The steps you take after an accident can have a huge impact on the outcome of your case. The process is often confusing and involves a lot of paperwork. Calling insurance companies and dealing with the legal system can be overwhelming, especially when you’re recovering from an injury.
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, knowing how to file a personal injury claim and contacting our personal injury lawyers in St. Louis is important for protecting your rights and seeking fair compensation. Below are some of the most important steps you can take to successfully file a personal injury claim in St. Louis.
Step 1: Seek Medical Treatment
Get medical care as soon as possible after an accident, even if you think your injuries are minor. Immediate attention not only protects your health, but it also creates medical records that serve as key evidence for your claim. Always follow your doctor’s advice and keep up with all recommended treatments because missed appointments or not following through may hurt your case later.
Step 2: Gather Evidence
Collect as much information as you can related to the accident. This includes taking photos of the scene and your injuries, getting names and contact details from witnesses, and securing copies of accident reports. Save all bills, receipts, and written communications about your injury and recovery, like prescription notes or evidence of time you’ve had to take off of work.
Step 3: Hire a St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer
An experienced St. Louis personal injury lawyer will know how to investigate your case, gather more evidence, and deal with insurance companies on your behalf. A lawyer can also explain legal terms and procedures that are often confusing and make sure your claim is filed within state deadlines. Having strong legal representation is especially important in cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or when an insurance company refuses to pay what your claim is worth.
Step 4: File a Claim with the At-Fault Party’s Insurance
After you’ve gathered your evidence and consulted with a personal injury attorney in St. Louis, you or your attorney can submit a claim to the insurance company of the person or business responsible for your injury. At this time, it’s also important to check your own insurance policy. If you have MedPay, those benefits may help with some expenses, such as medical bills, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
Step 5: Negotiating a Settlement or Filing a Lawsuit
Most personal injury cases are resolved through settlement negotiations with the insurance company. Your lawyer will help by calculating the value of your claim, presenting evidence, and negotiating for a fair settlement. If the insurance company won’t settle for a reasonable amount, your St. Louis injury attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit and taking the case to court.
Step 6: Receiving Compensation
Once a settlement is reached or a court awards damages, you will receive compensation for your injuries. This is usually paid by the at-fault party’s insurance company or the defendant if you had to file a personal injury lawsuit against them for additional damages, and it covers things like medical costs, lost income, and sometimes even pain and suffering. Your lawyer will help oversee the process to make sure you get the funds owed to you and any legal fees are handled appropriately.
While this is just a brief overview of how a personal injury case works, it gives you an understanding of what to expect. If you have any questions about a potential claim, don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule a free consultation.