Filing a personal injury claim can seem daunting, but it’s important that you follow through with the process. A successful claim will provide you with compensation for your medical bills and lost wages, giving you time to heal while providing you with some much-needed financial relief.
However, there are steps that need to be taken before you can collect any money, and they often involve talking to an attorney who knows personal injury law. Fortunately, a lawyer can make filing your personal injury lawsuit quick and easy. Here’s what you need to know when you’re getting started on your personal injury claim.
Getting Started by Gathering Evidence
When you’re preparing for your day in court, gathering evidence is essential. The evidence you gather can help you show the other person was at fault, and that you suffered because of their actions.
Below is just a sample of the evidence you may need to gather:
- Police Reports – When you’re hurt in an accident, especially a car accident, a police officer should document everything that happened at the scene. Their report can function like an expert witness testimony and may even name the at-fault party.
- Witness Statements – Be sure to talk to anybody who saw what happened. Ask for their contact information and inquire as to whether they’re willing to recount their version of events. Their statements can help you prove that you’re due funds.
- Medical Records – Include notes from doctors or therapists who’ve been helping you recover from emotional distress. Medical bills can help you prove you faced financial strain because of your injuries.
You may also want to gather together photos or videos of how bad your injuries are (before they heal) and anything else that could help prove how seriously you were hurt. Talk to your lawyer about the evidence you need for your claim.
Know Oklahoma’s Statute of Limitations
It’s highly important to make sure that you file within the Oklahoma two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases (one year for cases against the government). The statute of limitations is the time limit on filing a claim. In most cases, the clock starts ticking when you realize that your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence.
If some time has passed since your injury, talk to your lawyer about acting as soon as possible. Your lawyer can guide you through the process and help you prepare your claim as soon as possible.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
A good lawyer can help organize your claim and make sure that all evidence, such as police reports and medical records, gets collected in the right way so that it’s all admissible in court later on. They can also help you calculate what you’re due for the damages you’ve suffered.
In addition, one of the most important things your attorney will do is negotiate with the insurance companies. Insurers usually try to settle for much less money than personal injury cases are really worth because they’re in business to make a profit. Having a lawyer by your side gives you an advantage in negotiations.
Do You Need Guidance on the Personal Injury Claim Process
When you find yourself injured due to someone else’s negligence and you’re wondering how to get a personal injury claim started, let AMA Law help you. We offer free consultations and can be of great assistance if you’ve been injured in any type of accident.
Ready for your free consultation? Reach out to us through our online contact form, or call 405-708-7789 to get started.