Suffering an injury can be a traumatic and confusing time. If you have been injured in a car accident, while visiting a business or through the reckless or negligent behavior of someone else you should take steps to protect yourself.
Seek Medical Attention
If you have been injured seek medical attention immediately.
When you are injured, adrenaline can surge and your muscles can tense, blocking your ability to feel pain. This is an important evolutionary trait but it can prevent you from realizing the full extent of your injuries. A complete examination by a qualified medical professional can help to make sure that you receive the proper diagnosis for all the injuries you have suffered.
The longer you wait from the time of injury to the time of diagnosis, the more intervening events the other party can argue caused your injury. Do not wait weeks or even days to receive a medical evaluation. Get medical help immediately and don’t allow whoever caused your injury to say that they were not responsible.
Contact the Authorities
After an accident protect yourself from further harm. Move away from the accident scene to a safe location. Try to remain calm and look for injuries. Regardless of whether you are injured or uninjured, you should still contact the authorities as quickly as possible.
Cooperation with police officers can help to ensure that a police report is complete and accurate. Oftentimes, a police report is an unbiased explanation of the accident and it can be given great weight during negotiations or in a trial.
Protect Accident Evidence
Protecting evidence can be crucial to ensuring you receive full compensation for your injuries.
Consider doing the following:
Get photos and video of the accident scene.
Write down the time and location of the accident.
Note the conditions (such as the weather and lighting).
Get contact information from all witnesses.
If you are unable to do any of these things, ask someone to assist you. DMV.org has also provided a list of other steps that you may want to take.
Remember that memories fade with time and you want to help yourself by having all important information about your accident saved. A clear record of events will help your attorney negotiate a settlement or, if necessary, take your claim to court.
Keep Track of Your Recovery
Keep a journal of your rehab. Note when you visit your medical professionals and the work and advice that they provide. Follow the medical professional’s instructions and make sure to note any major changes in your condition.
You will also want to track the pain that you suffer and identify how your injury has changed your life. Missing work or other important life events can impact the amount of compensation that you are owed.
Contact Us
After you have received medical attention, or if you need help getting proper medical care, contact us. Getting legal guidance from an Atlanta car accident attorney at Ponton Law will help you better protect your rights. We will work with you as your partner to make sure that those responsible for your injuries are made to compensate you for the harm they have done.