Demanding compensation after being harmed in an auto accident due to another driver’s negligence is not only reasonable but also your right. However, the process could be tedious and confusing if you do not know where to start and what to do next. Even with evidence, the case would unfortunately not unfold by itself. To file a personal injury claim, here are the steps you could follow to keep you on track and your priorities set.
Step 1: Call A Personal Injury Attorney – Getting in contact with a trusted personal injury attorney is the first and one of the most important things to do before you could proceed with anything. Having a professional who is knowledgeable about car accidents and personal injury cases will be very helpful not only in winning your case and making sure that you get the compensation you are due, but it would also ensure that you are not taken advantage of by anyone.
Step 2: Let Your Insurance Company Know – As a no-fault state, Florida’s laws require all car owners to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage. The PIP automatically covers a person’s medical treatment following a car accident regardless of who is found at fault. This ensures that the people involved will get medical treatment without any delays.
However, the PIP has its limits and does not go beyond medical attention. It does not cover property damages, vehicle repairs, and even other extra treatment that may already be too expensive and exceeds the initial coverage limit. In these cases, it is your car insurance or health insurance provider’s turn to cover for you. Let them know of the accident as soon as you can to get at least all the insurance benefits that they offer. Delaying or prolonging this step could lower the value of your coverage.
Step 3: Prepare All Important Files And Documents – From hospital receipts to police records, it is critical for you to gather these kinds of important files to build your case. These will solidify your claim and prove that the injuries and other damages you suffered rightfully deserve to be compensated. In addition, the files will help the court gauge the right amount that you are due, avoiding being lowballed by settlements and negotiations with the other party or insurance providers.
Step 4: Finish Your Treatment – If you suffered from injuries that are quick to heal, it is best to finish your treatment first so that your entire record and dues can be included in your documentation. The total amount of your medical bills plus the overall health evaluation during your treatment affects your personal injury claim. Finishing your treatment also makes the process faster.
However, if the victim unfortunately suffered from more serious injuries and trauma that require long-term treatment, the case could be an ongoing trial. Nevertheless, present everything that you have on file and with the help of your lawyer, go through with the proceedings.
Step 5. File Your Claim – After everything is done, the only thing left is to file your claim and let everything fall into place. While you are recovering from the accident, your legal counsel will take charge of the rest. When filing a lawsuit, take note of the deadline. It is always advisable to file as soon as possible when you are already feeling better to ensure that your claim is strong and indisputable.
Throughout all these processes, your personal injury lawyer will guide you on what to do for every step. This is why it is the very first thing you must do after an accident.
Based in New York, Stephen Freeman is a Senior Editor at Trending Insurance News. Previously he has worked for Forbes and The Huffington Post. Steven is a graduate of Risk Management at the University of New York.