If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you could have the legal right to file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and other damages. Here is what you need to know about filing a personal injury claim in New Jersey.
Steps Involved in Filing a Personal Injury Claim
Here are the steps that are involved in most personal injury claims:
Reporting the Accident
Whether you are injured in a car accident or a slip and fall, you should report the accident to authorities or the person in charge. This can help create an official report of the incident and help to connect your injuries to the event.
Seeking Medical Attention
You should not hesitate in seeking medical attention after a personal injury. This step ensures that your medical condition is properly diagnosed and documented, providing additional support for your legal claim and protecting your long-term health.
Gathering Evidence
At the scene of the accident, you can collect evidence, such as by:
- Taking pictures or videos of the accident scene and your injuries
- Asking witnesses to write down what they saw
- Writing down your narrative of the events while your memory is fresh
Also, request a copy of the accident report once it is finished
Consulting a Personal Injury Lawyer
As soon as possible, talk to a personal injury attorney to protect your legal rights and avoid doing anything that could harm your claim. Your attorney can take the case from here, completing the next steps.
Filing Your Insurance Claim
Your personal injury lawyer can handle interactions with the insurance company. They prepare a demand letter, outlining how the accident happened and why the defendant is responsible for the injuries.
Negotiating a Settlement
After the insurance company receives your demand letter, it may offer a settlement to resolve your case and avoid litigation. Its offer is usually less than the amount your lawyer demanded. Your lawyer and the insurance company may go through several rounds of negotiations before reaching an agreement regarding the amount of the settlement.
Most personal injury cases end by this stage and don’t go to trial. However, if the insurance company denies your claim or refuses to make a fair settlement offer, your lawyer can file a lawsuit
Why Legal Assistance Matters When Pursuing a Personal Injury Claim
Insurance companies deal with personal injuries regularly. They hire and train insurance adjusters to protect their wealth by minimizing, delaying, and denying claims whenever possible. When you are dealing with a painful injury, you need to be able to concentrate on your health and recovery, not deceptive tactics designed to limit your fair recovery.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can help by:
- Explaining your legal rights
- Determining if you qualify to file a personal injury claim
- Handling communication with the insurance company
- Accounting for the full extent of your damages
- Negotiating for fair compensation
- Taking prompt legal action
Learn more about how Aronberg, Kouser, Snyder & Lindemann, P.A. can help by calling us today for your free consultation.
