How can i access my laptop

Hello,
i recently dropped my laptop.
the obv damage was the screen had cracked-so i hooked the laptop up to another monitor and at first it seemed ok.
it booted up in safe mode.
but once it got thru safe mode i had " no signal " appear on the monitor.
i have tried 2 monitors which both work ok-
but still get the same message appearing....
is there a way i can access my laptop hard drive from another computer without taking my laptop apart....
i have basic computer knowledge and reading other help sections it seems that i need to remove my hard drive to access it....
is this the only way of doing it or can i access it while still inside my laptop.
any help will be appreciated.
thanks
dave