After a personal injury like a car accident, dog bite, or slip and fall, you must see a doctor.
If you’re lucky, you’ll get off with barely a scratch, a bump, or a bruise. But far too many people experience all of the above and much more. Personal injuries can throw a wrench in people’s personal and professional plans and put them on the sidelines for an extended period.
While all personal injuries are problematic, knowing what to do can make life easier. For instance, a personal injury lawyer can be a godsend by helping you get compensation. After filing a personal injury claim, you may be awarded compensation to cover medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other things. So, it makes sense to call a lawyer.
It’s always best to hope for the best while being prepared for the worst. With that said, keep reading to see seven things you must do after suffering a personal injury that leaves you injured and in need of help.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention
It can’t be overstated that you must seek medical attention immediately. Don’t delay seeing a doctor after suffering a personal injury. You need proof of the types of injuries you suffered and the extent of them as well.
It’ll be hard for a personal injury lawyer to build you a solid case if there are questions about what your injuries are, how they came about, where they occurred, and the extent of them.
- Follow Medical Instructions
Seeing your doctor is a good first step, but that’s not enough. Your doctor will book follow-up appointments that you should adhere to. They may also prescribe medications to help you deal with the pain or discomfort, and it’s likely they’ll recommend physiotherapy if the personal injury leaves you banged up.
- Document the Injury Scene
It’s essential to document the scene of the accident. Take pictures of the scene, any hazards that contributed to the incident, and your injuries. This sort of evidence will come in useful if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim.
- Report the Incident
After an accident, call the authorities. It’s important to get a police report that details what happened, where it occurred, when it happened, and other vital information. Again, this document will be useful if filing a personal injury claim.
- Collect Witness Information
Get the names and contact details of people who witnessed the incident. Their testimony could make or break your personal injury claim.
- Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer
You should contact a personal injury lawyer. Trying to deal directly with the insurance company could be a recipe for disaster. It’s essential to hire a legal representative who knows the process and can help you navigate the process without needless missteps.
A lawyer will look at the facts, explain what you’re up against, deal directly with the insurance company, and represent you in court. Your odds of success are much higher if you have a lawyer working for you.
- Prepare for a Lengthy Process
Personal injury claims tend to take a while. So, patience is key. Insurance companies aren’t in the habit of forking over money right away. That’s why you need a lawyer to pull out all the stops on your behalf.
Consider these seven things to do after a personal injury. Dealing with a personal injury is no joke. But not knowing what to do or not doing what you know you should do will make an already bad situation worse.
Hiring a lawyer will help since they’ll advise you and let you know if you’re doing anything that could jeopardize your personal injury claim.
