Accidents can happen unexpectedly and lead to lasting physical and financial impacts. If an accident occurs, it’s helpful to understand the steps to take to achieve a desirable legal outcome. Our personal injury lawyers at Longo Biggs Injury Law will guide you through every step of claiming compensation. Here are some of the steps to take after suffering a personal injury:
The first step after an accident should be to call 911 and report the accident, especially if you have sustained injuries. The responders will dispatch an ambulance to help victims get immediate medical attention. They will also send police to the scene to compile an official report. You and your lawyer can access copies of this report and use them while filing a compensation claim.
Take the initiative to call for help, and don’t assume someone else already has. If you’re unable to call 911 due to an injury or no access to your phone, ask someone at the scene to do it. Once emergency response teams have arrived, they will secure the scene, take witness statements, and gather other evidence relevant to the accident.
Staying close to the accident scene may be unsafe, particularly after car accidents. If the accident happens on a busy highway, there is a risk of getting hit by another vehicle. Some car accidents also lead to fires and explosions, so it’s better to stay at a safe distance from the vehicles to avoid further injuries. Our team of personal injury lawyers advises car accident victims to move to the shoulder of the road if staying on the scene is unsafe.
If your injuries make moving challenging, ask a nearby individual or emergency response personnel to help you get to safety. If you are unable to move, stay in place and wait for emergency services to arrive. These professionals will assess the situation and determine how to remove you from the vehicle.
Your health is a top priority, no matter how small or minor your injuries may seem. Even if you don’t feel like you have sustained an injury, a check-up by a medical professional to verify your health will help keep you safe. Some injuries take time to show symptoms, and if they are not treated promptly, you increase the risk of further complications.
Getting medical attention allows your physician to develop a report that you and your personal injury lawyer can use when claiming compensation for medical bills. Immediate medical attention also makes it easier to prove that your injuries occurred due to the accident and that they were not pre-existing. Follow your physician’s treatment and recovery instructions and keep a personal record of every medical bill to get fully compensated for your damages.
If you don’t go to the hospital immediately, gather as much information as possible about the accident and the responsible party. A personal injury lawyer can help you collect the necessary evidence to build your case. If the accident was a slip and fall, take photos of the scene and hazards that led to your fall.
After a car accident, ask for the other party’s name, phone number, and insurance information. Take pictures of the accident scene, including the damage to both vehicles and your injuries. Remember to note the weather and road conditions during the accident. There may be multiple liable parties, like the driver and the city road maintenance department. Gathering as much evidence as possible helps hold all of them accountable. It also maximizes the amount of compensation you can ask for.
Witnesses help legal professionals determine the cause of the accident and the liable party. Since they’re unbiased, their statements can significantly strengthen your case. After accidents like slips and falls and workplace incidents, witnesses can provide valuable information. Their supporting details could aid in getting the compensation you deserve.
Gather the witnesses’ names, phone numbers, email addresses, residential addresses, and statements, if possible. Your personal injury lawyer will contact them later for official statements to support your claim. Some witnesses may be willing to testify in court if your case goes to trial.
Some property owners and insurance companies will try to pin the fault on you to avoid paying compensation. Don’t admit liability or excuse the other party’s actions by saying things like “I understand” or “Don’t worry about it.” They can use such words against you later to make you take partial or full responsibility for the accident.
Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer like Longo Biggs Injury Law for expert guidance. Our team will interact with the liable party to protect your rights during the legal process. We have years of experience representing clients in personal injury cases, and we’ll fight for the best possible outcome. We understand the complexities of personal injury cases and will hold all relevant parties accountable for their actions.
At Longo Biggs Injury Law, we’re dedicated to providing high-quality legal services to each client. As you focus on recovering, let us handle your case negotiations. Contact us today for a free consultation and case evaluation.