It is bad enough to get injured in a car collision but when medical bills start piling up and you can’t afford to take any more time off of work, it can be absolutely devastating. Many people aren’t sure how to pursue a claim or what steps to take first. Whether the accident was minor or serious, knowing how the injury claim process works can make a difference in how the case is handled—and how compensation is recovered.

As our friends at Brown Paindiris & Scott, LLP explain, timing, documentation, and legal guidance all play key roles in the process. Injury claims require a careful review of facts, medical records, and liability before any resolution can occur.

Getting Medical Treatment As Soon As Possible

After a crash, the first step is always to get medical attention. Even if you don’t feel seriously hurt at the scene, symptoms can show up later. Having a doctor document your injuries right away builds a record that links your condition to the crash. This helps support your claim and avoids disputes about where or when the injury happened. Insurance companies are notorious for trying to find any and all reasons to not pay injury victims the compensation they are entitled to and delays in treatment may give insurance companies a reason to question the seriousness of your injury—or whether the accident caused it at all.

Reporting The Accident To The Insurance Company

Once you’ve been treated, the next step is notifying the insurance company. This could be your insurer or the other driver’s, depending on the situation. Provide basic information, but avoid giving detailed statements without legal guidance. If possible, discuss your situation with a trustworthy car collision attorney because what you say early in the process can impact the outcome of your claim.

If the other driver was at fault, their insurance company will likely try to settle quickly and for as little money as possible. The sooner you have a good lawyer on your side, the sooner they can protect you from making mistakes when talking to insurance companies or other entities involved in your claim.

Calculating The Value Of The Claim

Determining how much a claim is worth depends on multiple factors: the type of injuries, cost of medical treatment, lost wages, and how your life has been affected. Pain and suffering may also be considered.

Insurance companies often use formulas to calculate a settlement, but those numbers don’t always reflect the real impact of the injury. A personal injury lawyer can help evaluate whether a proposed settlement is fair—or if it’s time to negotiate for more.

Proving Fault And Liability

To succeed in an injury claim, the injured person must show that the other party was responsible for the crash. This involves reviewing police reports, witness statements, photographs, and in some cases, traffic camera footage. Building a strong claim often depends on the availability and quality of evidence. This step is especially important when fault is disputed or multiple parties are involved.

Resolving The Claim Through Settlement Or Court

Most injury claims are settled without going to court. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair amount, the claim may proceed to litigation. That process involves filing a lawsuit, sharing evidence, and possibly going to trial. Not every case goes that far, but it’s important to prepare just in case.

A car accident lawyer can guide you through the process and help make decisions about whether to accept a settlement or move forward with legal action.

Moving Forward After A Crash

The time after a crash is often stressful, especially when you’re dealing with injuries, medical bills, and lost income. Filing a claim might seem like just another burden—but it’s an important step toward recovery and justice. Getting help from an attorney allows you to focus on healing while the legal work is handled for you.

Injury claims can take time, but you don’t have to go through it alone. If you’ve been hurt in a crash and need legal support, it’s important to have a lawyer or legal team on your side that understands both the law and your needs.

How Injury Claims Work After A Crash