Have you ever found yourself in a situation where someone else’s carelessness left you injured and out of pocket? It’s a frustrating experience. You’re dealing with pain, medical bills, and possibly lost wages, all because of someone else’s negligence.
Unfortunately, accidents like these happen a lot. WHO reports that injuries account for about 8% of deaths worldwide. Some injuries are also responsible for 10% of victims to live their remaining years with a disability. These statistics highlight just how widespread and impactful injuries can be, affecting not just immediate health but long-term quality of life as well. (1)
That’s where personal injury claims come in. They’re your legal avenue to seek compensation for the damage you’ve suffered. This article will break down the steps you need to take to successfully file a personal injury claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Consider hiring an attorney
While it’s possible to handle a personal injury claim on your own, attempting to do so can be risky. The legal system has many nuances and pitfalls that can trip up those unfamiliar with its intricacies. Thus, hiring a top-rated personal injury lawyer is highly recommended. An experienced attorney can make a significant difference between a fair settlement and a disappointing outcome.
You can expect your personal injury lawyer to:
- Help you understand your rights
- Ensure you meet all legal deadlines
- Gather and organise evidence
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Represent you in court if necessary
If your injuries are severe, if liability is disputed, or if you’re being offered a low settlement, an attorney can be invaluable in helping you get the compensation you deserve. They’ll fight for your rights, which allows you to focus on your recovery while they handle the legal complexities.
Gather evidence while you focus on healing
Your health comes first, so don’t delay getting checked by a doctor. This will help establish clear medical records of your injuries and how they connect to the accident.
Your evidence should include:
- Accident report: If the accident involved law enforcement, retrieve a copy of the police reports. This report will contain details about the scene, witness statements (if any), and the responding officer’s observations.
- Photos: Take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries (with timestamps if possible), and any property damage.
- Witness statements: If anyone witnessed the accident, get their written statements or contact information.
- Proof of lost wages: If your injuries forced you to miss work, gather documentation like pay stubs or a letter from your employer to show lost income.
While you’re focusing on recovery, your personal injury lawyer can help manage much of this evidence gathering process to ensure nothing crucial is overlooked.
Understand the statute of limitations
Every state has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This legal time limit sets a deadline for initiating your lawsuit. If you miss it, you could lose your right to seek compensation. For instance, in Canada, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit, while in New York, it’s three years.
Therefore, it’s essential to act promptly and be aware of your state’s specific laws. Your personal injury lawyer can help you navigate these timeframes to ensure you don’t miss out on your chance for justice.
Determine liability
To have a successful personal injury claim, you’ll need to prove that someone else was responsible for your injuries. This could be an individual, a company, or even a government entity. Your evidence gathered plays a pivotal role here as it’ll help illustrate how the other party’s actions or inactions directly led to your injury. Your experienced personal injury attorney can help piece together the evidence, identify all potentially liable parties, and construct a compelling argument for why they should be held responsible.
Calculate your damages
Before filing your claim, you’ll need to determine how much compensation you’re seeking. Forbes has recently revealed that the average injury settlements can range between USD$20,000 to USD$25,000. However, most survey respondents revealed they only received less than USD$10,000. (2)
That’s why being thorough in your calculations is crucial because once your claim is settled, you can’t go back and ask for more compensation. But don’t worry; your experienced personal injury lawyer will ensure you’re accounting for all current and future costs related to your injury, including potential long-term medical care or loss of earning capacity.
File an insurance claim
Filing an insurance claim involves submitting a detailed demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurance company, outlining the specifics of your accident, the extent of your injuries, and the compensation you’re seeking. However, be prepared for a challenge, as most insurance companies typically aim to minimize payouts.
The initial settlement offer is usually low, so don’t feel pressured to accept it if it doesn’t adequately cover your damages. Your personal injury lawyer can help you craft a compelling demand letter and negotiate effectively with the insurance company to ensure you receive fair compensation.
File a lawsuit if necessary
Filing a lawsuit becomes necessary when negotiations with the insurance company hit a dead end. Once filed, the defendant will have an opportunity to respond, setting the legal process in motion.
As per the U.S. Department of Justice, only about 4% to 5% of personal injury cases actually go to trial, with the vast majority settling out of court. This statistic suggests that the act of filing a lawsuit can often prompt more serious negotiations, potentially leading to a fair settlement without the need for a full trial. (3)
Parting thoughts
Filing a personal injury claim can be a complex process, but understanding the steps involved can help you navigate it more effectively. More importantly, consulting with a qualified personal injury lawyer in your area is the best way to understand your specific situation and determine the most effective course of action.
References:
- “Injuries And Violence”, Source: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/injuries-and-violence
- “Typical Car Accident Settlement Amounts (2024)”, Source: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/auto-accident/typical-car-settlement-amounts/
- “Personal Injury Settlement Amounts Examples (2024 Guide)”, Source: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/personal-injury/personal-injury-settlement-amounts/