Car Crash & Claim

[Rosenicola]

Hi Guys,

I was on my driving lesson on Sunday and a drunk driver came crashing into the back of us. (No luck on my lessons :-()

We called the police and he was breathalised and 3times over the limit and so was arrested.

My neck and back have been killing since and i had the worst headache all night last night.

I have been to the docs today and he gave me painkillers. He said that this is bound to happen after being hit, but he didn't actually confirm what might be wrong, i.e whip lash...

I want to put a claim in but don't know where to start.

I mean do i need to go to the hospital rather than the docs. Does this make a difference?

What info would i need in order to pursue a claim...

Thanks

[RATTER15]

The best person to talk to would be your instructor as he will need to put a claim in for damage to his car, he will also need to know that you have incurred an injury when making his claim. I think your have done everything right, the police were called and you have visited the Doc.

[laurence2]

You need your Doctor to confirm what injuries you received, as well as any pay lost through taking time of work etc.

Anything you can get in writing from doctors/police, witness's {your instructor} & your work {lost of pay etc} will be of benefit as well.

A solicitor will point you in the right direction

[Ethel]

This is boring but important. Start it now.

Make a diary logging your symptoms, doctors appointments, medication taken, pain, mood - everything. If you can't do something because of the pain, put it in the diary.

Make a record of every penny spent on travelling to the doctors, advisors, prescriptions, medications, phone calls - everything you spend as a result of this accident

If you are taking time off work - record this too. Any loss of income and so on.

Keep receipts of everything.

So now you have your detailed records. It will help you to have a timeline as well - a brief record of important dates - date of accident, doctors appointment, other appointments, medication started, medication finished. Just very brief notes, in date order.

You don't need to go to the hospital unless the GP recommends it.

All this record keeping is a boring grind, but it will save you a lot of hassle in the long run. You can do it all on your pc, and have a safe place for your receipts. If necessary, staple the receipt to a piece of paper with details of the expenditure - date, amount and what for.

[Rosenicola]

Thanks for much for all the advice..

Do i contact a solicitor or do i go thru my driving instructor?

xx

[Ethel]

You don't need to do anything yet - it is very early days.

Wait at least a month before seeing a solicitor - by then you should have some idea of the extent of your injuries.

[Joe_the_Lion]

I think the first thing to do is contact the OIC (Police Officer in the Case).

Different forms are used for injury accidents, and hopefully if prepared before court, the sentance and/or banning may be greater.