After you've been injured, it can be difficult to focus on what comes next. After all, now you're dealing with pain and a general upheaval of your daily life.

You may need to file a personal injury claim to recoup your medical bills and your other losses from the accident. While the exact steps in a personal injury claim vary by case, there is a general process yours will likely follow.

Get Medical Care

Seek medical attention as soon as you can after an accident. Go to the emergency room or make an appointment with your doctor.

Even if you feel okay right after the accident, you may end up in pain later. Some injuries can take days to appear, including whiplash. You still need to be seen by a doctor so they can assess you for injuries and get you started on any necessary treatments. A delay in medical care can delay your recovery and impact your accident claim.

Hire a Personal Injury Attorney

Contact personal injury law offices about your accident as soon as you can. Even if you think you can settle the claim on your own, it's better to work with professionals in personal injury law. They will help ensure you receive the amount you're entitled to. Your attorney will also handle your claim's details so you can focus on healing instead of on how to pay your medical bills.

Have an Investigation

Your personal injury attorney will gather information and facts about your accident, injuries, and medical treatments. They will also monitor your medical expenses and progress so they can determine your long-term needs and factor those into your settlement.

Start Claim Negotiations

Your attorney will submit a settlement claim to the insurance company or other party involved once they have all the facts. This starts off the negotiation process. If the other party offers a reasonable settlement and you accept, the case is resolved here.

If you can't settle your claim through negotiation, the next step is filing a lawsuit. Your attorney will advise you of the risks and benefits of filing a lawsuit so you can make an informed decision about what to do next.

Some personal injury claims are settled within a fairly short time. Other times, the claim goes on until the matter is heard at court. In either case, working with a personal injury lawyer can help take some of the stress, concerns, and questions out of the process for you.