If you’ve been in a crash, you’re probably overwhelmed. Medical bills pile up. Your car’s a wreck. You’re missing work. And everywhere you turn, someone’s asking for paperwork.
Filing a claim might feel like one more headache, but it’s one of the most important steps you can take. The right claim can cover your medical costs, lost wages, and even compensate you for your pain and suffering. But timing matters. So does how you file. And who’s standing in your corner.
In this article, we’re going to break it down step by step. We’ll show you exactly how to make a claim after a car accident. What to expect. What mistakes to avoid. And how to decide if it’s time to bring in a lawyer. If you’ve never done this before, don’t worry. You’re not alone. Keep reading. This guide is for you.
How to File a Personal Injury Claim
Filing a claim starts at the scene of the accident and it doesn’t stop until the case is closed. Here’s what you need to do.
1. Get medical attention
Even if you feel fine, get checked out. Injuries like whiplash, internal bleeding, or concussions don’t always show up right away. A medical record also becomes evidence in your case. No record, no injury – that’s how insurance adjusters often see it.
2. Report the accident
Call the police at the scene. A police report gives your claim credibility. It also helps document what happened, who was involved, and who may be at fault.
Then, notify your insurance company. Some policies require prompt notice, waiting too long can jeopardize your coverage. But be careful what you say. Stick to the facts. Don’t speculate about fault.
3. Document everything
Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, your injuries, and any property damage. Gather contact info from witnesses. Keep all receipts, bills, and letters related to the accident.
Pro tip: Start a folder, digital or physical, and drop everything in there. Keep a journal, too. Write down how you feel day to day, how the injury affects your life, and any missed work or activities.
4. File the claim
You’ll typically file a personal injury claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If they’re uninsured or underinsured, you may go through your own policy—assuming you have coverage for that.
You’ll submit medical records, repair estimates, and documentation of your losses. The insurer will assign a claims adjuster to investigate and determine how much (if anything) they’re willing to pay.
You don’t have to accept the first offer. In fact, you probably shouldn’t.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Personal Injury Claim?
You’re not required to hire an attorney, but in many cases, it’s a smart move. Here’s when to seriously think about it.
Your injuries are serious or long-term
If you broke bones, had surgery, or are looking at long-term recovery, you need a lawyer. Insurance companies tend to lowball serious claims, especially if you’re not represented. An experienced attorney will know how to calculate future costs like physical therapy, follow-up care, and lost earning capacity.
There’s a dispute over fault
If the other driver denies liability—or the police report is unclear—you’re in for a fight. Insurers love a gray area. They may delay your claim or deny it outright. A lawyer can gather evidence, bring in experts, and negotiate from a position of strength.
You’re getting pressured to settle
Fast offers are often bad offers. Insurance companies move quickly when they know you’re stressed. Their goal is to settle for a low amount before you realize how much your claim is really worth. An attorney can slow things down and review the numbers with you.
The process is confusing
You’re not a claims adjuster. You shouldn’t have to become one overnight. If you’re overwhelmed, unsure what to say or submit, or worried about missing a deadline, a lawyer can take the pressure off.
At Lowe Law Group, we handle cases like yours every day maximizing the compensation and recovery of our clients. Our job is to protect your rights and fight for full compensation, not a fraction of it. If you’re wondering how to make a claim after an accident, we can help from day one or jump in mid-process if things go sideways.
What Insurance Companies Don’t Want You to Know
Here’s the part they don’t advertise:
- They may monitor your social media. A single smiling photo can be used to downplay your pain.
- They can use recorded statements against you, even innocent phrases like “I’m doing okay” can hurt your case.
- They often delay to wear you down. The longer it takes, the more likely you are to settle for less.
This isn’t personal. It’s business. But that’s why having a legal team on your side can change the game.
What Kind of Compensation Can You Get?
Depending on the details of your case, a personal injury claim after a car accident can include:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
Every case is different. But if your injury has disrupted your life, the law gives you the right to be made whole. That doesn’t mean you’ll be handed a blank check. We prove your losses, and push back when the offer doesn’t match the harm.
What If The At-Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
You might assume the other driver’s insurance will pay for your injuries. But what happens if they don’t have any? Or not enough?
Use your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
If you have uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage on your policy, this is where it kicks in. It steps in to cover medical expenses and lost wages when the at-fault driver can’t.
UM/UIM is optional in many states, but in our experience it’s one of the most valuable parts of your auto policy. If you’re not sure whether you have it, now’s the time to check.
Consider a personal injury lawsuit
In some cases, you can file a lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver. But here’s the catch: If they don’t have insurance, they may not have any assets either. You could win in court but collect nothing.
That’s why it’s smart to talk to a lawyer early. A firm like Lowe Law Group can investigate all potential sources of compensation like other liable parties, business-owned vehicles, or umbrella policies that aren’t obvious at first glance.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
Each state has a statute of limitations. That’s the deadline for filing a lawsuit if your claim isn’t resolved through insurance.
In most cases, it’s between 1 and 3 years from the date of the accident, but don’t wait. The longer you delay, the harder it becomes to gather evidence, track down witnesses, and build a strong case.
If you’re not sure about the deadline in your state, talk to a lawyer now. Missing the filing window means your claim is over before it starts.
Conclusion
Filing a claim after a car accident isn’t just paperwork. It’s your chance to get compensated for what you’ve lost and protect your future.
You don’t have to handle this alone. At Lowe Law Group, we’ve helped thousands of people take back control after a crash. We’ll talk with you for free, explain your options, and are ready to step in if the insurer won’t play fair.
You focus on healing. We’ll handle the rest. Call Lowe Law Group today for a free consultation. Get answers. Get clarity. And get your life back on track.
