Posted on Tuesday, May 5th, 2020 at 12:00 am
Individuals injured in a California car accident, slip and fall, or other accidents may receive compensation for their injuries and damages from the party responsible for causing the injury. However, you must prove that the injury was caused by another party and provide proof of your damages to recover compensation. There are four primary steps in filing a personal injury claim.
Four Steps for Filing a Personal Injury Claim
1. Report the Accident and Injury
The first step in filing a personal injury claim is to report the accident and injury. If you are in a traffic accident, call 911 to report the accident and request medical services. For a slip and fall accident, report the fall and injury to the property owner, manager, or other person responsible for the property at the time of your injury. It is important to have a record of the accident and injury for filing your personal injury claim.
2. Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical attention for your injuries as soon as possible. Having medical records to link the injuries to the accident is crucial for recovering compensation for an injury claim.
As soon as possible, make notes about how the accident occurred to ensure you do not forget any of the details. Your account of how the accident occurred can help determine fault for the accident. Unless you can prove the other person caused your injuries, you cannot recover compensation for damages.
3. Document Injuries and Damages
Keep copies of all documents related to the accident, your injuries, and any damages or financial losses. Documents that help document injuries and damages include, but are not limited to:
- Medical records, including x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and other diagnostic tests
- Police reports and accident reports
- Statements from physical therapists, vocational therapists, counselors, and occupational therapists
- Bills and invoices from medical providers
- Receipts and other proof of out-of-pocket expenses
- Records of time away from work and other loss of income
- Receipts and bills related to personal care or help with household chores
- Mileage records for trips to the doctor’s office or other appointments related to the accident or your injuries
Creating file folders can make it easier to organize your documents and information for a personal injury claim.
4. Contact a Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer
A personal injury lawyer can help you take the necessary steps to prove liability and recover compensation for injuries, losses, and damages. Your attorney investigates the cause of the accident to gather evidence proving fault while you focus on your medical care.
Your attorney also works with your doctors to obtain the medical evidence necessary to prove your injuries were the result of the accident. If you sustained permanent impairments, your attorney can help you obtain medical opinions for an accurate prognosis of future damages and losses.
An experienced injury lawyer understands how insurance companies work and the tactics they use to undervalue and deny valid personal injury claims. Your lawyer fights these tactics to give you the best chance of recovering maximum compensation for your personal injury claim.
Contact a Sacramento Personal Injury Attorney Now for a Free Case Review
Working with our legal team gives you peace of mind of knowing that you have someone working to protect your best interests throughout the claims process. Before you talk to an insurance adjuster or accept a settlement offer, talk with one of our lawyers. Let us help you navigate the claims process to reduce stress and maximize compensation.
Contact The Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000 or by visiting our website to schedule a free consultation with one of our Sacramento personal injury lawyers.
