What to Do After a Personal Injury: Steps to Take for Your Case

On the Map Marketing found out that every year, there are 39.5 million personal injury cases requiring medical treatment in the US or roughly 126.3 cases per 1,000 people. While data from the US Department of Justice reveals that only 4% to 5% of personal injury cases go all the way to trial; it doesn’t mean that you cannot pursue justice for the injuries you sustained from an accident.

According to a bicycle accident lawyer, after sustaining an injury due to other people’s negligence, you must immediately take the necessary steps to protect your rights and ensure fair compensation. Regardless if it’s a bicycle accident, a car accident, a slip and fall, or another type of incident, you need to act quickly to protect yourself.

Here are the steps you should take after an accident: 

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Immediately seek medical assistance even if you are not wounded or if you feel fine. Your health comes first after an accident. Certain injuries may not show symptoms right away but it does not mean that the accident has not damaged your body in any way. 

Seek medical care immediately to diagnose and treat concealed injuries. Delaying medical treatment can worsen your illness and complicate injury compensation.

When you tell the doctor how you are feeling following the accident, be comprehensive and honest. Having this information will enable them to document your injuries and provide you with the appropriate care. To track your healing progress, strictly adhere to the doctor’s recommendations and show up for all follow-up appointments.

The Law Office of William T. Corbett, Jr., P.L.L.C advises you to keep a detailed record of all medical documents, including bills, prescriptions, and reports, as these documents will be needed once you file a personal injury claim. 

Seek medical attention promptly not only safeguards your health but also strengthens your case for seeking compensation.

Document the Details of the Incident

As soon as you can, accurately record the circumstances and compile all details of the accident. First, note the date, time, and location of the incident. Give specifics on the events that occurred prior to, during, and following the incident.  Note any weather conditions or other external factors that influenced the event. 

Take pictures or videos of your injuries, property damage, and the scene. Collect the names and contact details of the witnesses. While witnesses are still recalling details, record their remarks.

Keep track of any absences from work due to injuries as well as lost wages following the incident. Along with discomfort and activity restrictions, you should also document how the injury has affected your day-to-day activities. Your case will be stronger with more detailed and organized documentation.

 Notify Relevant Authorities

To ensure proper action following a personal injury, notify authorities immediately. The type of damage you cause may require the notification of several agencies. Report an automobile collision to the police if you were hurt. This report will detail the incident, which may help your case. Workplace injuries must be reported to your company or supervisor for internal reporting.

Notifying the authorities can help with compensation or legal claims because it makes an official record of the incident. For certain injuries, obtaining medical attention or contacting emergency services is also crucial. Involving the proper authorities ensures that necessary actions are taken quickly.

Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal injury lawyers can help you understand your rights and legal options following an accident. Personal injury lawyers specialize in accidents similar to what you have gone through and they can evaluate your case, advise you on its strengths, and help you decide how to get the compensation you deserve.

Personal injury lawyers usually give free initial consultations to examine your case. Be ready to discuss your injury and any supporting evidence during this meeting. Your lawyer will use this information to assess your case and suggest possible courses of action you can take.

Initiate the Legal Claim Process

When starting the legal claim process, understanding the necessary steps and deadlines is necessary for a smooth progression. The first step is typically notifying the responsible party or their insurance company about the incident. This notification should be done promptly to avoid any issues with filing deadlines.

You need evidence to support your claim. There may be witness testimonies, medical records, photos from the scene of the accident, and other relevant paperwork. Submit a claim to the insurer or court after obtaining the necessary documents. To ensure that your claim is submitted correctly, speak with a personal injury attorney.

Remember that there are statutes of limitations that specify the amount of time you have to bring a claim, so you must move quickly to safeguard your rights.

Initiate the legal claim process as soon as possible to protect your rights and receive damages for your injuries. Keep in mind that prompt action can improve your situation.