What to do After a Personal Injury Accident: A Comprehensive Guide

Experiencing a personal injury, such as a car accident or a slip and fall, can be both traumatic and overwhelming. Knowing the appropriate steps to take immediately afterward is essential to protect your legal rights and build a strong case. Read our detailed guide on the necessary actions to take following a personal injury accident.

#1: Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention

#2: Report the Accident

#3: Gather and Retain Evidence

#4: Exchange Information

#5: Consult an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer

#6: Follow Medical Advice and Follow

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#1: Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention

Your immediate priority should be the safety of yourself and others involved - call the police and ambulance.

Regardless of how you feel immediately following an accident, seek medical attention. Some injuries may not be initially apparent but can worsen over time. A medical professional can diagnose and document your injuries, which is crucial for your personal injury claim.

#2: Report the Accident

Depending on the type accident, call the police to report the accident. Ensure an official report is filed and obtain a copy for your records. This report will include essential details about the accident, such as the date, time, location, circumstances, and individuals involved.

#3: Gather and Retain Evidence

Photographs

If possible, take photographs of the accident scene from various angles. Capture details such as vehicle damage, skid marks, and any other relevant factors. Photos serve to provide visual evidence that supports your account of the accident, the damage, and the severity of the accident, at least from a property damage perspective.

Also take photographs of your injuries if they are visible, and keep a record of the symptoms you were experiencing.

Witnesses

If there were witnesses to the accident, it is important to collect their contact information, as they can offer evidence as to the circumstances of the accident.

Physical Evidence

Keep any physical evidence related to the accident, such as damaged clothing, broken personal items, or defective products. These items can serve as tangible proof of the incident and the resulting damage, and can also form a part of your claim.

Maintain Records

Keep all records related to the accident, including medical bills, medication, assistive devices, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurance companies. Organized documentation will be invaluable when building your case and out of pocket expenses can form part of your claim.

#4: Exchange Information

If the accident involved another party, exchange contact and insurance information with them. Obtain their name, address, phone number, insurance company, and policy number. Avoid discussing fault or making statements that could be interpreted as admitting liability.

#5: Consult an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer

Consulting with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Experienced legal counsel can guide you through the legal process, help you understand your rights, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Maintain regular communication with your lawyer to stay informed about the progress of your case. Ask questions and seek clarification on any aspects of the process that you do not understand.

#6: Follow Medical Advice

Follow your doctor’s recommendations and attend all scheduled medical appointments. Adhering to your treatment plan not only aids in your recovery but also demonstrates that you are taking your injuries seriously. It is important that you mention not only the physical and psychological symptoms you are experiencing, but also what it prevents you from doing.

Summary

Taking the right steps after a personal injury accident is crucial for protecting your legal rights and building a strong case. By ensuring safety, seeking medical attention, reporting the accident, gathering and retaining evidence, and consulting an experienced personal injury lawyer, you can navigate the aftermath of an accident with confidence.

PMP Law is a dedicated law firm that focuses on Personal Injury litigation and we are committed to ensuring you receive the compensation and justice you deserve.

For a consultation, please call us at 905-412-2288, email ppatel@pmplaw.ca, or visit www.pmplaw.ca for more information.