We talk a lot about personal injury claims here. But what exactly are they?

Put simply, a personal injury claim or case refers to someone who has been injured in an automobile accident and is seeking recovery money from the responsible party, almost always the underwriting insurance company of the at-fault driver.

Before you are awarded any recovery money for your injury, it must be proven that the careless person or business that caused the accident was actually negligent. This is called proving liability or responsibility, and is generally done by negotiation with the at-fault insurance company, either by yourself or with the help of an attorney.

If an agreement (or settlement) can not be reached, you have the option of taking the claim to court but are guaranteed nothing. Whether agreed upon by the at-fault insurance company or awarded by a judge or jury, a personal injury victim may be entitled to remuneration for past and future medical expenses, wage loss, pain and suffering, and loss in quality of life.

Note: If only your automobile was damaged in an accident, then you don’t have a personal injury case—however, you may have a property damage case. But many personal injury lawyers do not handle a property damage claims unless the person has also suffered injuries.