In the United States there are approximately six million car accidents each year, causing over 40,000 deaths and three million injuries. Statistics show that this is the leading cause for personal injury claims in the US. Car accidents can occur anywhere and although most are simple ‘fender benders’, other accidents can be more serious and result in serious injuries or even death.

Many states allow car accident victims who have suffered personal injury to recover damages for pain and suffering, disability, wrongful death, emotional distress and other damages. Some states will also allow car accident victims to recover ‘special’ damages, such as medical bills, lost wages and other out-of-pocket expenses. Other states, such as Massachusetts, also allow ‘no-fault’ benefits to be paid to victims. These payments can cover such expenses as medical bills and lost wages.

Car accident claims may seem straightforward, but they are in fact very complicated and it is important for accident victims to diligently collect information from the other party and contact their insurance company right away, and to involve the police if the accident is serious. Car accidents are not only personal injury cases, but also involve insurance companies and it is important to for the victim to have the correct representation, if personal injury or substantial damage to the vehicle is involved. Timing is important because the right to claim expires after a set period, and there are many forms to fill out and procedures to follow to obtain claims and or damages.