Tips for pursuing a personal injury claim after an accident

Tips for pursuing a personal injury claim after an accident

If you have been in an accident that you believe was caused by the other party’s negligence, you will want to pursue a personal injury claim to recover compensation for the damages that you suffered. While the extent and severity of the damages could vary greatly, you will want to make sure you have everything in order to support your claim and to show what happened, how it happened, and why it happened. Here are some tips for pursuing a personal injury claim after an accident.

• First, always stay on the accident scene and call the police. The officer will come out and investigate and determine preliminary fault. The accident report will be the foundation of your claim.
• If you are physically able to do so, get photos of the accident scene and of the damages. Get photos from all angles and be sure to include the damages.
• Ask witnesses for written statements and be sure to get their names and contact details.
• Establish medical care. If you have injuries, you will need to seek treatment right away so there isn’t any doubt as to whether they were caused by the crash. Keep medical bills and medical records.
• Document any missed work and lost wages. Keep copies of medical excuses.
• Be sure to get a written repair estimate for any vehicle damages. This detailed estimate along with the tow bill and any rental car costs should be used for your property damage total.
• Consult with a personal injury lawyer who is licensed to handle claims in your state. With the help of an attorney, you are much more likely to have a successful accident injury case. Your lawyer will gather supporting documentation and all the necessary evidence to show liability and to get your claim on track after an auto accident. All four elements of negligence must be established to show that the crash was the direct result of the other driver’s negligence. Your lawyer will be able to focus on that.

When you file a personal injury claim, you will want to be sure to include all damages in your itemized list. No two claims are the same, so your accident injury attorney will be able to come up with a fair total for your settlement value. A demand letter will be sent to the other party and their insurer. This demand letter notifies them of your intent to pursue a claim, why you are pursuing a claim, the damages you suffered, how much you expect for those damages, and how you plan to proceed.

If you have been in an accident and believe a personal injury claim should be filed on your behalf, schedule a free case evaluation with the Harlan Law Firm so you can get your claim underway in a timely manner. There is a strict statute of limitations, or a time limit, for pursuing a claim after an accident.

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