After an accident, the time that follows can be chaotic. This is especially so if you sustain injuries. All you want to do at this point is to get home, rest, and recover. However, this would be counterproductive since most accidents are followed by personal injury claims. For this, you will need to have proper documentation. This is the only way to increase your chances of getting compensated. This documentation works to prove that the extent of your injuries is as serious as you claim. If you do not have the evidence required while making your claim, it becomes harder to get compensation. Here’s what to do after an accident.
1. Seek Medical Help Immediately
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This is the first thing you need to do after you suffer a personal injury. Even if you don’t think you have been severely injured, you still need to see a doctor as most internal injuries may not show symptoms immediately. A medical professional will assess and diagnose any underlying injuries and treat them in good time. Also, seeing a doctor immediately means that your injuries will be documented and this serves as evidence in your claim.
2. Keep A Medical File
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Have a copy or every medical record related to the injuries sustained during the accident. Your Futerman Partners personal injury attorney will need these records to build your case against the insurance company liable for your claim. The file should contain your initial treatment report, benefit letters, medical bills, test results, medical imaging results, and insurance questionnaires among other important medical documents.
3. Take Pictures and A Video of The Accident
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Immediately after the accident, you should take pictures of the scene and the injuries you sustained. If you are unable to take a video or pictures, the police usually keep records. They can be availed to you upon request. Take photos of your injuries, no matter how minor they may seem. Keep track of your recovery process with pictures of the progress.
It is also important to document the scene of the accident. If you got injured through a road accident, keep images of the wreckage, street lighting at the time of the accident, and any road hazards present at the time of the accident. If you sustained injuries from slipping, keep photographic evidence of the area where the accident happened and also the cause of the fall.
4. Interview Witnesses
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People who were present at the time of the accident can be valuable resources. Ask about their account of the accident and make a point of documenting their version of events. Also, take their contacts and home address. Ask them if they would mind becoming witnesses in your case.
5. Contact A Personal Injuries Attorney
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If you do not have an attorney, you need to find one immediately. A personal injury attorney is best placed to help put your case together. They will use the evidence you have gathered to build a strong case so that you get compensated for the accident.
