After any injury, you may be in significant pain and confused. You may also be afraid. It will be very easy to go into a panic. There is generally a significant amount of uncertainty after an accident that results in a personal injury. You may not be sure what steps you should take to ensure your health and safety.
The actions and steps you take after an accident can impact a future personal injury claim. It is important to be fully prepared so that, if you are involved in an accident that leads to an injury, you will know what to do.
Seek Medical Attention
If you believe you have sustained an injury, you should seek medical attention right away. If you are facing an emergency, you should dial 911 so an ambulance can be dispatched to the accident site. Seeking medical attention quickly can help improve your chances of making a full recovery. Deciding to seek immediate medical attention will also allow doctors to document your injuries, and make a note that the injuries you sustained were caused by the accident.
It is important to establish an early connection between any injuries and the accident because this will be a critical part of your personal injury case moving forward. Do not be afraid to request copies of your medical records, including the following:
- Admission records
- X-rays
- MRIs
- CAT scans
Not only should you maintain all relevant medical records, but you can also provide copies of medical bills, receipts for medications and assistive devices, and your prescription bottles. Any delay in seeking medical attention can have a major impact on your health and your legal case. Do not make an exaggeration of your injuries; remain honest and adhere to the orders of your doctor.
Gather Evidence
In any personal injury case, there will need to be solid proof that someone else’s negligence caused your injury. To do so, you will need to provide evidence and documentation. Collect all records and documents of all things about your case, including your previously obtained medical records, police reports, photographs, witness accounts, etc. You can also write a document recounting what happened before, during, and after the accident. Maintain all evidence and documentation until after your personal injury case has been finalized. If you have a smartphone or camera, you can take photographs of the scene and additional factors relating to the accident.
Contact the Police
After an auto accident takes place that results in an injury, it is important to contact the police. A police officer will document the details of the accident and provide his or her observation of the accident. The police officer will also document driver behavior, and this information can be a critical piece in your personal injury claim.
File an Insurance Claim
To receive compensation for damages you have sustained, you will need to file an insurance claim. After filing an insurance claim, you can receive compensation for any damages you have suffered, including (but not limited to) the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
Before agreeing to sign any documents you receive from the insurance company, seek a consultation from an experienced personal injury lawyer. Insurance adjusters do not want to pay you the highest amount you are eligible for, they want to pay out the least amount.
Obtain Legal Representation
After receiving medical attention, you will need to partner with an experienced personal injury law team. You need someone to advocate for you with your best interests in mind to help build a solid case. If the insurance companies and defendants will have strong representation, why shouldn’t you? If you suffered an injury due to another person’s negligence and want to pursue a personal injury lawsuit, contact Patterson Dahlberg Injury Lawyers today for a free case evaluation.
Call 507-424-3000 or 612-474-3000 or complete our online form.