What should you do if you need to file a personal injuries claim?
Accidents can occur at any moment. Personal injury claims can be complicated. Many victims of brain injuries, truck accidents injuries and medical malpractices have been helped by our team.
You can bring personal injury claims against yourself in many ways, including
- Automobile accidents;
- Slip-and-fall injuries; or
- Defective products.
There may be a different answer depending on the type of personal injury claim that you are filing. There are many steps individuals can take to prepare for filing a lawsuit or claim after suffering a personal injury.
1. Get immediate medical attention
Anyone who has sustained serious injuries should immediately seek medical attention. You should not try to resolve any claims without first consulting a doctor.
It is important to know that not seeking medical attention can reduce the amount of damage you are able recover from an accident. It is up to the injured party to minimize their losses.
An individual must make sure that the injury does not cause any further financial or emotional harm. If injuries don’t occur immediately, a person should seek medical attention.
2. Submit a Report
It is vital to file a police report in order to ensure that all information about an accident is available to the police. You can include information about contact details and names of others involved.
To record details of the accident, a police report can also be used. A police report can be used in court in the event of a suit. An insurance company may find it helpful to have a police report to prove fault.
3. Pay attention to your words on the accident scene
You may need to talk with others involved in an accident. It is better to be cautious. You are not required to reveal the accident or injury cause or provide additional information.
Do not make statements that may complicate the situation. Avoid conflict that could arise from an accident.
4. Keep meticulous records of all costs and expenses related to the injury
A car accident can result in many expenses and costs. These expenses can include:
- Hospital bills
- Statements regarding medical diagnosis
- Invoices for property damage;
- Documents that relate to insurance
An individual may have to keep track of the wages lost if their injuries caused them to miss work. It is important to keep a written record of your injury, especially if you are still fresh with the details and events.
Avoid dealing with insurance agencies
It can be more difficult to get help from an insurance company in a personal injury case. In most cases, however, an insurance company will not be required to help with a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
6. Don’t sign forms or documents without understanding them
It is not a good idea to sign any form or document without understanding the contents, especially if they involve personal injury. Signing any form should be avoided if an individual isn’t sure how it will affect them.
These forms can also be used after an injury or accident. Do not sign any documents or contracts asking you to release someone else from liability.
7. If you don’t know how to solve it
Sometimes it can be difficult for someone to settle with another party either on their own or through their insurance company. In most cases, they will settle for the lowest amount.
If an individual is unsure of what options are available, a legal professional can provide guidance. This is especially important if the other party will hire an attorney.
8. Attention to the filing deadlines
Personal injury claims must filed within a specified time limit. Personal injury claims can only be filed within a certain time limit.
The statute of limitations is the legal limit. The time limit may be affected by the type of injury, accident or state involved.
After the statute of limitations runs out, an individual could lose their right to file a claim and seek compensation. There may be exceptions to the rule, but they are not likely to be too many.
9. Do preliminary research on the legal process
It may be helpful for an individual to understand the basics of personal injury lawsuits in their area. There may be local rules that are different.
Personal injury cases can take some time to resolve. A lawyer might be able provide some basic guidance that may help to ease some of the confusion.
10. Know which type of lawyer you need
Each personal injury lawyer is different. While some lawyers are specialists in a specific area, others can handle a wide range of claims. A firm or attorney might be a specialist in one area of personal injury law.
- Automobile accidents;
- Product liability
- Medical malpractice
- Truck accidents
A person might choose to hire one or more lawyers depending on the severity and extent of their injury.
