When you have been involved in an accident and you would like to pursue applying for accident benefits you are responsible for notifying the insurer within 7 days of the date of the mishap. In some cases the injuries you incur could cause you to be unable to apply for benefits within the 7 day grace period, if this is your situation then you must file the application as soon thereafter as it can be reasonably done. Once the insurer has sent the appropriate forms you will then have 30 days from the point you receive the application to return the forms back to your insurer. If you fail to comply with these set time limits all is not lost as long as there is a reasonable excuse for the forms being returned late.