Filing a Car Accident Compensation Claim for a Personal Injury: How to Guide

June 24, 2010

Filing a car accident compensation claim for a personal injury is not that difficult, particularly if you are armed with the important how-to’s. Below is a guide on how you can file a personal injury compensation claim.

Step 1. Take Photos of the Accident

When you are involved in a car accident and you suffer an injury due to this accident, the first thing you need to do is document everything. On the accident site, make sure that you take photos of the accident itself. You may need these photos when you file for your car claim personal injury compensation. Make sure that you take photos of the car as well.

Step 2. Get a Written Witness Account

Another important step you need to do before you file for a personal injury compensation claim is to get a written account from a witness or several witnesses. This is especially important to determine that the accident is not your fault. You may also need this document in case the insurance company of the other party asks for it.

Step 3. Get a Copy of the Accident Report

If the police were called to the scene, they would generally file an accident report detailing what happened. It is advisable that you get a copy of the accident report as well since this can document can help you with your claim.

Step 4. Get a Copy of Your Medical Record

It is, of course, important that after a car accident you proceed to a hospital to have your injuries checked. It is vital that you ask for a thorough check-up since there are some injuries that may not manifest immediately. Injuries relating to a car accident can be physical injuries or immense emotional trauma.

Often times, a car accident compensation claim for a personal injury requires that you prove the injuries were the result of the negligence of the other party or driver. Make sure that you also get a copy of the medical record.

Step 5. Check Current Car Insurance Policy

Before you can file for a compensation claim after a car accident due to pain and suffering you have obtained, it is also recommended that you check your current car insurance policy. Generally, a standard rule is that all vehicles must be insured before you can make any claims. Make sure that your policy is active and current.

Step 6. Seek Assistance from Claims Specialist

After you have all the documents, it is recommended that you seek assistance from a claims specialist particularly if the other party involved is not insured or if you are planning to file a no-win, no-fee personal injury claim that is a type of insurance claim wherein a lawyer or solicitor is not involved. A specialist can also help you determine what other documents are needed to help you file the claim.

Step 7. File Personal Injury Compensation Claim

You can now file your car accident compensation claim. Make sure that you submit all the documents you have obtained especially all documents providing proof that you have obtained the injuries due to the car accident. It is also important that you file your claim as soon as possible since there are often limits as to when you can file a personal injury claim.

Remember that to successfully file a car accident compensation claim for a personal injury, there must be evidence of both the accident and the injury.

Comments