Being in a car accident is a traumatic experience, one that might leave you in shock or unsure of what to do next, especially if the accident was not your fault and you were seriously injured. If you were injured in a car accident, you can file a car accident injury claim to get financial compensation for your medical treatment or vehicle repairs.
However, the process of filing personal injury claims after a car accident is not easy, and it can quickly become overwhelming. The team at Ipson Law wants you to be prepared should you be injured in a car accident. We’ll review the steps you should take after a car accident and the injury claim process.
1. Investigate the Accident
After an accident, your first priority should be the health and well-being of you and your passengers. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Even if you are not injured, contact the police so you can get a police report. If you’re unharmed, investigate the scene. Take pictures of both vehicles and get the contact information of the other driver. Gathering evidence of the accident can help move your claim along and answer any questions regarding the accident.
2. Get Medical Treatment
One of the most important steps in how to claim injury after an accident is to get medical treatment. Thoroughly explain the extent of your injuries and your symptoms. You’ll want to gather documentation of all your medical treatment, including bills and any prescribed medication. This will help prove that you were injured in the accident and that the accident caused it.
3. File a Claim
Within 24 hours of being in a car accident, contact your insurance company. Inform them of what happened and include as many details as possible. Your insurance company will then contact the at-fault driver’s insurance provider and ask for reimbursement. Usually, the at-fault driver’s insurance will contact you and ask for a written or recorded statement. We recommend not providing this information as they may try to have you accept less money than you deserve. It’s at this point that you may want to consider hiring a car accident lawyer.
4. Consider Hiring a Car Accident Attorney
If you’re filing a car accident injury claim, you can easily get overwhelmed by the paperwork and phone calls from insurance adjusters. Additionally, you may not be sure how to claim for injury after a car accident. The team at Ipson Law will help you work with insurance adjusters, investigate your accident, and ensure you’re fully compensated. We have extensive experience in car accident injuries and will ensure you’re not lowballed by insurance adjusters.
5. Settlement Demand
After you’ve made a complete recovery, you or your car accident lawyer will submit a settlement demand to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. This demand will include a specific amount of damages you want reimbursement for, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Typically, there will be some negotiations back and forth. If they agree to your offer, your case will be closed. However, in rare circumstances, some insurance adjusters refuse to pay the full amount, in which case you can file a lawsuit that will either go to a mediator or to trial.
Want to Discuss Your Personal Injury Claim? Schedule a Consultation Today!
Finding help and information on how to claim personal injury from a car accident can be difficult. The team at Ipson Law is here to make it easier. We’ll take you through each step of the process, help you gather information, and ensure you’re financially covered. We provide professional and personalized legal services, including determining damage, personal injury, and more. If you’re interested in working with a personal injury lawyer to help you get the financial compensation you deserve, contact Ipson Law today!
Michael is an attorney who started Ipson Law because of his passion for personal injury law. He graduated with a Juris Doctorate degree from McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento, CA. Learn more about Michael on our about us page, and contact Ipson Law to find out how we can help you.