When a plaintiff files a case, it is different from making a claim to the insurance company. A case filing involves a formalized document to a court that lays out their claim against the negligent party and the injury that has resulted. To file a car accident case action, a person must write out a complaint and file it in the appropriate court. A formal claim must lay out the duty of care the defendant had, the breach of duty that occurred, the injuries that the plaintiff sustained as a result of the breach, and the compensable damages that arose out of those injuries.