After a car accident, you are in shock, confused, and don’t know which direction to turn. If you were injured in an accident where you were not at fault, then you need to file a legal claim to get compensation for your pain and suffering. The process might seem a bit overwhelming at first, but once you understand the step-by-step process, then it will make things a bit clearer.
Call the Police and Make an Official Report
To document the accident, you need pictures and reports. Make sure to get any witness statements of people that were there and saw what happened. You also need an official report from law enforcement. The report is used to help place fault on one party and to ensure that the accident is thoroughly documented. Even if your location doesn’t require a report for insurance purposes, then you still need to ensure you get one.
Get a Medical Evaluation
It’s imperative that you get a medical evaluation within 24 hours of your accident. You may not feel that you were hurt at the scene of the crash, and you might have refused medical help. Unfortunately, many people realize the real impact of their injuries within a few hours. Remember that everything is based on medical proof that the injuries exist.
Hire a Lawyer
Once you have a police report that states you are not at fault, and you have a medical evaluation of your injuries, it’s time to get a personal injury attorney retained. The attorney will negotiate with the insurance company and make sure that you get a fair compensation. The amount of paperwork that goes into a claim is daunting, so you need an expert handling things for you.
Did you know that most cases are settled before they even make it to court? In many instances, personal injury attorneys can negotiate a settlement, and you won’t have to go through the hassle of a trial. It’s important to remember that there is a timeline in which you can file these cases.
Rest and Recover
The statute of limitations on a personal injury claim is around two years, but you need to check your locale to ensure the time frame. The beauty of having an attorney is that they handle the entire process, and you get to focus on your recovery. The lawyer will fight against the insurance company’s antics and do everything in their power to ensure you have a fair claim.
About the Author: Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. She went to college at The Ohio State University where she studied communications. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and long walks in the park with her husky Snowball. You can find her on Twitter at @LizzieWeakley and on Facebook at facebook.com/lizzie.weakley.
