(Newswire.net — June 12, 2023) — If you have been injured in an accident through no fault of your own, knowing what to do will play a decisive role in how things develop and whether or not you end up receiving the compensation you deserve. To know how your particular injury case would evolve, it is essential that you know these five steps to take.
Seek Medical Attention
You may have sustained severe injuries or believe that the accident wasn’t serious. In any case, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Although some injuries may be immediately obvious and require urgent attention, others may be much more difficult to diagnose but could be just as dangerous. This is the case with internal bleeding or damage to internal organs, both of which can take days to appear and require a medical professional to diagnose. Not tending to your injuries right away sends a message to the other party or the insurance that you do not consider your injuries to be serious enough.
Call the Police
In many cases, it is important to summon the police to the scene after suffering an injury. They will evaluate the situation and come up with their conclusions as to what happened and what factors may have contributed to the accident. Obtain a copy of their report to provide to your personal injury lawyer and the insurance company. Also, never leave the scene of the accident until the authorities have arrived.
Keep a Detailed File
Even though you may be too busy taking care of your health, you need to take the time to keep a detailed record of all of your expenses. Also, take pictures of your injuries as soon as they happen and document how they are progressing by taking more pictures as needed. Make sure that the medical professionals who are helping you recover make it clear in your medical records that the injuries are the direct result of the accident.
Document the Scene
If you can remain at the scene, gather as much evidence as possible. Take pictures of the accident, the vehicles and their damage, and anything that might have contributed to the accident. If there are witnesses, take their testimonies and their contact information.
Call Your Insurance Company
It is important to let your insurance know about the accident right away. They will want to know what happened and who was at fault. However, do not accept any offer or sign any documents from the insurance until you have had a chance to discuss the details with your attorney. It is common for insurance companies to make a lowball offer and pressure the victims to accept it. Let your attorney do the negotiating for you.