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What steps should I take after I am injured in an accident?
If you are injured in an accident, in addition to your pain and suffering, you may be left dazed and confused and not know what to do. Regardless of how badly your were injured, it may be necessary to take legal action in order to obtain compensation. For this reason, there are important steps to take n the days, weeks and months after your injury to support your claim.
Get Medical Care
Whether you were injured in a car accident, a slip/trip and fall or suffered any other trauma, the first thing to do is seek medical treatment from an experienced medical professional. The doctor or hospital will not only provide you with needed care, but also note the condition of your injury for their records, and this will be important evidence of your claim.
Take Notes of You Injury
As you recover from your injuries it is crucial to take notes detailing your accident and injury. This simply involves writing down anything you can recall about the circumstances before, during and after your injury. These don’t need to be detailed notes, but they can help to validate your claim. It’s also a good idea to jot down conversations you may have had with others who were involved in the accident as well as any witnesses.
Every Picture Tells a Story
Given that most individuals have smart phones at the ready, it’s crucial to take pictures of the accident scene, as well as any visible injuries on your body such as cuts, bruises, burns or swelling. It is important for these pictures to be taken from as many angles as possible as they will serve as evidence supporting your claim.
Medical Records are Essential
It is crucial to obtain medical records of the treatment your receive both immediately after the injury and any subsequent, ongoing medical care that may be necessary. In particular, medical records will support your claim that your injuries were caused by the accident and not the result of a pre-existing medical condition. These records will be important when it comes to negotiating a settlement with an insurance company and will play a large role in determining any compensation that you receive.
Call an Attorney
Being injured in an accident can be a frightening experience, and you will need time to heal and recover. By having an experienced personal injury attorney by your side, you can take some of the stress out of the process and focus on your recovery. Taking these important steps will help your attorney build a successful case. Armed with this evidence, your attorney will guide you through the legal complexities and fight for your right to maximum compensation.