Car accidents can be overwhelming. However, most motor vehicle accidents in Australia are covered under no-fault insurance schemes, which means your claim for compensation does not require consideration of fault. You may, therefore, claim compensation for any injuries or losses you incurred, regardless of who was at fault.
If you have been involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, Right2Drive understands the inconvenience and stress it can cause. The not at fault car hire with Right2Drive offers a hassle-free solution to keep you mobile while your vehicle is being repaired. They handle all the paperwork and insurance complexities, allowing you to focus on getting back to your normal routine.
Your rights need to be stated explicitly, and this article seeks to take you through the steps involved in making a claim.
What is a No-Fault Accident?
In a no-fault car accident, you, independently of whoever is to blame, claim compensation from your insurance company. In fault-based insurance, one has to prove the other driver’s fault to be compensated. No-fault insurance is tailored to provide faster and more efficient compensation to accident victims.
Understanding Your Rights
Medical Attention
If you have suffered injuries from a car accident, seek medical attention on time. Though your injuries may seem minor, they may worsen with time. Keep a record of all your visits to the doctor, medication prescribed, and your diagnosis. All this will help in your claim for compensation.
Contact the Police
In every case of a car accident, it is always advisable to call the police to report the incident, even if there are no injuries. The police report may act as very important evidence, showing what has happened. The police will also document the scene and collect information from all parties.
Document the Incident
Photograph the accident scene. Take photos of damaged vehicles, skid marks, and the surrounding area. Get the names and contact information of all witnesses. This record will help to prove your case.
Gather Evidence
Gather any evidence that can support your claim, such as receipts for medical expenses, lost wages, or damages incurred. Always make copies of all documents relating to the accident. This evidence will help you during the case.
Legal Representation
While one can handle a no-fault claim independently, most times, it’s quite useful to consult with an attorney. An attorney could guide you through your rights with respect to the legal process and negotiation of settlement with your insurance company so that you get due compensation.
Compensation
You may be entitled to ask for compensation for the following in a no-fault claim:
- Medical Expenses: These include the cost of treatment, medication, therapy, and other related medical care;
- Lost Wages: If you are unable to work due to your injury, then you may have a claim for lost income.
- Pain and Suffering: You will also be awarded money to compensate for the actual physical and emotional pain that you have gone through since the accident.
- Property Damage: If your vehicle or any other property is damaged in the accident, you may be entitled to claim the cost of repair or full replacement for the value of that property.  Â
Choice of Repairer
In the event your vehicle was damaged during the accident, you are free to choose any repairer. This means your insurance company could try to steer you in the direction of one particular repairer, but you do not have to. It is important to compare different repairers around, carry out research on the quality of service, and find someone you can trust.
Conclusion
Recognising your rights directly following a no-fault car accident is crucial to seeing to it that you get a fair deal. You can accomplish this by visiting the doctor, getting in touch with the police, documenting all the incidents, collecting evidence, and seeking legal redress where needed in order to protect your interests and maximise your chances of success on a claim. Remember, you are not alone in this process, and there are sources to help you through the labyrinthine procedures of no-fault insurance.
