When to Hire a Lawyer in the Event of a Car Accident

The unforeseen inconvenience of a motor accident can be tedious for those with little, if not zero, first-hand experience on what to do after a collision. As a general rule of thumb, it is important to have photos of the extent of car damage and the particulars of the parties involved in the event of an accident with another vehicle. This includes their full name, National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) number, contact number, home address and insurer details. Should the other party refuse to provide the information required, he or she will be violating the Road Traffic Act.

Take note you will need to report the accident to your insurance provider, regardless of who is responsible for the accident. Failure to submit a report promptly can otherwise lead to a reduction in your No Claims Discount (NCD).

If you are a victim who has sustained injuries from the accident, you can proceed to:

File a Personal Injury Claim For:

1. Special Damages

Special Damages include all the costs you may have incurred from your accident up until the date of your claim. This covers both current and future medical expenses, transport costs, loss of earning capacity and repair costs for your vehicle.

2. OR General Damages

If you have experienced some measure of pain and suffering, it is important for you to know that there is a way for which your damages can be compensated through general damages. The court refers to the Guidelines for the Assessment of General Damages in Personal Injury Cases. This provides the estimated quantum of damages that can be expected from any given injuries, and this information could help parties make an informed decision on settlement amounts.

If you are claiming for the loss of future earnings, the “multiplier-multiplicand” approach will be used to determine the compensation amount. Calculating general damages can be the tricky part of car accident cases in Singapore, which is why the wisest course of action is to seek legal advice from a personal injury lawyer to assess the situation. 

Can I Make a Personal Injury Claim Myself?

If you are in a car accident, you have the option of getting your insurance company to file against the other driver's auto insurer if they were at fault. Make sure you exchange contact information with the other driver to simplify the claims process. Your insurance company will proceed to handle your claim accordingly. 

Alternatively, you may claim against the other party directly and agree on compensation for damages incurred during the incident. As the plaintiff, you can reach a private settlement and resolve the issue with the defendant without involving your motor vehicle insurers. This is common for accident cases that are uncomplicated with minimal damage incurred.

When Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

However, there may not always be agreements reached between parties. Should the other party refuse to settle amicably, it is advisable to engage a personal injury lawyer to ensure your losses are fully and fairly accounted for. In order to obtain the maximum monetary compensation, an experienced personal injury lawyer will know what constitutes fair compensation for the most desirable outcome possible.

With that being said, even with a lawyer, take note you will still need to inform your insurance company of the accident within 24 hours or by the next working day.

Engage a Car Accident Lawyer Today

Most are unaware of the need to hire a personal injury attorney until they have been in an accident and find themselves seeking legal counsel. If you have recently been injured in a car accident, do take into account that you have up to three years to make your claim. However, it is important to act quickly to resolve the matter as efficiently as possible. A reputable lawyer can guide you to obtain a satisfactory settlement amount and represent you in court proceedings should the need arise. Discuss your legal options with our team of experienced car accident lawyers today.