Car accidents can be minor fender benders or major incidents leading to catastrophic injuries. If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, your first priority is getting better, and depending upon the severity of your injuries, you may or may not be able to pursue compensation for your damages immediately. But if your accident was the result of somebody else’s negligence or carelessness, knowing the steps for filing a personal injury claim will help make the process easier in the long run. Below, you’ll find the basics of what you need to know.
Document the Important Information
Whether you’re able to do this or somebody else does it on your behalf, it’s important to gather all of the specific information and facts pertaining to your accident. The police will take care of many of these details if they’ve been called to the scene. Even if the accident initially seems minor, it’s a good idea to take photographs of all vehicles involved as well as your surroundings, and write down all other drivers’ insurance information and contact information. If you were taken to the hospital and not able to gather information for yourself, make sure that you retrieve copies of all reports prepared by the police.
Notify Your Insurance Company
As soon as possible, contact your insurance company and let them know about the accident. Be sure to provide them with as much information as possible, and especially the information provided by the other driver. The insurance company will take action to contact the other driver’s insurer, but it is essential that you don’t delay in submitting a claim. Once you do so your insurance company will take on a great deal of the burden of communication.
Track All Expenses and Appointments
If you were injured, it’s important that you keep track of every doctor’s appointment that you attend and every medication and expense that you incur. These will not only support your claim of an injury, but each will be included in the amount of compensation that you receive.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Even if you think that your insurance company is going to manage your needs, it’s a good idea to reach out to a personal injury attorney to determine whether you are eligible to file a personal injury claim. Most personal injury attorneys offer free consultations about car accident injuries, and will be able to give you an excellent assessment of whether you should file a personal injury claim and what your next steps should be.
