Personal Injury Checklist

Use this checklist to organize the most important steps after an accident, injury, or insurance claim. Your progress is saved automatically on this device, so you can return later and continue where you left off.

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1. Immediate Safety and Accident Details

Start by protecting your health, documenting what happened, and making sure the basic facts are recorded.

Get medical help immediately if anyone is seriously hurt.Call emergency services when needed and do not ignore symptoms that appear later.

Move to a safe location if possible.Avoid staying in traffic, unsafe property areas, or any place where another injury could happen.

Write down the date, time, and exact location of the incident.Include street names, business names, floor numbers, parking lot areas, or nearby landmarks.

Report the incident to the proper person or agency.This may include police, property management, store management, your employer, or an event supervisor.

2. Evidence Collection

Strong documentation can help support your claim and prevent important details from being forgotten.

Take photos and videos of the accident scene.Capture hazards, damaged property, lighting, weather, road conditions, warning signs, or lack of warning signs.

Photograph your visible injuries.Continue taking updated photos as bruising, swelling, cuts, or mobility issues change.

Collect witness names and contact information.Ask for phone numbers and email addresses before witnesses leave the scene.

Save damaged clothing, shoes, equipment, or personal items.Do not wash, repair, throw away, or alter anything that may show how the injury happened.

3. Medical Treatment and Records

Your medical records often become one of the most important parts of a personal injury claim.

Get a medical evaluation as soon as possible.Even minor pain can become more serious after the adrenaline wears off.

Follow your treatment plan carefully.Attend appointments, complete recommended therapy, and take prescribed medication as directed.

Request copies of medical records and visit summaries.Keep emergency room notes, imaging results, diagnosis records, therapy notes, and discharge instructions.

Keep a pain and recovery journal.Record pain levels, missed activities, sleep problems, mobility limits, emotional stress, and daily restrictions.

4. Insurance and Claim Communication

Be organized and careful when communicating with insurance companies or opposing parties.

Notify your insurance company when required.Check your policy deadlines and reporting requirements.

Get the claim number and adjuster contact information.Save the adjuster’s name, phone number, email address, and mailing address.

Avoid giving a recorded statement before you understand your rights.Recorded statements can affect your claim, especially if your injuries are still developing.

Keep copies of every letter, email, form, and message.Create a folder for claim documents so nothing gets lost.

5. Expenses, Lost Income, and Damages

Track every financial loss connected to the injury so your demand or claim is complete.

Save all medical bills and receipts.Include hospital bills, prescriptions, therapy costs, braces, mobility aids, and out-of-pocket expenses.

Track travel expenses related to treatment.Record mileage, parking, tolls, rideshare costs, or public transportation expenses.

Document missed work and lost income.Ask your employer for written confirmation of missed days, reduced hours, or lost wages.

List property damage or personal items that were damaged.Include phones, glasses, clothing, vehicles, tools, or other property affected by the incident.

6. Demand Letter Preparation

Before requesting compensation, organize the facts, evidence, costs, and supporting documents.

Create a clear timeline of what happened.Start before the incident and include treatment dates, claim communication, and recovery milestones.

Summarize how the injury affected your life.Include pain, missed work, daily limitations, family responsibilities, and emotional impact.

Calculate your total documented losses.Add medical bills, lost wages, travel expenses, property damage, and other injury-related costs.

Attach supporting evidence to your demand letter.Use copies, not originals, when sending medical records, bills, photos, and receipts.

7. Legal Review and Settlement Decisions

Take extra care before signing releases, accepting settlement offers, or closing your claim.

Review important deadlines that may apply to your claim.Personal injury deadlines vary by location and claim type, so confirm the deadline that applies to your situation.

Consider speaking with a personal injury lawyer before settlement.This is especially important for serious injuries, disputed liability, permanent damage, or low settlement offers.

Do not sign a release until you understand what rights you are giving up.A release may prevent you from asking for more money later, even if symptoms worsen.

Keep a final copy of the settlement, release, and payment records.Store these documents with your claim file for future reference.

Disclaimer: This checklist is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Personal injury rules, insurance requirements, and filing deadlines vary by state and situation. For serious injuries, disputed liability, or settlement concerns, consider speaking with a qualified attorney.