If you’ve been injured in an automobile accident, you may be able to seek compensation from the individual or individuals responsible. In order for you to be successful in seeking that compensation, it’s important that the process is on a timeline. Below, you’ll learn the best timeline of an auto injury claim to ensure that you are within the law and able to seek compensation.
Immediately after the Accident
In the first few minutes after the automobile accident, you should contact the police department and ask for medical emergency responders. Do not speak to anyone about the accident – simply visit the hospital to be checked out, even if you feel alright at the time.
Hours after the Accident:
Within the first few hours of the accident, you should document what happened. This is because the details of the accident are still fresh in your mind and later, you could forget vital information. You should also contact a personal injury attorney for a consultation at the least. You will also need to notify your insurance company and begin the investigation of the accident.
5 to 8 Days after the Accident
At this point, you will need to make sure you have filed form MV104, or Report of Motor Vehicle Accident. This form is required if anyone in the collision was injured or killed. You should also file a no-fault claim if your attorney advises around this time as well. It should be no more than 30 days from the accident when this is filed. Also, if your attorney advises at this time, you can file a claim against other individuals you feel are responsible for any injuries you’ve sustained.
Other Actions and Timelines
If you plan on filing a lawsuit against anyone else involved in the collision, you need to find out the statute of limitations. In most states, it is 2 years, although some allow more or less time.
If you plan on filing for disability due to the car accident, you will need to check the timeline for that. In most places, you will have 30 days to file for disability related to an automobile accident. Check with your attorney in order to be sure.
If you plan on filing lost wages because of the car accident, this should be done within a number of days from the date the accident occurred. It depends upon the company you work for and the state you live in. Again, check with your attorney to ensure that you’re within the deadline.
It’s extremely important that you’re in compliance with important deadlines for an automobile accident. A personal injury lawyer can help you get everything done within a reasonable amount of time after a car accident.
