#1 CONTACT THE AUTHORITIES.
Depending on the type and location of the injury, you should contact the police or notify the manager of the premises immediately following the injury. Make sure that you obtain contact information for the authorities to obtain any documentation of the incident.
#2 GET MEDICAL ATTENTION.
You should seek medical attention immediately.
#3 FOLLOW YOUR DOCTORS’ COURSE OF TREATMENT.
Once you have addressed your immediate medical needs after the accident, make sure that you follow medical advice and follow-up with your physician and/or any physicians to whom you were referred as directed.
#4 CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE CARRIER.
If you have insurance coverage that might apply such as automobile insurance, contact your insurance carrier to notify them of the incident.
#5 DO NOT SPEAK TO ANYONE REPRESENTING THE OTHER PARTY INVOLVED.
Oftentimes representatives from the insurance company for the other party or the other party herself will contact you, do not under any circumstances speak to anyone. The first person you should speak to is an attorney who you seek to hire to represent you and look out for your interests.
#6 PRESERVE THE EVIDENCE.
After you have received the proper medical attention and taken care of yourself make sure that you preserve any evidence that might be relevant to the cause of the accident, the injuries that were suffered as a result of the accident, property damage, and the location and circumstances of the accident. This could include photographs or videos of you and the injuries, the scene, the vehicles or objects involved, copies of medical records, police reports, names and phone numbers of witnesses, and anything else that you believe might have bearing on your case. It is also wise to keep a journal of the pain and suffering you have experienced as well as the limitations you have suffered as a result of your injuries.
#7 CONTACT A PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY AT YOUR EARLIEST OPPORTUNITY.
The sooner you retain a personal injury attorney, the sooner your rights and interests will be protected to give you the best advantage in recovering monetary compensation for your personal injury. Remember you have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit under state law so the sooner you retain an attorney and get him working for you the better. We are happy to meet with you for a free consultation at your home or in the office when it is most convenient.