Given all the ways a personal injury accident can affect your life, it’s vital to do everything you can to maximize your chances of recovering fair compensation. The New York City personal injury attorneys at The Kohan Law Group have helped countless people in your situation, and we can help you rebuild your life by filing a personal injury claim on your behalf. In the meantime, here are the steps you should take after an accident to protect your legal rights:
1. Document the Accident Scene
If your injuries aren’t life-threatening, take a minute before seeking medical treatment to document the accident scene, as this evidence is often crucial for maximizing your compensation. Take pictures of your injuries, any hazards in the area, nearby surveillance or traffic cameras, and any damage to your personal property (if any). Store this evidence in a safe place until you can speak to an attorney about a possible personal injury claim.
2. Seek Medical Treatment
There are two primary reasons to see a doctor immediately after an accident. First and foremost, you want to be sure you don’t have any life-threatening injuries. Not all injuries from an accident show up right away, and a hidden internal injury could have catastrophic consequences. Seeing a doctor as soon as possible means they can evaluate you for any injuries that have not yet manifested.
The other reason to see a doctor is to have them document your injuries. You’ll need thorough evidence to support your personal injury claim, and your medical records can help demonstrate the nature, severity, and duration of your injuries.
3. Report the Accident
A written accident report is essential for a personal injury claim. If you sustained injuries in a motor vehicle collision, call the police and let them know what happened so they can investigate the crash and file an accident report. If your injuries occurred on someone else’s property (a slip-and-fall at a business, for example), let the property owner or a manager know what happened, preferably in writing. Include the basic facts of the accident when you make your report, but avoid speculating on fault until an attorney can investigate the situation.
4. Save Your Receipts
While your medical records document the accident’s physical toll, your receipts help demonstrate the financial costs you’ve incurred. Save your medical bills, repair receipts and estimates, and other documents showing any expenses related to the accident.
5. Start a Pain Journal or Diary
You have the right to compensation for your pain and suffering from an accident, but proving these losses is challenging since there’s no physical proof of your mental state. By keeping a journal or diary of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, you can build a strong case for pain and suffering compensation.
6. Do Not Discuss the Accident Publicly
Your public statements can hurt your personal injury claim if you’re not careful. For example, if you tell someone your injuries “aren’t that bad” before you get a full medical evaluation from a doctor, an insurance company could use that statement to reduce your compensation. Avoid discussing the accident with anyone other than a lawyer, particularly on social media, as insurance companies have ways to find your posts.
7. Call a New York City Personal Injury Lawyer
A personal injury attorney can protect your rights and help you make a persuasive case for compensation. They’ll handle all the paperwork, investigate the accident to identify the liable parties, document your losses, negotiate on your behalf with the insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.
The sooner you contact an attorney, the more they can do to help you after an accident. Call The Kohan Law Group today or complete our contact form for a free consultation.