Going through an accident that causes personal injury can be a harrowing experience – it can leave you disoriented and vulnerable. Concurrently, it is important to take the right step because every action of yours after an accident will have a major impact on your future insurance and legal claims, not to mention your health, safety, and finances.
Below, we will explain the basic steps one needs to take when they have been the victim of an auto accident causing personal injury.
Step 1: Take note of your situation
If you have been in an accident, the first thing you need to do is prioritize your well-being and safety. First and foremost, if you are in a vulnerable area, avoid unnecessary risk and move somewhere safer. Secondly, take note of injuries sustained – both by you and those around you. You might feel okay, but this might be adrenaline talking, and you may have sustained injuries regardless – especially ones like internal bleeding or concussions, which aren’t always obvious. In case of serious injuries, call 911.
Step 2: Call the necessary authorities
As soon as you’re back to your senses, report the mishap. The authorities you call depend on the kind of accident that occurred, and may involve one or multiple kinds. If you and/or others around you have sustained injuries, you need to call the police and ambulance services. If an accident occurred at your workplace, you need to call your manager and/or employer to initiate reports. If the accident happened on someone’s premises, you need to contact them or their representative. Always remember to make a report, as it officially documents the incident, and that can prove the truth during legal or insurance proceedings.
Step 3: Collect as much evidence as possible
The simplest and best way of solidifying your case is to document the accident scene and, if possible, the chain of events. The easiest way to do this is to take videos and photos of the scene, emphasizing injuries, hazardous elements, and, of course, damages. Make sure to collect the full names, contact information, and insurance information of all involved – this includes even the witnesses. Finally, try not to move anything until the authorities have arrived – the only exception being if it poses an immediate threat to safety. Remember, any evidence you may collect can go a long way in supporting your case.
Step 4: Get medical treatment immediately
As mentioned earlier, you may feel that you have minor injuries or might not have sustained one at all. You should get yourself medically checked regardless, as adrenaline and internal injuries might mask the situation, and delays might worsen the situation and even invalidate future claims. Ensure that the medical professional on call checks you properly and notes down your injuries. If the doctor has prescribed medicines, treatments, or advised to follow up, make sure to follow them. Finally, make sure to document any details on this – it will come in handy later.
Step 5: Get in touch with your lawyer
The world of personal injury claims is a complex one, and having limited know-how can put you in a jeopardized situation. On the other hand, having a qualified lawyer by your side will help you protect your rights and ensure that you are awarded the compensation you deserve. Your attorney has the legal capacity to get in touch with both yours and the other party’s insurance companies, and will do the needful to protect you. At The Law Offices of Harding and Andrade, we offer no-cost consultations, and will discuss your situation without any obligation from your end. Last but not least, make sure to act fast, since personal injury cases have time limits when it comes to filing.
To Conclude…
Sustaining a personal injury is a terrible experience. While that cannot be undone, taking the abovementioned steps can help you make the basis for keeping your health and rights protected and your recovery ensured. If you require any professional advice regarding your personal injury case, talk with a certified personal injury lawyer like the Law Office of Harding and Andrade without delay.
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