Accidents happen. Whether it is in a motor vehicle, slipping on a wet floor or being bit by a dog, getting injured as the result of someone else’s carelessness is never something you want. When it happens, though, do you know what steps you should take to make sure you get proper treatment and payment for your troubles? Getting help following an accident may prove critical for your future. Don’t set yourself up for failure by not acting after you get injured.
Document the Scene
No matter where you are when an injury occurs, an essential first step is making sure you document the scene. Taking pictures or video or both can prove to be invaluable as you go through the process. You can then take it to an injury lawyer tampa florida to review and see if you have a case to file a claim. You may also want to get witness statements or at least identifying information for all those who may have seen what happened. Their accounts may help build the foundation of your case.
Seek Medical Treatment
Even a minor accident may result in some serious injuries, especially if you don’t seek treatment right away. Some issues that may crop up include:
- Chronic headaches
- Stiff muscles
- Sprains or strains
- Fractures
Some of the above injuries may not be obvious at first, especially if your adrenaline is pumping. A hairline fracture of an ankle, for example, my present as soreness, but the next day, you may wake up with severe swelling and pain. If you have pain anywhere immediately following an accident, it’s a good idea to get to a doctor or hospital and get checked.
Get a Police Report
Personal injury cases sometimes hinge on the details. Sometimes these details get lost as time passes, and as such, it is a good idea to give an official statement for the record. Doing this may just mean calling the police, even for something like a slip and fall or dog bite. Even if you have no intention of filing charges against a guilty person, an officer will take statements, may document the scene and render an opinion as to liability. It may result in a warning or citation for the responsible party which may wind up helping you prove your case during a lawsuit.
An injury may land you in severe financial trouble as medical bills pile up, and your ability to work is diminished. Your actions following any kind of incident may mean the difference between getting the help you need and winding up getting buried under debt.
