Personal Injury

What to Do After an Accident

If you or a loved one was injured in an accident, there are several steps that must be taken to ensure your legal rights are protected. The following will provide a brief overview of what to do and what not to do following an accident or injury. For a more thorough evaluation of your legal rights following an accident, fill out our free case review form to speak with a personal injury attorney.

Take Notes

After an accident, it is important to take down notes. If you have been injured, ask a friend or loved one to handle the note taking. Although recording the details of the accident may be the last thing on your mind, it can strengthen your claim if you choose to pursue compensation.

In these records, it is important to include the following information if applicable: time, place, individuals present, quotes from conversations, the details of the accident and anything else that you feel is important. Even after the accident has passed, you should continue taking notes of your injuries (both physical and mental), medical treatment you received and the impact of your injuries on your career and social life.

Preserve Evidence

If you were injured, it's important to obtain any evidence that can help your case. It is important to act quickly as witnesses may forget key details and accident scenes can change over time.

• If you were injured in a car accident, take pictures of the scene, resulting injuries and vehicle damage. In addition, keep medical records related to your car accident injuries, as well as property estimates and police reports.
• If you were injured by a defective product, retain the item, instructions, labels, warning information and packaging that came with the product. If possible, retain the receipt from the defective product.
• Individuals who suffered injuries as a result of medical malpractice should obtain copies of their medical records. If the injury is visible, the victim should also take photos of the injury.

Meet with a Personal Injury Attorney

If you or a loved one was injured, it's important to meet with a personal injury lawyer so you can understand your legal rights. During the initial meeting, the personal injury attorney will ask a variety of questions about your injuries, potential witnesses, medical treatment and other vital information. He or she will also discuss practical issues related to your case, such as a representation agreement. To find out if you have a claim for a personal injury lawsuit, fill out our free case review form today.

What NOT to Do Following an Accident

• Following a car accident, do not move your vehicle unless its location compromises public safety.
• Do not leave the scene of the accident until a law enforcement official tells you to do so.
• Do not throw away potential evidence, such as a defective product.
• Do not discuss fault with other involved parties.
• Do not apologize. In many cases, this can be an admission of guilt.
• Do not sign a settlement agreement without speaking with a personal injury attorney first.

If you or a loved one has been injured, a personal injury attorney can further explain what to do following an accident or injury. To speak with a personal injury lawyer about your claim, fill out our free case review form today.