Personal Injury Frequently Asked Questions
The following are some suggested steps to take and things to expect when considering a claim for personal injury and/or property damage:
- What should I do if I am injured in an accident?
- Is there a time limit within which I must file my claim?
- What should I expect if I meet with an attorney?
The first thing that you should do after being injured in an accident is to look out for your health. If you have already done this, then there are a number of steps that you can take that will help preserve your right to file a claim for your personal injuries or property damage:
- Collect any evidence that can prove who caused the accident and prove any damage done. Clear photographs taken near the time of the accident are some of the best evidence available to substantiate a personal injury or property damage claim.
- Keep detailed notes containing everything that has happened to you as a result of the accident including personal injuries, property damage, lost wages, etc.
- Keep copies of all medical bills related to personal injuries and receipts related to property damage together in a safe place.
- Get the name and contact information of any witness who observed the accident.
- If you speak to others who were involved in the accident take notes about your conversation.
- Obtain a copy of any pertinent police report. While the police report itself is inadmissible in civil court proceedings, it can provide a lot of leverage during any pre-trial settlement negotiations.
Yes. If you fail to file your claim in a timely manner the applicable statute of limitations will completely bar any potential lawsuit, regardless of how egregious the injury or outrageous the defendant's conduct. Do NOT delay in consulting an attorney regarding your situation. Contact me regarding your situation and after our consultation I will be able to provide you with the applicable statutory period in which you may file your claim to ensure that your suit is not time-barred.
What should I expect if I meet with an attorney?
There are many factors to consider when pursuing a personal injury or property damage claim. Below is some of the information that an attorney will require in order to properly handle your case:
- They will ask that you sign a medical release so that they can obtain your medical records.
- They will want to know all of your applicable insurance coverage.
- They will want to know the names and contact information for any others involved in the accident.
- They will want to know the names and contact information for any witnesses to the accident.
- They will want to know if you have spoken to any insurance adjusters, and if so, what information you provided them and whether your statement was in writing or recorded.
- They will want to know the status and long-term prognosis of any personal injuries, related disabilities, disfigurements, etc.
- They will want to know if you possess any photographs, police reports, or other potential evidence.
