Being involved in an accident can turn your whole world upside down in an instant. Whether it’s a car crash, slip and fall, or other incidents, accidents result in millions of injuries each year nationwide. According to the National Safety Council, over 38,800 people lost their lives in motor vehicle accidents in 2020 across the United States. Additionally, an estimated 4.4 million people visited the emergency room for unintentional fall injuries in 2020.
With accidents being one of the leading causes of injury, it’s critical to know how to protect your rights after one occurs. This will help ensure you receive fair compensation and the best chance at recovery.
This article will provide ten steps you can take to protect your rights after an accident, from seeking prompt medical attention to consulting an attorney and focusing on healing. Having the right knowledge and support can make all the difference during a difficult time.
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
The first thing you should do after any accident is get checked out by a doctor, no matter how minor your injuries may seem. Some injuries don’t show symptoms until hours or days later. Getting prompt medical care creates a record of your condition and shows you are being proactive. Keep records and follow up with any recommended treatment. Documenting your injuries and treatment will help support an injury claim later on. Even if you feel fine initially, you should still get examined in case problems develop down the road.
2. Consult a Personal Injury Attorney
Speaking with a qualified personal injury attorney should be one of your first calls after an accident. By turning to platforms like LawFirm.com, you gain access to a team of experienced legal professionals who are ready to take on your case. These attorneys will advise you on steps to take to build a strong claim and protect your rights. They can conduct a thorough investigation, preserve evidence, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and file a lawsuit if necessary. Having experienced legal counsel increases your chances of obtaining full and fair compensation. Don’t try to handle it alone.
3. Report the Accident to Authorities
You’ll want to file an official accident report with the proper authorities. For a car accident, alert the police so they can come to the scene and file an accident report. The report will include important details like the time, location, weather conditions, and parties involved. Get a copy of the police report, which will be valuable evidence later. If it’s a workplace or premises accident, notify your employer and ask them to create an incident report. Having the details documented in an official report will help show what happened.
4. Document the Scene
Take photos and videos of the accident scene from different angles to capture important details. Photograph property damage, skid marks, vehicle location, weather and road conditions, street signs, landmarks, and more. Also, photograph any visible injuries you sustained. Documenting the scene thoroughly creates a visual record of what transpired.
Also, make sure to get the contact information for any witnesses who saw the accident occur. Their accounts of what happened can help support your version of events.
5. Don’t Admit Fault or Accept an Early Settlement
You may want to get things over quickly, but avoiding admitting fault or accepting an early settlement offer is crucial. Anything you say can be used against you later, so don’t speculate about what happened or who was at fault. Wait until your attorney reviews the evidence and helps determine liability. An immediate settlement is often less than you deserve. Be patient and let your attorney handle negotiations once they’ve assessed the value of your claim. Don’t let an insurance adjuster pressure you into settling right away.
6. Keep Detailed Records
Keep a detailed journal of everything related to the accident and your injuries. Note the date and time, people involved, witnesses present, weather conditions, injuries sustained, medical treatment received, missed work days, communication with insurance companies, and any expenses incurred. Having thorough documentation helps your attorney demonstrate damages and negotiate proper compensation. Keep copies of all accident-related documents like medical bills, police reports, insurance letters, and any legal correspondence.
7. Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
It’s important to follow all your doctor’s treatment plans and medical advice, even if you start feeling better. Not complying can negatively impact your injury claim. Go to all recommended appointments, take medications as directed, undergo testing procedures, attend physical therapy, limit activities if advised, and follow any other guidance. Keep track of all treatment costs and keep copies of medical records. Closely following treatment plans shows you are being proactive about getting better.
8. Avoid Posting on Social Media
Be very careful about what you post on social media after an accident, as it can affect your claim. Don’t post photos, comments, or details about the accident, your injuries, treatment, settlement negotiations, or anything related to the situation. Insurance companies routinely monitor social media accounts; anything perceived negatively could jeopardize your claim. Wait until your case is resolved before posting anything about the accident online. Consult your attorney if you have questions about what’s safe to post.
9. Notify Your Insurance Company
Alert your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible and provide details about what happened and ask what steps you need to take to file a claim. You must also review your policy clearly to understand what is covered and comply with any requirements from the insurance company.
However, it’s best to avoid recorded statements until you consult with your attorney and ask them about any time limitations for providing notifications. Having insurance coverage on your side increases the chances of obtaining fair compensation for damages.
10. Focus on Healing
The most important thing is taking care of your health after an accident. Follow doctor’s orders, attend therapy, get plenty of rest, eat a healthy diet, avoid stress, and focus your energy on healing. Don’t try to rush back to work or normal activities until your doctor says you’re ready. Give yourself time to recover physically and emotionally.
A personal injury attorney handles the legal process so you can concentrate on getting your life back on track. Don’t let the insurance company pressure you to settle before fully recovering.
Conclusion
Being in any kind of accident can be frightening and overwhelming. Protecting your rights starts with promptly seeking medical care, documenting the details, consulting an attorney, following treatment plans, avoiding discussing fault, keeping detailed records, complying with insurance protocols, and focusing on recovery.
You can obtain fair compensation and justice with the right guidance and support. An experienced personal injury lawyer identifies all available options, determines the strongest legal strategies, handles negotiations so you don’t have to, and fights for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Don’t go through it alone. Seek skilled legal counsel to protect your rights and get the best possible outcome. You deserve an attorney who will aggressively pursue compensation on your behalf.