27 April, 2022
Message from our owners:
"Thank you for taking the time to read this guide. We at Peninsula Personal Injury Lawyers are a family-owned and run practice with 3 locations in Mandurah, North Perth and Ellenbrook. Our team takes the time to make sure you are looked after every step of the way. We navigate the arduous process of managing a successful motor vehicle claim on your behalf and will ensure we achieve the maximum compensation available to you. This will allow you to focus, not on the paperwork, but on your recovery. Compulsory third-party insurance is there to meet your needs as an injured person. Too often it is underutilised, however, most people wouldn’t think twice to claim on their insurance if their home was broken into. If you have a query about your current existing claim or are unsure about whether to make a motor vehicle personal injuries compensation claim, call our friendly team. We are here to help you. We will go the extra mile for you as we are “Always in your corner”.
Step one - RECORD THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT
- Obtain all the details including the name and phone number of the driver of the other vehicle and all witnesses. It is handy to take a photograph of the other driver’s licence. Witnesses will be very important particularly if there is a dispute about how the accident occurred.
- Take photographs of the scene of the accident and damage to the vehicles involved.
- Obtain details of the other driver’s comprehensive insurer for the property damage claim to your vehicle (if you were driving one).
Remember, emotions usually run high during this time so keep calm and call for someone to come to the scene of the accident to support you and perhaps do these things for you.
Step two - SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION
If the injuries you sustained are serious you will likely be taken to the hospital via ambulance. If, however, your injuries are not severe or life-threatening and you are able to drive away from the accident, it is important you visit your GP or local Hospital's Emergency Department as soon as possible. You must tell the treating doctor all of the injuries you have suffered and the symptoms you are experiencing. Don’t forget to mention even the more minor injuries you suffer even if they appear insignificant. It is often those minor niggles that become progressively worse over time.
It is also important to check in with yourself about how you are feeling emotionally or psychologically and report those symptoms to your doctor. It is very common for people to suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or shock following an accident.
All information will then guide the treating doctor to administer the appropriate treatment and to decide a thorough treatment plan.
Step three- COMPLETE AN ONLINE CRASH REPORT FORM
You need to complete an online Police and Insurance Commission of Western Australia (ICWA) crash report as soon as possible. Please visit www. Crash report to do so. Alternatively, phone Peninsula Personal Injury Lawyers to arrange an appointment for us to assist you in filling out the form. It is very important that this form is correctly completed and that you print a copy of it.
Our specialist team will also be able to give you explain the claims process and the requirement for medical and other evidence to support the various heads or categories of damages under which you can claim. Most importantly we can negotiate a settlement with ICWA and maximise your financial entitlement.
Step four - COMPLETE A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO MAKE CLAIM FORM
After you have completed your online crash report you are obligated to also notify ICWA if you will be making a claim for injuries sustained in the incident. We at Peninsula Personal Injury Lawyers will notify ICWA on your behalf and let them know that we are representing you. This is beneficial to you as you will no longer have to deal with the insurance company directly, we will take care of all of the paperwork and communication on your behalf.
Step five - OBTAIN YOUR UNIQUE CLAIM NUMBER
Once you have informed ICWA of your intent to claim they will allocate you a unique claim number. This number is to be given to all of your treatment providers so that they can send their invoices direct to ICWA for payment.
Step six - ENGAGE PENINSULA PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS TO REPRESENT YOU
We are experts in managing claims for compensation for personal injury arising from motor vehicle accidents. Here at Peninsula Personal Injury Lawyers, we will be able to advise and organise investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident, particularly if there is an issue as to who was at fault in causing the accident.
We also will organise for you to be reviewed by leading expert medico-legal specialists to obtain the best evidence to support your claim.
One of the most important things for a successful claim is to obtain the right advice at the right time. We will guide you every step of the way.
We have three locations, North Perth, Mandurah and Ellenbrook.
We are a family-owned, Perth born and bred business and our Principal Solicitors, brother and sister team, Justin and Natasha take pride in providing you with clear communication and committed representation.
You should never settle your claim without first getting legal advice, to do so, will invariably mean that you have not maximised your entitlement.
Leave all negotiations to us, we will always be in your corner.
