Personal injury accidents can happen anywhere and at any time. There are many types of personal injury cases such as car accidents, premises liability cases, medical malpractice, etc. While the exact steps to pursue a personal injury claim will differ slightly depending on the type of case that you have, the core steps are similar.
If you have been injured due to the fault of another person or party, the first step is always the same, seek immediate medical attention. Afterward, collect pertinent evidence, exchange insurance information (if applicable), and contact a personal injury attorney. Learn more about each step below.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
If you have been in a car accident, it is imperative that you move yourself and vehicle to a safe place. When you are out of harm’s way, check yourself for injuries as well as others involved in the collision. Seek medical attention if you feel injured and even if you don’t feel injured. Allow a doctor to clear you, just in case an injury occurs that you are unaware of at the moment.
Other personal injury cases are similar. Whether you are injured as a result of a slip and fall, medical malpractice, workplace accident, etc., it is recommended that you seek medical treatment as soon as possible. If you do not, it may have a negative impact on your personal injury claim.
Notify The Appropriate Authority
In the case of a car collision, immediately contact the police. When they arrive, let them know that you require medical attention and never admit fault. If you are injured on someone’s property, at work, or in a medical facility, ensure that you notify the appropriate authorities of your injuries in a timely fashion.
Collect Evidence
According to the personal injury attorneys at Fasig & Brooks, the best time to collect evidence is immediately after an accident occurs. This holds true for car accidents, premises liability cases, workplace accidents, and any other type of personal injury case. Evidence can include pictures and videos of the scene, cause of the accident (i.e. wet floor, inclement conditions, skid marks on the pavement, uneven floors, etc.), and other pieces of evidence. Additionally, identify any eyewitnesses and obtain their contact information if possible.
Exchange Insurance Information
Those injured in car accidents should exchange insurance and identification information with the other drivers involved. Furthermore, contact your insurance provider and notify them of the accident. In the case of personal injury cases other than car accidents, obtain the insurance information of the person or business responsible for the accident. If you have collected evidence, hand it over to your insurance provider. This may help them as they conduct their investigation.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
You can certainly file a personal injury claim on your own, but it is not recommended. An adept personal injury lawyer will have the experience to conduct a thorough investigation, interview eyewitnesses, contact expert witnesses, and negotiate on your behalf with claims adjusters.
Filing a personal injury claim without the help of an attorney can put you at a disadvantage when dealing with insurance providers. They are intent on saving their company money and paying you the least amount possible. An aggressive lawyer will advocate on your behalf for maximum compensation. Most personal injury attorneys offer a free initial consultation, so you have nothing to lose by setting an appointment.
