The Personal Injury Claim Process

Seek care and keep records

Seek appropriate medical care for your health. Keep treatment records, bills, and information about time away from work and other losses.

Preserve evidence

When safe to do so, photograph the scene, injuries, and property damage; record witness contact information; and keep copies of relevant reports and correspondence. Ask about preserving footage or other evidence held by another party.

Consider legal help promptly

An attorney can help assess liability, insurance coverage, applicable deadlines, and the options for a claim. Ask about consultation costs and obtain a clear explanation of any fee agreement. Filing and notice deadlines vary, and settlement discussions do not necessarily pause them.

Insurance and negotiation

Review the relevant policies and any reporting requirements. Before providing a recorded statement or signing an authorization, consider seeking legal advice about your obligations and the implications. A claim may lead to negotiations, a lawsuit, or another outcome depending on the facts.