Getting injured in an accident can be an incredibly stressful situation. In the aftermath of an accident, making preparations for a legal claim is likely the last thing on your mind. This is why it is so important that you know exactly what you need to do so that you don’t need to think much about it in the heat of the moment. Here are some of the most important tasks to keep you on track when you need to file a personal injury claim.
Get Medical Help After a Personal Injury
Before you do anything else, see a doctor about your injuries right away. Your health and wellness are of the utmost importance, so your first call should be to a medical professional, whether it is emergency personnel at the scene of the accident or your primary care physician after the fact. The effects of some injuries, like whiplash, may not show up until a few days after the accident, so don’t discount any delayed symptoms you might be experiencing.
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Depending on the type of accident, you may wish to seek mental health counseling as well. Personal injury accidents can sometimes be traumatic for your mental well-being as well as your physical body. There is no shame in requiring mental health care for symptoms of anxiety, post-traumatic stress and other mental health issues, so be sure to make use of the resources available to you.
Keep detailed records of any care you receive, both at the accident site and in the aftermath. Include the names and contact information for any doctors or therapists you see, as well as their diagnoses and any ongoing care instructions. Even if your health insurance covers your care, track the financial requirements as well, as these will play a major role in determining any settlement you might be eligible to receive.
Document the Accident Immediately After
If the police are called to the scene of the accident, they will likely document it thoroughly, but you should do so as well if you are able. This can be as simple as taking photos of the scene with your phone and jotting down a few notes regarding what you remember about the accident. Include as many details as possible to create a complete picture of what happened in the accident. This step will be particularly important if the police are not on-site, as any evidence you can provide will serve to bolster your case.
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Take the time to identify any potential witnesses to the accident, like other drivers on the road, customers in a store or even passersby. Make note of their contact information, as well as a brief statement of what they saw. It can be helpful to have multiple viewpoints of the accident, especially if your memory is a bit fuzzy.
Avoid Discussing the Accident with Friends and Family Right Away
While it may be tempting to tell your loved ones all about your accident, this could potentially hurt your case in the future, especially if you attempt to downplay your injuries. This includes posting to social media as well. If your case goes to court, the opposing lawyers will undoubtedly go through your recent social posts for any evidence that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. Instead, it is best to just keep the details to yourself until your case is resolved.
Connect with a Personal Injury Attorney
Once you are safely recovering from your injuries, it is time to reach out to a personal injury lawyer to help with your case. During your initial consultation, your attorney will review your medical records and the other evidence you have collected to determine whether you have a solid case. They can advise you as to what you’ll need to do next. Once a lawyer has accepted your case, they’ll handle the majority of the ongoing details of your case for you so that you can focus on your recovery. Whether your case settles out of court or goes to trial, your personal injury attorney will be there with you every step of the way to give you the best chance of a favorable result.
Contact Andrew Pickett Law to Discuss What To Do
For personal injury accident cases in Florida, you can count on Andrew Pickett Law. Reach out to our firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your potential personal injury case in greater detail.
Need free legal help in Florida?
We specialize in personal injury claims.
