After being involved in a car crash that left you or a loved one injured, you may be focused on physically healing and getting your life back on track. However, being injured in motor vehicle accidents at no fault of your own can leave you with costly medical expenses and car repairs. Filing a personal injury claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance is the first step toward making a full financial recovery.
While filing a personal injury claim may seem straightforward enough, it can be an intimidating experience for those who have not done it before. Luckily, the expert team at Sandene Law can help. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, read through the following steps on how to properly file a personal injury claim with insurance.
Seek Medical Treatment
Medical responders should arrive at the scene of the crash for an initial assessment of any injuries you may have received as a result of the collision. If necessary, they may recommend you receive further care immediately with an ER visit or a follow-up with your medical provider in the following days.
Make sure you follow all the recommendations they make to give yourself the best chance at recovery and help avoid the progression or worsening of your symptoms. No matter the extent of your injuries, it’s important to be treated by a trained medical professional so all injuries are well-documented. These medical records will serve as solid evidence to insurance adjusters as they review your personal injury claim.
Collect Evidence
In order to file a solid personal injury claim, you’ll need to have sufficient evidence that backs up the amount of compensation you’re requesting to cover your medical bills, vehicle repairs or replacement, or pain and suffering.
Collecting evidence starts at the scene of the crash, and can include photos of the collision, vehicle damage, and injuries. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver so you’re able to file a claim with their insurance once you’re ready.
Again, your medical records are important pieces of evidence to support your claim. You can also maintain a daily journal about how you feel as further evidence of the extent of your injuries. Store all medical bills and expenses related to the motor vehicle crash as evidence as well.
Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer
Once your injuries allow, consider meeting with a personal injury lawyer to help you file your claim. These are legal experts who are well-versed in tort laws related to personal injury and car crashes in your state. They have the knowledge and experience handling such personal injury cases and can leverage their expertise to help you receive rightful compensation for your injuries.
In other words, hiring a personal injury attorney is one of the best ways to protect your legal rights after a car crash. These are legal experts who will help you navigate the claims filing process and will represent your best interests against the major insurance giants. In most cases, they will not charge upfront for their services, and will only get paid once a car accident victim receives their settlement.
Support Investigations
If you hire Denver personal injury lawyers, they will conduct their own investigations into the crash to prove who was at fault. This may involve collecting additional evidence like requesting the police report or medical records to shape the claim. In some cases, they may interview witnesses and consult with car collision experts as further supporting evidence.
Make sure to collaborate with your lawyers and provide them with any documentation or records they request in a timely fashion. This will allow you to file your claim and receive the settlement more quickly.
File the Claim
With the prep work and evidence collection out of the way, your attorney will file the personal injury claim on your behalf. The insurance claims adjuster will reach out with a counteroffer, and your lawyer will work to negotiate a settlement that is fair for your circumstances. If they are unable to reach an agreement, your lawyer may file a lawsuit and take your case to court so you can receive the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.
While car crashes and filing a personal injury claim with the insurance company are often stressful, navigating the aftermath with an attorney is often your best chance at receiving maximum compensation. When you work with a Denver personal injury attorney like Sandene Law, we will take on the burden of investigating the crash, establishing fault, and filing and negotiating your personal injury claim with insurance so you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you are in the Denver, Colorado area and you need assistance filing your personal injury claim, reach out to us today for a free consultation.
FAQ’s
What specific types of evidence, beyond photos and medical records, would strengthen a personal injury claim in the case of a car accident?
Additional evidence that could strengthen a personal injury claim in a car accident might include eyewitness testimony, expert opinions from accident reconstruction specialists, traffic camera footage, or documentation of any prior complaints or safety violations related to the at-fault driver.
Are there any potential challenges or obstacles one might encounter when trying to file a personal injury claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company?
Challenges when filing a personal injury claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance could include disputes over liability, resistance from the insurance company to offer fair compensation, delays in processing the claim, or attempts to downplay the severity of injuries.
How long does the process of filing and resolving a personal injury claim typically take, from the initial filing to receiving compensation?
The duration of the personal injury claim process can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the cooperation of the insurance company, the extent of injuries, and whether litigation becomes necessary. Generally, it can take anywhere from several months to a few years to resolve a claim fully.
What factors might influence the decision to settle a personal injury claim outside of court versus pursuing litigation?
The decision to settle a personal injury claim outside of court versus pursuing litigation can be influenced by factors such as the strength of the evidence, the likelihood of success in court, the desire to avoid lengthy legal proceedings, and the potential financial risks associated with going to trial.
In what circumstances might it be advisable to seek legal representation for a personal injury claim, and what are the potential benefits of doing so?
It is advisable to seek legal representation for a personal injury claim if the injuries are severe, liability is contested, negotiations with the insurance company are difficult, or if there’s a need for expertise in navigating legal procedures. Legal representation can offer benefits such as ensuring one’s rights are protected, maximizing the potential compensation, and relieving the individual of the stress of handling the claim alone.
