Marcus Richards
A personal injury can lead to all sorts of catastrophes. At every imaginable level, physically, emotionally, mentally, financially, and spiritually, you can suffer. What’s worse, if not properly insured or ill-prepared, the setbacks from a personal injury can leave you in a damaged state that you may never completely recover from. If you get injured, it’s best to know what to do.
No matter if it’s a car accident, slip and fall, a workplace incident, or something else, knowing what to do after an injury-related incident can make a lot of difference legally and during recovery. Calling a personal injury lawyer like your Boca Raton Accident Lawyer is a great way to give yourself the advantage in case a personal injury happens.
Here is a step-by-step guide on what you can do immediately after a personal injury-related incident:
First Things First: Safety
Your first step must be toward safety. Do everything you can to get yourself and others away from any dangerous location or hazard. Scan the immediate area for threats and address what you can without compromising your health. If you aren’t able to move, signal for help or dial 911 if your cell phone is accessible.
Seek Medical Attention
The next step is to seek medical attention. Do not make the mistake of skipping this step. Even if you appear unscathed, you could still have internal injuries or other injuries that may not manifest until later. Failure to seek medical attention could also create problems later for you where legal and insurance claims are concerned.
Gather Evidence
To the best of your abilities, collect as much evidence from the scene as possible. Use your smartphone to take pictures and video of the accident scene, any injuries you may have, damaged property, and the surrounding area in general. Look around to see if there were any witnesses and if so, collect the statement from them. Get copies of police reports also.
Report the Event
Contact all relevant authorities and inform them of the incident. This could be anyone from your employer to the police or the owner of a property. Incident reports strengthen the paper trail, and a strong paper trail can be a helpful tool later.
Evidence Management
Anything related to your injury that can be organized and preserved should be done as such. This could mean placing damaged clothing in water-tight bins or placing paper receipts or mail inside ziplock bags. Organized evidence can be crucial if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim or should you find yourself involved in a trial.
Hire a Lawyer
Hiring an experienced, reputable personal injury attorney is highly recommended. They’ll possess valuable insights into your legal rights, the strength of your case, and the potential compensation to which you may be entitled. They also are known to be invaluable resources when dealing with insurance companies, other motorists, and other lawyers when needed.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Let your insurance company know about the incident as soon as you can. Be honest and exercise brevity. Saying less is better because the insurance company’s loyalty lies with profit over your best interests. It’s best to give them a bullet-point summary of the event, and then let your lawyer take over. Do not agree to or sign anything that your attorney hasn’t approved.
Document Everything About Your Recovery
Keep journals, calendars, and records of everything related to your injury. Make notes of every possible detail related to doctor visits, medical treatments, and your recovery process. This documentation serves as essential evidence and your personal injury claim.
Follow Medical Advice
Once you’ve consulted medical professionals and have received their recommendations, you must comply completely with their advice. Failure to comply would likely be weaponized against you during insurance negotiations or legal proceedings.
Avoid Social Media
Avoid posting anything on social media during or after your personal injury case. Opposing parties and insurance companies are known to comb social media looking for posts that would work against your claim. All privacy settings should be adjusted to prevent posting or all accounts should be suspended until your legal matters have been completely settled.
Don’t Talk About Your Case
Do not make statements to anyone about your case until the matter is completely settled. This includes friends and family. If any information about your case leaks and makes it back to an opposing party, your claim and right to compensation could be compromised.
