There will be few of us that have not been either personally involved or affected in some way by a car accident involving someone we know, whether it is a relation, work colleague or friend.
There is no doubt that any such incidents have a profound affect on not only the injured party’s lives, but their families and friends as well.
For a period, most will tend to moderate their driving and be more careful, take fewer risks, and have an increased awareness of potential dangers. After a while however, it is likely that we will revert back to our customary style and approach.
For those injured in the accidents however, their injuries may not permit them to do the same. The injuries may have made that impossible or at best only possible for a period whereupon after time, the injuries will cause problems.
In the early days following an accident, some injuries may be painful but as the pain subsides, so do the individual’s thoughts about claiming compensation, which could be a mistake.
Even though the pain has subsided does not necessarily mean that the injury no longer exists and you have achieved 100% recovery. The decision regarding the longer term prognosis should be left to the experts, namely Doctors and medical consultants.
Just because you only suffered what you believed were minor injuries at the time and you didn’t feel the need to seek expert medical advice, there are regulations in place that permit you to subsequently claim for compensation for injuries sustained in accidents.
At present, if you were over 18 years old at the time of the accident, you have three years from the date of the accident to bring a claim for damages for personal injury.
If you were under 18 years old at the time, you have three years from your 18th birthday.