Filing Your Car Accident Injury Claim Correctly

The First Steps Matter More Than You Think

After a crash, you’re probably in pain, stressed, and unsure what to do next. The bills don’t stop, and neither do the insurance companies. And while you’re trying to get through the day, there’s pressure to file a car accident injury claim properly, or risk losing the money you deserve. One wrong move can cost you. That’s why having trusted car accident attorneys on your side early can make all the difference.

At Horn Wright, LLP, we understand how overwhelming this feels. Filing a claim isn’t the same in every state. New York uses a No-Fault system with tight deadlines. Maine and New Hampshire require proving fault, which makes things more complex. Vermont blends both, which can confuse even the most diligent injury victims. No matter where your crash happened, we’ll help you file correctly, so you can move forward with clarity and support.

One Missed Step Could Wreck Everything

Everything that follows hinges on how you begin. One misstep early on can unravel your entire claim.

Fumble the Details and Let Insurers Take Control

One typo. One unclear sentence. One wrong date. That’s all it takes for an insurance company to twist your claim. Their tactics to avoid paying full settlements are carefully planned and used against people who are already overwhelmed.

They dig through your records line by line. If your ER note doesn’t match a follow-up, they’ll call it a red flag. One small error can give them an excuse to cut your payout. These aren’t harmless slip-ups. They’re exactly what insurers use to weaken your case and save themselves money.

Screw Up a Deadline? Say Goodbye to Compensation in the Empire State

You might think you’ve got time, but the law moves faster than most people realize. The moment your crash happens, the countdown quietly starts ticking. Waiting too long to hire legal help can shrink your options fast when your days are already full of stress, paperwork, and recovery.

Keep in mind these important facts about the timeline:

• The legal clock starts ticking the moment your accident occurs
• Claims involving public or government vehicles have shorter deadlines
• Many people miss these deadlines while dealing with treatment or insurers

New York gives you three years to file a personal injury lawsuit. But if the accident involved a city or government vehicle, you only have 90 days to act. Miss it, and that opportunity is gone. 

The statute of limitations is strict, with no flexibility. And insurance companies know it. They’ll stall, distract, and drag their feet, hoping you run out the clock so they can walk away paying as little as possible.

Forget a Fact? That’s All the Defense Needs

Your story has to be consistent from the start. If you’ve suffered something serious like a traumatic brain injury, symptoms might not show up right away. Leaving out details gives insurers room to question your credibility. Whether you’ve had to leave work, stop daily routines, or adjust how you move through the world, those details matter. Each one strengthens your claim and helps show the full impact of what happened.

What’s Your Claim Really Worth?

Some damages are easy to see, like ER bills or a totaled car. But many losses aren’t so obvious, and they’re just as important. 

When the Bills Start Rolling In and Medical Bills Don’t Wait

Right after a crash, you’re focused on survival. But the real costs sneak up fast. Spinal cord injuries and long-term pain often don’t surface until days or even weeks later, and when they do, the care isn’t cheap.

Medical expenses after a crash go far beyond the first ER visit. Ongoing treatment, medications, and therapy stack up quickly. 

Insurers won’t remind you to include these, so keep track of the following:

• Follow-up doctor appointments
• Physical therapy or chiropractic care
• Prescription medications
• Surgery, if needed
• Long-term rehabilitation or home care

Overlooking any of these can leave you paying out of pocket for years. Car accident attorneys know how to build a comprehensive claim that accounts for every dollar you’re owed.

Your Mental Health Matters Even When Insurers Overlook It

You’re not just healing on the outside. Crash trauma cuts deep, especially when you’ve lost someone. The weight of grief after a fatal accident doesn’t fade easily. It shows up in the moments people don’t see, like sleepless nights, anxiety behind the wheel, or tension with the people you love. It may not be visible on an X-ray, but the emotional pain is just as real. And it deserves to be part of your claim.

Bulletproofing Your Claim: What Insurers Hope You’ll Forget

Even with the right medical records and honest testimony, your claim can fall apart without proof from the scene. That’s why what you do in the first moments after the crash matters so much.

Got That 911 Report? If Not, Start with the Official Report

What you collect right after a crash can make or break your case. Snapping smart photos and securing the police report early help lock in the facts while they’re still fresh. Photos of the damage, street signs, injuries, witness names, and the officer’s notes all play a part. That MV-104 police report can be one of your strongest tools, so read it carefully and make sure it supports your entire account.

Your Doctor Is Your Best Witness, So Don’t Let Records Go Missing

Your medical paperwork tells the story your body can’t explain in words. Disc herniations and soft tissue injuries may not be obvious on the first day, but they can lead to serious, lasting problems that disrupt every part of your life.

Keep all of the following documents organized and updated to support your claim:

• Discharge papers
• Radiology reports (X-rays, MRIs)
• Treatment plans and therapy notes
• Prognosis letters

These documents show how your injury developed and how it continues to affect you. Stay consistent. Keep your appointments. Document everything clearly. This isn’t just paperwork; it’s your proof, your timeline, and your protection against insurers trying to downplay your pain.

Don’t Let a Crash Define Your Future, Take Back Control

You’ve already dealt with more than anyone should. Between nonstop medical appointments, missed work, and stress that doesn’t let up, it’s easy to feel like things are spinning.

If you’re ready to step out of survival mode and move forward with a sense of direction, contact Horn Wright, LLP. Our experienced car accident attorneys understand what you’re facing and will work to recover what you’re owed.