or anyone else regarding this case, notify them that you are canceling and arrange for a new appointment date. If you receive calls or letters from us, please reply at once. Delay may be detrimental to your case. Mail all correspondence and forms you receive from others to our office (including those from your own insurance company). PLEASE DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING WITHOUT FIRST CONTACTING US.
5. KEEP TRACK OF EXPENSES
Keep a record of all expenses connected with your case. Save all bills and receipts from doctors, pharmacies, hospital, repair estimates and other bills, and mail them to us.
6. KEEP YOUR LAWYER UP TO DATE
Changes in your address or phone number; Change in your employment; Changes in your physical condition; Date of your return to work; Date of your discharge from the hospital and doctor; Material facts which occur after our initial interview, such as the names of possible witnesses.
7. PARTICIPATION
During the litigation process, there will be times where your attendance is necessary. Your attendance will be requested for proceedings such as independent medical examinations from the insurance company, examination for discovery, mediation. Be prepared to be available for such undertakings.
8. RESPONDING TO OUR INQUIRIES
When litigating your case, there are times when papers and documents must be filed in a timely manner or it may be harmful to your case, and you could incur unnecessary expenses for the delays. Therefore, it’s extremely important that you respond to our inquiries quickly.
Important Dates in Personal Injury Process
7 DAYS
Must notify your auto insurance company if you are injured in a motor vehicle accident.
10 DAYS
Must place the municipality or province on notice if you plan to make a claim due to a slip and fall on municipal property or failure to keep municipal or provincial roads in good repair.
30 DAYS
A injured person must complete their application for statutory accident benefits with their own automobile insurance company.
60 DAYS
If your accident involved provincial or municipal property, a Notice of Claim to the province prior to commencing a lawsuit against the provincial government must be filed.
120 DAYS
Injured person must place the potential defendants on notice of a claim if the injury related to a motor vehicle accident.
1 YEAR
Deadline to sue your own auto insurance company over a property damage claim.
2 YEAR
Time by which an injured person must commence a lawsuit against all potential defendants.