Being involved in an accident can be traumatic and stressful experience, especially right after it happens. What is unfortunate is that this is a crucial time for successfully preparing for a personal injury lawsuit, if it applies. Here are three things you should try to remember to do if you’ve sustained an injury in an accident.
1. Report the Accident.
The very first thing you should do after an accident of any kind is report it to the proper people. If it’s a car accident, call the police and file an official report. If it’s a slip and fall in a business or on a property, contact the manager and tell them what happened. Always seek medical attention and be sure to be as clear as you possibly can with medical personnel about what your injuries are, how they happened, and any other medically relevant information.
2. Document Everything.
After you’ve reported the accident to the proper parties and sought out medical attention, you need to document everything surrounding the accident with as much detail as possible. Take pictures of the scene, your injuries, and anything else that may be relevant to the case. Record conversations with witnesses, and be sure to get official medical documentation of exactly what your injuries are. Start keeping detailed records of any losses you might be incurring as a result of the accident, like medical bills, loss of ability to work, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
3. Hire a Lawyer
After the accident has been reported and you’ve documented as much information as you can as clearly as you can, you should call a personal injury lawyer, at least for a consultation. Personal injury lawsuits can be tricky, and since the majority of them — around 95% — are settled out of court you’ll probably benefit from some professional representation and counsel.
What do you think a person needs to do after a personal injury accident? Feel free to let us know in the comments. See this link for more references.