Steps to Take Immediately After a Personal Injury

There are many types of personal injury accidents such as car crashes, slips and falls, and dog bites. While they all have different variables, they share a common denominator – they are caused by the negligence of another party.

No matter what has happened, the injuries you sustain can be painful, and it may be difficult to think clearly. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, these are a few steps to take.

Get Prompt Medical Attention

If you’ve been through an accident, don’t delay getting medical treatment. It’s common in car accidents for victims to refuse medical attention because they don’t see gaping wounds or think anything is wrong. It’s a huge mistake as many injuries may be under the surface, and they can worsen or become life-threatening without medical intervention.

The bottom line with any personal injury is that not every injury is noticeable, and only a medical professional can provide a complete evaluation and prompt treatment.

Report What Happened

In a car crash, you’ll call 911 to have the police come create a police report. If you’re at the supermarket and you slip and fall, you don’t need to call the cops, but you should report what happened to the manager. That’s not enough, though, as you’ll want to have written documentation on what occurred. Anytime you suffer an injury due to negligence, you should report it. Reports can become crucial evidence in the event that you need to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party.

Get the Evidence You Need

Some victims of personal injury are unable to do this at the moment if their injuries are too severe. However, if it is at all possible in your circumstances, take photos and videos of the accident scene.

For a car crash, you’ll want to get visual evidence of the damage to the vehicles and where they came to rest after the accident. In a slip-and-fall scenario, you’ll want to photograph the hazard that caused your injury. Think about what can help tell the story of what happened to you in a visual way. That will be the best evidence.

If you’re seriously injured, it will benefit you to hire a personal injury attorney since they can help you gather the evidence you need. While you recover from your injuries, they will work to get a copy of the surveillance footage before it’s erased and speak to witnesses who saw the incident.

In time, evidence and memories fade away. This is why you will want help getting this evidence as soon as possible before it is gone.

Keep Quiet

When you’ve been injured as a result of another person’s careless actions, resist the urge to tell everyone. Posting on social media and telling family, friends, and coworkers is a bad idea. If you file a lawsuit, the defendant’s attorney will be looking for anything they can use against you to negate your claim.

Enlist Legal Representation from a Personal Injury Attorney

When you work with an attorney from the start, you can focus on healing. The events you’ve been through are traumatic, and pursuing a personal injury claim may make it harder and more stressful for you.

With an attorney, you’ll have a legal advocate who will work for your best interests. Call for a free consultation with a lawyer who has experience representing personal injuries that are similar to yours.