Serious accidents can happen anywhere, and their consequences can last a lifetime. If someone else’s negligence or misconduct caused that accident, they should be held accountable, and you should be fairly compensated. To do that, it’s essential to know what actions you can take in the moments, days, and weeks following your injury that can help you heal properly, gather evidence, and avoid critical errors that could harm your case.
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention
The first priorities after any personal injury accident should always be your health and safety. You should seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you don’t see or feel any apparent injuries. With all the adrenaline, shock, and confusion of the accident, it can be easy to underestimate how hurt you are until much later on. Some injuries also don’t reveal themselves for days or weeks after they occur. Getting checked out right away can help you identify these injuries early on and treat them properly.
Your medical records from this visit can also serve as substantial evidence if you pursue a personal injury claim. They officially document the nature and extent of your injuries and show insurers, juries, and judges that you took the accident seriously and sought immediate medical care.
Step 2: File an Incident or Police Report
Depending on the nature of the accident, you should file either an incident report or a police report as soon as possible. For example, you’ll want to file an incident report after a slip-and-fall at a business or an injury in the workplace. If you suffered injuries in a motor vehicle accident, you’ll want to file a police report. After you’ve filed your report, request a copy.
These documents contain key details about the accident, including the date, time, names of involved parties, weather and lighting conditions, witness information, and other hazards that may have contributed. In the case of incident reports, they also serve as evidence that the property owner was informed of the incident and had an opportunity to address the hazard that caused it.
Step 3: Document the Accident Scene
A strong personal injury claim is built on clear and convincing evidence. Comprehensive documentation of the accident scene can be some of the best evidence available. Take photos and videos of the scene, light and weather conditions, the surrounding area, any hazards, and any visible injuries. This will add a crucial visual component to your version of events.
You should also gather contact information from any witnesses. Third-party testimony can provide a credible, unbiased account of the accident and potentially provide key details you may have missed.
Step 4: Keep Meticulous Records
Establishing that the responsible party caused the accident is crucial, but you also need to show the extent of the harm the accident caused. That means gathering all your medical records, financial documents, receipts, invoices, bills, pay stubs, and any other relevant documentation that proves the physical and financial impact of your injuries.
You can also keep a pain journal that details the physical, mental, and emotional devastation your injuries have caused. This can be a valuable tool for your attorney when calculating pain and suffering compensation and for the judge or jury if your case goes to trial.
Step 5: Be Careful When Speaking with Insurance Adjusters
Insurance companies will look to protect their profits by attempting to weaken or outright deny your claim. They may do this by requesting recorded statements that they may use against you, or offering a quick, unfavorable settlement to get you to waive your right to pursue further compensation. Never admit fault, never accept a quick settlement, avoid all recorded statements, and speak with a lawyer before speaking with any insurers.
Step 6: Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Pursuing a personal injury claim independently can be difficult, and it’s easy to make a misstep along the way that can compromise your entire case. An experienced personal injury attorney will lighten your burden and help you avoid critical errors so you can seek maximum compensation. They can review your case for free, investigate the accident, gather evidence, consult experts, negotiate with insurance, and represent you in court if necessary, so you can focus on recovery.
Contact Your Chicago Lawyer Today
Your actions in the days and weeks following a personal injury accident can make or break your claim. Protect your rights by working with the experienced personal injury attorneys at Your Chicago Lawyer today. We’ll fight for the accountability and fair compensation you deserve. Contact us today for your free consultation.