You hear car tires screeching, and a loud bang and jolt suddenly hit you. You immediately realise that you were involved in a motor vehicle accident. Checking on yourself, through all of the confusion, you feel a sharp pain in your right foot. After you are examined and treated, you may wonder whether you can claim for your foot injury. This article will shed some more light on this question.
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Can I claim for the injuries suffered?
In Queensland, the Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance scheme compensates for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. You might be eligible for compensation if you are involved in a car accident and sustain a foot injury.
If you want to submit a claim, you must have been involved in a car accident in Queensland and have sustained an injury that was caused, at least in part, by the fault of another driver. This may include injuries sustained as a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or cyclist.
To make a claim, you must lodge a claim form with the CTP insurer of the at-fault driver within a specific time frame, typically within six months of the accident. Getting medical assistance as quickly as possible after the accident is crucial, as your medical records will be used as evidence to support your claim.
What to keep in mind when submitting a claim?
The following will serve as helpful tips to keep in mind when you are submitting a claim,
- Seek medical attention: It is critical to get medical help as soon as possible if you have been hurt. This will ensure you receive the necessary treatment for your injuries and provide vital evidence to support your claim.
- Report the accident: You should report the accident to the police as soon as possible. This is particularly important if there has been significant damage to the vehicles involved or if anyone has been injured. The police will provide a report number to include in your claim.
- Gather evidence: Collect as much evidence as you can, as this will be used to support your claim. This can include photos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and your injuries. You should also gather any witness statements, medical reports, and other documentation that may be relevant to your claim.
- Notify the insurance companies: As soon as possible after the collision, you should inform your insurance provider and the other motorist’s insurance provider. The insurance companies will then begin their investigations into the accident.
- Make your claim: Once you have gathered all the necessary evidence and sought legal advice, you can make your compensation claim. This can entail negotiating over a settlement with the insurance provider or filing a lawsuit.
After filing your claim, the CTP insurer will look into it and decide if you are eligible for compensation. The compensation you receive will depend on the severity of your foot injury and how it has impacted your life, including any medical expenses, loss of income, and other related and future expenses.
You should see a personal injury attorney to obtain legal counsel for your foot injury claim, who can guide you through the claims process and help you maximise your compensation. A lawyer can also help you negotiate with the CTP insurer and protect your rights. If settlement negotiations fail, you must consult a lawyer to proceed with legal action against the insurer or their client.
