If you or a loved one have suffered an injury, you may be entitled to monetary compensation from the person or company whose negligent conduct caused the injury. It is important that you document everything, including any medical visits, time missed from work, and conversations with the insurance company. Where possible, get all communications in writing.

 

Read below to learn about the best approach to an injury due to an accident.

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First Steps Following an Injury:

Knowing what to do following an injury is key to preserving your right to get fair compensation. Being injured in an accident is scary, but try to keep calm. Your first steps following an injury accident can affect the compensation you receive from the insurance company if you file a claim.

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Seek Medical Attention

See a doctor immediately. Although you may feel all right or think your injuries are minor, symptoms can appear days after the accident, such as:

• Pain

• Discomfort

• Dizziness

• Numbness

• Nausea

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Visiting the emergency room also strengthens your personal injury claim. If you wait to seek medical attention, it will be more difficult to demonstrate your injuries were the result of the accident.

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Take Detailed Notes and Photos

• Take detailed notes on your injuries and medical treatment to help receive full reimbursement from the insurance company. Note the names and addresses of any doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, or other professionals you visit.

• Keep receipts for medications or any assistive devices such as crutches.

• Also keep a journal or daily diary about your injuries and medical care. Be specific about everything and include such details as the degree of pain and any inconveniences you experience from your injuries.

• Keep all correspondence with health care providers during the course of treatment for your injuries. This includes e-mails and notes that you record during and after telephone calls and doctor’s appointments.

• Save all of your medical bills and receipts, including prescriptions, special equipment (crutches, walkers, canes), special foods, and co-payments.

• Keep track of travel expenses for medical appointments.

• Record information about the accident. Take pictures of the accident location, making sure to include stop signs and traffic lights. Take photos of your car’s damage, or the icy conditions where you fell. Take several pictures from every angle, making sure to snap close-ups and long-distance shots. When taking pictures of injuries, stand in front of a white background, if possible.

• Record proof of financial losses, such as lost wages and opportunities.

• Note names and contact information of witnesses.

• Take pictures of your injuries and the things which caused your injury, asking friends and family to help if necessary. It is best to take the pictures in front of a white background to ensure that the photo captures the best possible detail of your injuries. Pictures are valuable evidence for your case.

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Hire a Personal Injury Attorney

You need to protect your rights and ensure you get the maximum amount of compensation owed to you. Regan Law is experienced in dealing with injury claims and can explain your rights and obtain the most compensation possible for your claim.

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What NOT to Do Following an Injury

Do Not Admit Fault

You may be inclined to apologize for the accident when you are at the scene or admit fault to your car insurance agent. However, doing so can seriously jeopardize your claim. Instead of assuming the responsibility for an accident:

• Do not call the police and give a detailed description of the accident, along with photos.

• Even if you believe you might have been fully or partially at fault, don’t say to the other party, your passengers, witnesses, or your insurance company that you were to blame.

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Avoid Other Common Mistakes

Even if you are entitled to reimbursement, a few mistakes can endanger your personal injury claim. The following can help you recover fair compensation for your claim:

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• DO NOT TALK TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY UNTIL CONSULTING A PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY!

• Don’t settle until you have completed all of your medical treatment and your injuries are as healed as they are going to be.

• Don’t sign release forms or checks with releases on them before you’re ready to settle completely. Signing such forms can release the insurance company from responsibility for paying on additional claims.

• Don’t talk to people (other than your attorney) about the case.

• DO FILE A POLICE REPORT after obtaining an attorney.

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Injured in an accident? Have questions? Contact us online or call today to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney. If you have a case, we will begin working right away to get you the compensation that is owed to you.