Were you recently injured in a car accident? Well, there’s no need to worry because, with the right legal advice, you’ll be able to turn your situation around by filing for a personal injury lawsuit. This is why it’s so important to have personal injury insurance and a good car accident lawyer on your side.
The legal side of a car accident may seem intimidating at first, and navigating the process of claiming requires time and effort on your part, but by reading this article, we aim to help you understand what the process of filing for a personal injury lawsuit will look like and why it is completely necessary.
Step 1: Seek medical attention
After a car accident, the most vital step is to prioritise your health. In the case where you are injured in a car accident, you need to seek medical attention immediately. Do not disregard any minor injuries, as going for a medical examination is essential in providing you with all the necessary documentation for your claim.
Step 2: Notify your insurance company
After you have been assessed and treated for any injuries, it’s time to inform your insurance company as swiftly as you can about the accident and the injuries sustained. You will need to provide them with important information, including the location, time, date, and other relevant information about your case.
Do yourself a favour and familiarise yourself with specific notification requirements of your policy to ensure compliance. Remember that the sooner you contact your insurance provider, the sooner they can initiate the claims process.
Step 3: Gather your evidence
When filing a personal injury lawsuit, you need to gather as much evidence as possible to strengthen your case. Before leaving the site of the accident, you should always take pictures of any visible injuries and the damage to the vehicles at the scene – if not by you, at least by anyone else, as this is vital.
Other pieces of evidence that will help you make your case rock solid are obtaining your medical records, fees related to your treatment, the police report of the accident, and witness statements, which will be invaluable.
When spending money out of pocket, ensure you keep all of the receipts for the expenses, no matter how big or small. This can include medical bills and transportation costs—keep a record of everything.
Step 4: Get a lawyer
When you’re injured in a car accident, don’t leave anything up to chance when claiming and consult a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. These professionals have thorough experience with the process of filing personal injury lawsuits and will offer expert advice and guidance throughout the process. A good car accident lawyer will:
- Assess your case thoroughly
- Negotiate with the insurance companies
- Advocate on your behalf
- Protect your rights
- Optimise your chances of fair compensation for injuries and losses
Step 5: Complete your claim forms
There’s going to be a lot of paperwork involved in claiming personal injuries and losses, but filling out all the claim forms accurately and providing all the requested information are essential. Be diligent and thorough in disclosing all the information regarding your symptoms, injuries and pre-existing conditions, and triple-check your forms before submitting them – signed and dated correctly.
Step 6: Cooperate with the insurance company
At times, it’s going to feel like you’re under a microscope, but it’s important to cooperate fully with your insurance company throughout the claims process. The sooner you respond to requests for additional documentation and information, the smoother the process. Once again, keep a record of everything, including all dates, times and names of individuals when communicating and keep your lawyer in the loop.
Step 7: Review your settlement offers
Once all the information has been processed and your claim has been properly assessed, your insurance company will make a settlement offer. When your case has been long and drawn out, it can be tempting to want to get it over with, but ALWAYS take your time and review the settlement offer carefully with your lawyer if necessary.
Consider everything you have been through, the pain you have experienced, the time you have spent, and the short-term and long-term expenses and losses incurred. Ask yourself if the settlement compensates for everything. Your lawyer will play a pivotal role in negotiating a fair settlement.
Final Thoughts
Having a car accident can be an incredibly daunting experience that has the potential to derail your life. The injuries and losses incurred and the sheer amount of time and effort that goes into filing for personal injuries are draining enough. Don’t do it alone, but invest in getting a good car accident lawyer to help expedite the process and give you some peace, knowing there is a professional in your corner.
