How Do I Start a Personal Injury Claim?

To start a personal injury claim, seek medical treatment immediately, document everything about the accident, and contact an attorney who has experience with your type of claim.

Many accident victims feel overwhelmed after an injury. The claims process involves multiple steps, strict deadlines, and insurance company tactics designed to minimize payouts.

A Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can guide you through every step of starting your personal injury claim and fight for maximum compensation.

Seek Medical Treatment Immediately

Your health comes first after any accident. Visit a doctor or emergency room right away, even if you feel fine. Some injuries don’t show symptoms for hours or days, and early treatment can make a big difference in your future health.

Medical records create a direct link between the accident and your injuries. Delaying treatment gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim. They’ll argue your injuries weren’t serious or came from something else.

Follow all doctor recommendations and attend every appointment. Gaps in treatment hurt your claim. Document all medical visits, prescriptions, and therapy sessions.

Document the Accident Scene

Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and weather conditions. Capture injuries, torn clothing, and any visible trauma. Multiple angles provide comprehensive evidence.

Get contact information from all drivers, passengers, and witnesses. Write down insurance policy numbers and license plates. Note the exact location, time, and date of the accident.

File a police report even for minor accidents. The official report documents the incident and often includes the officer’s assessment of fault. Request a copy for your records.

Notify Your Insurance Company

California law requires you to report accidents to your insurer. Call your insurance company to notify them of the accident. Provide basic facts without admitting fault or speculating about injuries.

Keep your statement brief and factual. Don’t give recorded statements or sign releases without attorney guidance. Insurance adjusters may use your words against you later.

Save all communication with insurance companies. Document phone calls with dates, times, and who you spoke with. Keep copies of all letters and emails.

Preserve Evidence

Keep damaged clothing, broken belongings, and other physical evidence. Don’t repair or dispose of damaged property until your attorney advises. Physical evidence proves the accident’s severity.

Save all medical bills, prescriptions, and treatment records. Keep pay stubs showing lost wages. Document out-of-pocket expenses like transportation to medical appointments.

Start a journal documenting your pain levels, limitations, and how injuries affect daily life. Note missed activities, sleep problems, and emotional impacts. This personal record supports pain and suffering claims.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

Most accident victims benefit from legal representation. Attorneys understand insurance tactics and legal procedures. Using one to start your personal injury claim gives you an excellent start to your case.

J&Y Law offers free consultations to evaluate your case. We explain your rights, estimate your claim’s value, and outline the process. You owe nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Early attorney involvement prevents costly mistakes. We gather evidence while it’s fresh, identify all liable parties, and file claims before deadlines expire. Insurance companies take represented clients more seriously.

Demand Letter and Negotiations

Once your lawyer has documented your damages, they send a demand letter to the insurance company.

This letter outlines liability, details your injuries, and demands specific compensation. It includes all supporting evidence and medical records.

Insurance companies typically respond with a counteroffer. Most cases settle through negotiation without going to court.

Your lawyer will evaluate each offer against your claim’s true value and advise on whether it’s worth pushing for more.

J&Y Law never pressures you to accept inadequate settlements. We fight for compensation that covers all your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future needs.

With tens of millions recovered for our clients, we know what fair settlements look like.

Common Mistakes That Hurt Claims

Posting on social media about your accident or injuries gives insurance companies ammunition. They monitor profiles looking for contradictions. Photos of activities they claim you can’t do will hurt your case.

Accepting the first settlement offer almost always leaves money on the table. Insurance companies start low, hoping you’ll accept quickly. Once you settle, you can’t seek additional compensation if costs exceed expectations.

Missing medical appointments or failing to follow treatment plans weakens your claim. Insurance companies argue you weren’t really injured or you’re exaggerating. Consistent treatment shows your injuries require ongoing care.

Get Help Starting a Personal Injury Claim

When you’re hurt from someone else’s actions, a personal injury claim can get you the financial compensation you need. Starting one can be done on your own, but you’ll be left alone to face the insurance company’s lawyers.

J&Y Law advances all case costs, including expert witnesses, court fees, and investigation expenses. You pay nothing out of pocket. We only get paid when we win your case—no recovery, no charge.

Don’t navigate the personal injury claims process alone. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers protecting their interests. Contact J&Y Law today for your free consultation about starting your personal injury claim.