Initial Steps for a Personal Injury Case
While personal injury law varies from state to state, a few specific steps can be taken to ensure your personal injury claim is managed correctly. Often, those who encounter an injury fail to take the right steps and find themselves with lost work, a surplus of health bills, and no just resolution for the one who caused the injury. Protecting yourself is the most important thing you can do and these steps can help you ensure you do that in the unfortunate case of an injury.
File a Report – Far too often injured individuals place other important steps before filing a police report. In the case of an accident, file a report with the local police. Often times this will could involve an on-site visit from the police. A report will ensure that you have notified authorities of the event, injuries that occurred, and any other important information that will help support your injury claim. If you’re able to be treated by a medical professional and can get the information submitted with the report this will further support your injuries and establish a concrete records trail for the event. Be sure to get the location, date/time, the on-site police officer’s name, and contact info as well as any other important details such as your injuries and anything the other parties may have omitted. 
Collect Witness Information – It’s not uncommon for this step to be overlooked by those who are injured. At the time of the accident, it’s likely other things are on your mind. Witnesses are an undeniable asset to your personal injury claim and if the injury goes to court these witnesses could make or break your case. Collect a contact name, phone number, and any other information from witnesses at the time of the accident. If an officer is on the scene also direct them to any witnesses that remained on site.
Contact an Attorney – One of the single more important steps you can take in the case of personal injury is to contact an experienced attorney with an understanding of the ins and out of injury lawsuits. They will be able to take the next steps in recovering any damages you may have incurred as well as organize the information from your witnesses. It’s important to talk to an attorney before you sign any forms, talk to an insurance adjuster of any other party or follow up with anyone that was present at the scene of the accident. Depending on the state you live in, there may be a limited time period for you to file a claim so it’s important to address any legal situations quickly. An experienced attorney will manage the next steps of your injury claim and ensure you’re properly taken care of. They will also ensure your injury claim includes the necessary information.
A personal injury doesn’t have to leave you with a financial or physical burden. If you’ve been injured, take the proper steps. A personal injury attorney can help in auto and work injuries, medical malpractice, care provider abuse, disability, and wrongful death. Know the facts about injury claims and don’t be taken advantage of.