• You should check the relevant law in your state or territory but it is likely you will be required to complete a form called a 'notice of claim form' that records all the details of your accident and injury and starts the claim process.
• If you engage a lawyer they will usually have this form and will complete it with you. Alternatively you can use the internet to access your state or territory parliamentary website or justice department which should provide guidance on where to find a notice of claim form and how to fill it out.
• Once you have completed the form it should be served on the person or company that caused the accident as soon as possible. You should serve a separate notice for each party that you believe caused or contributed to the circumstances of the accident. In order to identify the relevant parties you may need to conduct searches or your own investigations. A lawyer can help you arrange this.
• The law in your state or territory will specify time frames within which you should lodge a notice of claim.

The other party will need to respond to the notice of claim form and confirm whether they are the correct party to your claim. They then become respondents to your claim.