To suffer an injury at the hands of a third party can be devastating. You may have medical bills that stack up, lost wages and more. As a personal injury lawyer in Buffalo, NY from a firm like Hurwitz, Whitcher & Molloy, LLP can explain, you have to file a personal injury claim to ensure that you receive compensation. Read on to learn more about filing a claim against a third party.
Take Witness Statements
Did anyone witness your injury? One of the most convincing ways to prove your case is through the use of witness testimony. The most common example of witness statements for personal injury cases involves car accidents. If you’re in an accident, you are more than likely to have some witnesses available to describe what they believe happened.
If you are capable of gathering witness statements, you should do so after an accident. However, if you cannot physically ask questions, check to see if the police did it for you. If not, you can always try to find those who witnessed the event and ask if they would make a statement on your behalf.
Gather Evidence
When you know that there is a good chance that you’ll file a personal injury claim, it’s time to collect evidence. Evidence may include medical bills, lost wages, bills for property damage and more. If you reported the accident to the police, make sure that you have a copy of the police report to show your lawyer.
Without evidence, you may be unable to prove that another person was at fault for your accident. For example, if you were in a wreck, the evidence could show that the other driver ran a red light or sped and caused the accident.
Speak With a Lawyer
Before you file a claim, contact a lawyer. A lawyer can help you determine whether you should pursue your personal injury case. Your attorney will make sure that you file all of the appropriate paperwork and don’t miss any deadlines. When you have representation on your side, you are more likely to receive the settlement you deserve. You don’t have to be an expert in filing a claim because he or she can do it for you.
If you believe you have a personal injury claim, set up a consultation with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. He or she will be able to take your evidence and determine the value of your case. If you can prove negligence and injury, you may have a viable claim.