What To Do First After an Accident
The most pressing issue in any Personal Injury case is what to do next.
First, and foremost, your health is the most important thing. Seeking immediate medical treatment is of critical importance. Put the lawsuit aside, and focus on regaining your health. In terms of the lawsuit, the failure to seek immediate medical attention can be evidence later that will be used against you. If you procrastinated, the argument goes; the injuries could not have been that severe. Even the possibility of an injury justifies a trip to the doctor.
Second, write down what occurred. It is far too common for memories to fade over time, even of incidents as traumatic as an auto accident or other injury causing circumstance. The sooner this occurs the better, as the details are obviously fresher the sooner to the incident as possible.
Details should include:
1. Where the injury occurred;
2. How the injury occurred;
3. Who was involved: pedestrians, passengers, etc.
4. Date and time of the incident
5. Weather conditions
6. Type of vehicles involved
7. Did the accident occur in a residential or commercial area?
8. The condition of the roads;
9. If any shrubbery or trees blocked important traffic signs or not, and if so, what signs and how were they blocked?
10. Was it a poorly designed intersection or area where the accident occurred?
These are just examples. The point being that details are crucial in injury cases, so every little detail should be documented for later.
Third, make sure to document proof of the actual injury or injuries. Obviously, medical bills and diagnoses provide proof of the injuries, but photographs do as well. Most hospitals have medical photographers that will take pictures of any injuries involved. If you are not able to use a professional photographer, make sure that photos are taken in general.
Fourth, make sure no evidence is destroyed. If you were bitten by a dog, any potential torn clothing should be kept. As discussed above, a picture of the injury is appropriate in this circumstance as well. If you were involved in an automobile accident, make sure a professional photographer obtains photos of the vehicle before any repairs are made. Professional photographers obviously cost money; the reality in this scenario is usually to contact an attorney who can make sure this is done.
Finally, the best thing that can be done immediately is to not discuss your case with anyone, including the other party or their insurance representative. Any statement you give to the other side, particularly if the insurance company’s investigator contacts you, can potentially be used against you at some later time in the case. Once the other side is aware that you have an attorney, they can no longer discuss the case directly with you.
If you have been injured, the above provides a great starting point as to what to do first. Of course, the best move is to sign up with a competent Personal Injury Attorney to handle the legal aspects of the case, allowing you to focus on your health without the additional stress and burdens that the legal system brings,
Sacramento Car Accident Attorney Michael Rehm is available for free consultations. Call (916) 476-89781 to schedule an appointment.