Getting injured due to someone else’s negligence can be overwhelming. Medical bills pile up, lost wages create financial strain, and insurance companies try to pay as little as possible—or deny your claim outright. The system is built to protect corporations, not individuals, and it often feels like you’re fighting an uphill battle just to get what you’re owed.
I have spent my career standing up for people in these situations. When powerful institutions try to take advantage of those without money, influence, or connections, I push back. I have fought for servicemembers, veterans, small business owners, and everyday people caught in legal battles against corporations and government bureaucracies. I know how to fight and win—and I want to help you do the same. If you’ve been injured, here’s what you need to know about filing a personal injury claim.
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health is the top priority. Even if you don’t think you were seriously injured, get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries take days or weeks to show symptoms, and delaying treatment can hurt both your health and your claim.
Insurance companies will use any delay in seeking medical attention against you. They will argue that if you were truly injured, you would have seen a doctor right away. Getting medical records immediately establishes a direct link between the accident and your injuries, making it harder for them to deny responsibility.
Keep detailed records of your medical visits, treatments, and any expenses related to your injury. The more documentation you have, the stronger your case will be.
Step 2: Gather and Preserve Evidence
The success of your claim depends on the evidence you can provide. As soon as possible after the injury, start gathering as much information as you can. If you are able, take photos and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage.
Collect contact information from any witnesses. Their statements can be invaluable in proving what happened and who was at fault. If law enforcement was involved, request a copy of the police report, as it can serve as an official record of the incident.
Keep copies of all documents related to your injury, including medical bills, insurance correspondence, and any written communication with the responsible party. The more organized you are, the more difficult it will be for insurance companies to dispute your claim.
Step 3: Notify the Responsible Party
Depending on the nature of your injury, you may need to notify the responsible party or their insurance company. If you were in a car accident, this means reporting the crash to the at-fault driver’s insurance provider. If you were injured on someone else’s property, notify the property owner or business where the injury occurred.
Be cautious in your communication. Stick to the basic facts and never admit fault, even if you think you may have been partially responsible. Insurance companies look for any excuse to minimize or deny claims, and they will use your words against you.
Before providing a recorded statement or signing anything, consider speaking with an attorney. Once you sign away your rights, it can be difficult to undo the damage.
Step 4: Calculate Your Damages
Insurance companies want to settle for as little as possible. To fight back, you need to know what your claim is truly worth. Damages in a personal injury case include more than just medical bills—you can also claim lost wages, future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
If your injury has a long-term impact on your ability to work or enjoy life, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Don’t let an insurance adjuster tell you what your case is worth. Their job is to save the company money, not to make you whole.
An experienced attorney can help you assess the full extent of your damages and ensure that you don’t accept an unfair settlement.
Step 5: Negotiate or File a Lawsuit
Most personal injury claims are resolved through negotiation, but that doesn’t mean you should accept the first offer. Insurance companies expect you to push back, and they often start with a lowball settlement in hopes that you will accept less than what you deserve.
If negotiations fail, filing a lawsuit may be necessary. This doesn’t mean your case will go to trial—many lawsuits settle before reaching the courtroom. However, being willing to take legal action sends a message that you are serious about your claim and won’t be pressured into an unfair settlement.
The legal process can be intimidating, but with the right strategy and representation, you can level the playing field against powerful insurance companies.
Standing Up for Yourself Starts Here
Filing a personal injury claim isn’t just about getting compensation—it’s about holding those responsible accountable. When companies, landlords, and drivers act recklessly and cause harm, they shouldn’t get away with it. The legal system is meant to protect people like you, but it only works if you fight back.
If you’ve been injured, don’t try to handle the claim alone. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working against you. Level the playing field by getting the right legal support. I have spent my career standing up for people who have been wronged—and I’m ready to stand up for you.
About the Author: Nick Harrison is an attorney, advocate, and public servant who has dedicated his career to fighting for justice. He has gone head-to-head with powerful institutions, challenging discriminatory policies, defending veterans, and standing up for those who have no one else in their corner. From taking on high-profile legal battles to helping small businesses and nonprofits navigate complex legal issues, he brings both fierce advocacy and unwavering support to those he represents. His work has not only changed lives—but changed laws. With experience in litigation, policy reform, and leadership under pressure, Nick is committed to using the law as a force for good and ensuring that no one is left behind.
