If you've been injured in an accident that occurred in public, you may not know how to file a personal injury claim. In some accident situations, like car crashes, it's fairly obvious how to follow the proper channels: you swap insurance information with the other driver, and let your insurers — or, if necessary, your lawyer — work it out. But where do you begin with an injury that happens in a public space? Below, the personal injury attorneys at Vincent Criscuolo & Associates in Rochester, NY, offer a brief overview of how to file this type of claim.

Find Out Who Owns the Space

In the vast majority of cases, the party who owns the space is responsible for its upkeep, maintenance, and accessibility. Your first step to filing a claim is to find out who owns the property on which you sustained your injury. If the space is a publicly held area like a city sidewalk or a government building, there are still specific departments and individuals in charge of those locations. Contact the property office directly to get the proper names.

Consult With a Personal Injury Attorney

Enlisting the help of a personal injury attorney gives your case the best chance for success. Once you know who owns the property in question, you can start the process of filing your lawsuit. Your lawyer will go over the details of your case, gather evidence, and, if necessary, launch their own investigation into the property and its role in your accident.

Negotiate With Insurers

You could be contacted by the property owner's insurance company. They might try to catch you saying something incriminating or pressure you to settle your claim with them. In all dealings with insurers, check with your personal injury lawyer before saying anything. Better yet, simply refer insurers directly to your attorney.

If you were injured in a public space, it's important that you know your options. Let the workers' comp and personal injury attorneys at Vincent Criscuolo & Associates help you file your claim and walk you through the entire legal proceedings. Call (585) 232-3240 or visit them online to schedule a free consultation.