William T. Burdin
Law Office of
603-893-6010
Licensed in MA and NH
Personal Injury
I've been hurt in an accident and I want to file a claim for my injuries. What's the first thing I should do?
There are a number of things you can do in the first few days and weeks after an accident to protect your right to compensation should you want to file an injury claim. Except for filing a formal claim against a government entity, there's no single step that you absolutely must take to obtain a fair settlement, and no set order in which you must proceed. However, the more of the following suggestions you can follow, the more smoothly your claim process is likely to flow.
Write down as much as you can about the accident itself, your injuries, and any other losses (such as wages) you've suffered as a result of the accident. Make notes of conversations that you have with people involved in the accident or the injury claim.
Preserve evidence of who caused the accident and what damage was done by collecting physical evidence and taking photographs.
Locate people who witnessed the accident and who might be able to help you prove your case.
Notify anyone you think might be responsible for the accident of your intention to file a claim for your injuries.
Unless you're filing a claim against a government agency or employee, you need not notify the people you think are responsible for your injuries within a set number of days after an accident. But that doesn't mean you should drag your feet. On the contrary, acting right away -- within a few days, if possible -- will increase your chances of receiving a quick and fair resolution to your claim.
Giving notice doesn't obligate you to file a claim; it simply preserves your rights and prevents others from later saying that your claim is unfair because you waited too long to tell them about your injuries. If you promptly notify others that you intend to file a claim for your injuries, you can then move at your own pace in processing and negotiating the claim with the insurance company or government agency that winds up taking responsibility.
(For more general information, see Nolo's encyclopedia of every day law)
There are a number of things you can do in the first few days and weeks after an accident to protect your right to compensation should you want to file an injury claim. Except for filing a formal claim against a government entity, there's no single step that you absolutely must take to obtain a fair settlement, and no set order in which you must proceed. However, the more of the following suggestions you can follow, the more smoothly your claim process is likely to flow.
Write down as much as you can about the accident itself, your injuries, and any other losses (such as wages) you've suffered as a result of the accident. Make notes of conversations that you have with people involved in the accident or the injury claim.
Preserve evidence of who caused the accident and what damage was done by collecting physical evidence and taking photographs.
Locate people who witnessed the accident and who might be able to help you prove your case.
Notify anyone you think might be responsible for the accident of your intention to file a claim for your injuries.
Unless you're filing a claim against a government agency or employee, you need not notify the people you think are responsible for your injuries within a set number of days after an accident. But that doesn't mean you should drag your feet. On the contrary, acting right away -- within a few days, if possible -- will increase your chances of receiving a quick and fair resolution to your claim.
Giving notice doesn't obligate you to file a claim; it simply preserves your rights and prevents others from later saying that your claim is unfair because you waited too long to tell them about your injuries. If you promptly notify others that you intend to file a claim for your injuries, you can then move at your own pace in processing and negotiating the claim with the insurance company or government agency that winds up taking responsibility.
(For more general information, see Nolo's encyclopedia of every day law)
The office of Attorney Burdin provides free legal consultation for personal injury cases. We fight hard for you to make sure you receive the best settlement possible.
Call us today at 603-893-6010 or Contact us via email
Disclaimer: Facts, circumstances and results of each case may differ
Call us today at 603-893-6010 or Contact us via email
Disclaimer: Facts, circumstances and results of each case may differ
"Without equal access to the law, the system not only robs the poor of their only protection, but it places in the hands of their oppressors the most powerful and ruthless weapon ever invented."
-- Reginald Heber Smith - Justice and the Poor, 1919
-- Reginald Heber Smith - Justice and the Poor, 1919
