Step 1: Call the Police if Necessary.
Step 2: Document Everything and Exchange Information.
Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company.
Step 4: Filing Your Insurance Claim.

It’s a legal claim you can make if you were injured in an accident caused wholly or partly by someone else. The process seeks compensation—usually from the at-fault party’s insurance company—for your injuries and losses. Most personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning you typically pay nothing unless the claim succeeds.

You may file a personal injury claim if you were physically injured due to another person’s negligent, careless, or reckless conduct. You can also legally represent yourself in a claim against the at-fault party, though most people choose an attorney due to the complexity of injury cases.

Your claim’s value depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, how long recovery will take, whether future medical care is needed, and the insurance coverage available. Each case is evaluated individually based on its specific facts.

Damages are based on medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, future treatment needs, and the insurance policies involved. More serious or long-term injuries typically lead to higher compensation.

A Pennsylvania personal injury case may take anywhere from a few months to two years, depending on medical treatment timelines, negotiations, and whether liability is disputed. A client’s financial situation can also influence how quickly a case resolves.

If liability is accepted quickly, some claims resolve in 6 to 12 months. More complex cases or those where fault is disputed may take 12 to 18 months or longer. The timeline depends on the facts, medical treatment, and negotiation process.