Personal Injury Complaints: What to Do After the Accident...

First of all, if it's your fault then you don't have a personal injury complaint! (You'd be suprised at how many people seem to overlook this painfully obvious fact.)

If your injuries are the result of someone else's negligence (i.e. they are "liable") then you're entitled to an injury settlement.

The first thing to do when you get injured in any way is call 911 or your local emergency dispatcher. They'll send urgent medical care and the police. You'll need the medical care for obvious reasons.

The police are there to get an accident police report. They'll take down critical information about the accident (witness reports and contact information, insurance details, etc). This information will be necessary when making your formal personal injury complaint to the insurance company.

NEVER listen to somebody who says "We don't need to involve the cops."

Call the police A.S.A.P.

There are some things the cops might miss, so always write down the details of what happened as soon as possible after the incident. Continue recording developments as the case progresses. Your case could be in litigation for years and you don't want to rely on memory alone.

If you can, take auto accident photos at the scene and of your injuries (or ask a friend to take them). The dramatic effect injury photos have in court can increase your personal injury settlement amount and may pressure the insurance adjuster to settle your personal injury complaint quicker.

After all the initial excitement is over - in the coming days, weeks, and months - plan on getting thorough medical treatment (as much as possible) from your doctor. Don't go to a doctor recommended by a lawyer or to a well-known "personal injury doctor."

This is because the adjuster will likely know who the doctor is, that he frequently gives favorable reports for injury lawyers and plaintiffs, and thus the adjuster will be sceptical of his recommendations.

If your case goes to court, the defense lawyers will exploit any weakness in your case. They will show you used an "injury doctor" and paint it in a negative light. Just be honest and go to your family doctor.

Get as much treatment as is recommended by your doctor.

This is not only in your best interest (it improves your health and increases the amount you can claim for personal injury damages), but it's also in the defendant's best interest (if not optimally treated your injuries could worsen, ultimately costing the defendant more).

Thorough, in-depth treatment is a win-win for you and the defendant.