In an instant, you found yourself in an accident. You’ve sustained some injuries and your car is wrecked. Your mind is racing as you try to figure out what steps come next. Outside of getting to a hospital for treatment and calling the insurance company to file a claim, you have no idea what to do next or who to turn to for further assistance. You realize the next steps you make are crucial to your future, and time is of the essence. So, how do you handle something like this? Follow this advice below:

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

Though you may not believe you need an attorney, if you’ve sustained injuries it is best to at least consult with a legal professional. There are a lot of consequences that can come from being injured in an accident. You could have to take time off from work, get long-term medical care, and suffer emotional distress. There are personal injury law firms in New York as well as other regions of the country which can offer their assistance and expertise from start to finish. They can review your claim, inform you of your rights, help you file a claim, negotiate a settlement, or go to trial if necessary.

Keep a Record of Account

Documentation is going to be key to you getting your personal injury claim resolved. The more documentation you have, the more proof there is on your side of the story. It can also help you to get more in a settlement or court case. Keep a record of everything immediately following the accident including how you felt, what the scene looked like, who was there, and what steps you took.

Visit Your Doctor

After being released from the hospital you’ll be expected to follow-up with your doctor for further care. It is vital to your case that you visit your doctor as frequently as required. Discuss how you’re feeling, and follow their advice for treatment. The doctor’s records are important to your claim. Reporting any and everything you may be feeling can help them to provide the most accurate diagnosis and treatment for your care.

Talk to Your Employer

Unfortunately, if you’ve sustained serious injuries, you’re not going to be able to work until you’ve recovered. You want to talk to your employer first to see what, if anything, can be done to preserve your job. This may mean exhausting any saved sick or vacation time, taking a leave of absence, and in some cases, losing your job altogether. The sooner you find this information out the better. Ask your employer to provide you with a letter stating what your employment status is as this will be needed for your claim.

File Your Claim

Armed with a personal injury attorney, up-to-date records, medical records, and a notice from your employer, you’re ready to file a claim with the insurance company. You’ll be assigned a claims adjuster who will ask for your account of the story and any supporting documentation. They will then review this information and make a determination on how much they’re willing to offer you as a result of this accident.

Settlement Negotiations

Your claims adjuster will get back to you and provide you with an offer amount based on their investigation. You should review this amount with your attorney to determine if it is enough. Sometimes, they will throw a number out there that sounds like a lot, but really won’t cover all the expenses you’ll have as a result of the accident.

Lawsuits

If you cannot reach a settlement, or believe that not all guilty parties have been held accountable you can file a lawsuit. Your personal injury attorney will help you figure out who you should sue as well as file the case on your behalf. You’ll then work together to gather as much evidence as possible to prove liability. After this information is presented to a judge, if ruled in your favor an award amount will be determined.

You’ve probably got a lot on your mind after being involved in an accident and suffering injuries, but it is important that you take action. There is a statute of limitations on personal injury cases, meaning you don’t have much time to file a suit. If you want to potentially be compensated for your injuries and the financial chaos the accident has caused, you’ll need to take quick, calculated steps towards getting support, gathering evidence, and pleading your case. These tips should make the process easier.