If you have been in a car crash, your car has suffered damages. You will want to pursue a personal injury claim against the liable party to recover compensation for your damages. The damages will cover the costs of fixing your car’s damage after the accident. You will want to make sure you move quickly with the process because there is a statute of limitations, or a limited time, for pursuing a personal injury claim after a crash.
Every state sets its own laws regarding personal injury claims and depending on the state where your accident took place, you could have anywhere from a year to three years to pursue a personal injury claim. If you don’t file your claim before time runs out, you will not be able to recover compensation for your losses. In that situation, you will have to pay for the damages yourself.
What To Do After An Auto Accident
After an auto accident, always stay on the scene of the crash. You will want to call the police and make sure you have an accident report completed. An officer will investigate the crash and will most likely determine preliminary fault. That accident report can be the supporting documentation for a successful personal injury claim.
You will want to maintain copies of all documentation. If you are physically able to do so, get photos of the accident scene and of any damages to the vehicles. Ask witnesses to provide written statements and ask witnesses for their names and contact details. Always be checked by a medical professional after an accident. Some injuries aren’t apparent right away and some injuries aren’t apparent until days after the crash.
Here are some supporting documents that you should keep after a car crash:
- Accident report
- Witness statements
- Repair estimates
- Tow bills
- Rental car receipts
- Medical bills
- Medical records
- Prescription records
- Proof of missed work and lost wages
- Photos of the accident scene and of any damages
- Photos of the injuries
The more documentation that you can provide to show your damages, the more likely you are to have a successful personal injury claim. Documentation is imperative to your claim’s success and will help show your losses.
Consult With A Personal Injury Lawyer
When you enlist the help of a personal injury attorney, you are much more likely to succeed with your claim. Personal injury attorneys are skilled negotiators and will work to help you get a fair settlement with the insurance company of the at-fault party. When you retain an accident injury lawyer, you will not have to pay anything out of pocket. Instead, your lawyer will work on a contingency basis. That means your attorney will not get paid until you win your case and you receive a judgment or a settlement for your damages. Schedule your free case review today so you can make sure your personal injury claim is on track before the statute of limitations expires.
