Have you been injured in an auto accident and want to file a personal injury claim? You may feel overwhelmed as you may not know what to expect. The legal process of filing a personal injury claim after a car accident comes with confusion and lots of complications.
Insurance companies may also exploit your lack of knowledge to avoid paying for the claim. For this reason, you need to work with an experienced Jersey City Personal Injury Attorney to help you throughout the process so you can get the compensation you fairly deserve.
Although every personal injury case is different, this guide can help you learn about the process of filing a car accident personal injury claim. It can also help you know what to expect throughout the different stages of the claim.
Immediately After the Accident
What you do a few moments after the accident can significantly affect your personal injury claim or any other legal scenarios that may come up later due to the accident. Before doing anything else, ensure that both you and your passengers are safe. Also, check other individuals involved in the accident if possible.
Contact the paramedics if you notice any injuries. Also, contact the police department and have an officer sent to the scene to complete a police report. Additionally, make sure you get the relevant details about other parties involved in the accident, such as the other driver’s name, address, and license number. Also, get their vehicle license number and insurance details.
Hire an Attorney
If you feel that you have a personal injury claim, make sure you consult with an experienced attorney who can advise you on the next step. You will have to provide details about the claim, including the specific circumstances surrounding the accident and whether or not the injuries you sustained were a result of someone else’s negligence.
You will also have to explain the nature and seriousness of your injuries and the expenses incurred due to the damages. This information can help an attorney advise you accordingly.
Conduct an Independent Investigation
If you choose to work with a personal injury attorney, they will have to conduct a full investigation about your claim. They will collect as much information as possible about the accident, your injuries, and other relevant details. Most investigations include:
- Witness statements
- Police reports
- Your medical records
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Your salary information and work history
A personal injury attorney can also explore other options to understand the occurrences of your accident better and strengthen your case. They can consult with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and other experts that can provide relevant information to your case.
The Demand Package
After completing the investigations, you have to complete the demand package. Your attorney will draft a demand letter to the responsible party or the insurance company from whom you want compensation.
The demand letter tries to build a strong case and provide reasons showing why you need compensation. It also suggests a suitable settlement amount. Together with the evidence collected through the investigation, the demand letter makes a complete demand package.