The Steps to Take to Safeguard Your Personal Injury Claim
In the aftermath of an accident, when emotions are running high and adrenalin is coursing through your veins, making rational decisions can be a challenge. The steps you take in the minutes, days and weeks after a personal injury can make a significant difference, though, in how quickly you recover compensation for your losses, and whether you get full and fair compensation for all your injuries.
Step #1—Get All the Medical Care You Need
Your primary concern, after any type of accident, must be your physical well-being. If you don’t believe that you can get up and move about under your own power, don’t try. If you’ve had an injury to your back, neck, or head, stay where you are until emergency responders arrive. They’ll know what to do and how to get you safely to the hospital, if necessary.
Even if your injuries seem minor, and you can walk away from the accident, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Take yourself to the hospital emergency room, visit an urgent care facility, or make an appointment with your primary care physician as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be apparent to the naked eye and may not even show any outward symptoms. A medical professional can typically diagnose those conditions and prescribe appropriate treatment. The sooner you seek medical care, the more options you’ll typically have for a full recovery.
In addition, seeking immediate medical treatment will protect your legal rights. The more time you allow before getting medical attention, the greater the risk that defense attorneys will argue that your injuries were either not that serious or were caused by some intervening event.
Gather All Necessary Information and Evidence
Whether for an insurer or for use in court, you’ll want to collect as much evidence as possible, and get contact information for anyone involved in the accident, as well as any witnesses. If possible, take pictures of anything related to the accident or the circumstances at the time of the accident. The camera on your phone is sufficient. Take pictures of your injuries, any damage to vehicles, the scene of the accident, the weather conditions at the time of the accident, and anything else that seems relevant to the accident of your injuries.
Hire an Experienced Attorney
This should be one of the first things you do. If you retain legal counsel before you contact your insurer, your lawyer can act as your advocate with adjusters, helping you maximize your recovery. Your attorney will also ensure that you don’t do anything that jeopardizes your rights to full and fair compensation.
Contact the Law Offices of David J. Karbasian, PC
Send us an e-mail today or call us at 856-667-4666 / 856-600-HURT to schedule an appointment to discuss your personal injury claim. Evening and weekend consultations are available upon request. We can come to your home or the hospital to meet with you, if necessary.
