Being injured is scary, whether it happens suddenly in a car accident or you fall at work. You might not know what to do next and how to proceed with getting medical attention as well as protecting your legal rights. This article discusses the steps you should take after an injury so that you are prepared for anything.
Call an ambulance if your injuries appear serious
If you can, take pictures of the accident scene with your cellphone. Get the contact information for any witnesses. Go to the hospital or see your doctor as soon as possible to get checked out and document your injuries. Namely, you can also ask for an ambulance to be called if your injuries seem serious.
The main thing is to not delay getting medical attention because it can be used against you later. If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, be sure to get the names and contact information of any witnesses as well as take pictures of the scene. You will find this information to be invaluable later on.
Notify your employer about the accident if it happened at work
You will need to fill out an accident report and possibly workers’ compensation paperwork. Your employer should have this information readily available, and someone should be able to help you complete it. If you were injured outside of work, you will still need to notify your employer as soon as possible so they are aware of the situation.
Keep track of your expenses related to the accident
This includes any medical bills, lost wages, legal fees, and other costs. This documentation will be important if you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit or seek compensation through workers’ compensation. Also, be sure to keep track of any missed work or time spent dealing with the aftermath of the accident so that you can be compensated for lost wages.
Get a copy of the police report
If the accident happened on a public road, you should get a copy of the police report. This will help your insurance company with their investigation as well as give you an official record of what happened. The police report can also be helpful if you decide to take legal action. On the other hand, if the accident occurred on private property, you may still want to file a police report. This can be helpful in backing up your version of events and also provides documentation in case the property owner tries to deny responsibility.
Talk to a personal injury lawyer
If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to advise you of your rights and help you get the maximum amount of compensation possible.
For instance, if the accident happened at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Or, if the accident was caused by a defective product, you may be able to file a product liability claim.
File an insurance claim
If you have insurance, you will need to file a claim with your insurer. Be sure to do this as soon as possible after the accident. Your insurance company will then begin its own investigation into the accident. So, when filing the claim, be sure to give them all the relevant information and documentation that you have collected. It is helpful to have an experienced personal injury lawyer assist you with this process so that you can be sure that you are getting the full benefits to which you are entitled. Therefore, make sure to consider all the steps above and talk to a lawyer to learn more about what you should do after an injury.
Keep track of your medical expenses
You will likely incur a number of medical expenses after an injury, including doctor’s visits, prescriptions, and hospital stays. Be sure to keep all of your medical bills and receipts so that you can be reimbursed for these expenses.
You will also need to keep track of any time you miss work as a result of the accident. This includes both the time you spend in the hospital as well as any time you need to take off for doctor’s appointments or to recover from your injuries. Be sure to get a note from your doctor stating that you were unable to work due to the accident.
To conclude, after an accident, it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure that you are compensated for your injuries. This includes notifying your employer, keeping track of your expenses, and talking to a personal injury lawyer. By taking these steps, you can be sure that you are getting the full benefits to which you are entitled.
