3 Essential Steps To Take When An Injury Happens
Have you suffered an injury from an accident that was not your fault?
If so, you could be entitled to seek compensation for the damages.
Whether you’ve been injured in an auto accident, slip-and-fall, construction accident, dog bite, or another type of accident, you may need to file a personal injury claim to get the amount you deserve.
Contact an Illinois personal injury lawyer serving Chicago today to help you get compensation for your lost wages, pain, and suffering.
1. Get Medical Care
As soon as an accident occurs, it is important to prioritize your health. Although it can feel overwhelming, it is advised to take a moment and collect yourself. It is important to get evaluated for any injuries immediately.
After an accident, you should promptly contact 911. Explain the incident to the dispatcher and report any injuries. Stay calm and wait for the emergency crew to get to you. Once the EMT arrives, be sure to answer their questions and describe all of your injuries. Go to the hospital if EMT personnel suggest it. They may request that you have x-rays or images taken.
Cooperate as they test and observe you. Remember to follow all of your doctor’s directions, medication regimens, and recommendations. Most injury victims also require follow-up care. This could include physical therapy, occupational therapy, or chiropractic visits. Be sure to keep up on all your follow-up care and collect records from all your treating physicians.
You can always enroll yourself in a fitness therapy in Singapore to help you recover completely from your injury. Being under the supervision of experts is always a good thing and will allow you to recover completely.
Seeking medical care is important even if you do not appear to be injured immediately following the accident. Many people later develop symptoms, so it is always crucial to see a qualified medical care specialist who may be able to diagnose you as soon as possible.
Although a lot of people don’t like doctors, now is not the time to ignore a visit. Additionally, do not be afraid if you are uninsured or under-insured. Your attorney can help you receive compensation for all your medical expenses. Seeing a doctor now could save you money and pain in the future.
Secondly, seeing medical help will provide documentation of the accident and the injuries sustained. You will need this information to provide the insurance companies and the court if you end up filing a personal injury claim. No one will take a personal injury case seriously if there is no medical proof that you were injured.
If you were injured and did not immediately seek medical help, don’t worry. The best thing to do is to go to your primary care doctor or local emergency room as soon as possible. Describe your symptoms to the doctor and state that they started after the accident.
2. Document all Evidence that Could Prove Your Case
Millions of people are injured in accidents each year. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, traffic accidents injure 10 people per hour. Unfortunately, not everyone who suffers an injury will get the amount of compensation that they deserve. It is important to be smart and conscientious in documenting all aspects of the accident and injury.
If you were in an accident resulting from someone else’s negligence, you must have proper documentation to receive compensation for your injuries. You must be able to prove that it was someone else’s fault, and you must prove the injuries you suffered were caused by their negligence.
Insurance companies want to settle by paying as little as possible. Similarly, a judge will not reward a personal injury claim without substantial evidence. Don’t just settle for the first amount an insurance company presents you. Show everyone the proof they need to get a fair amount.
At the time of the accident, police officers at the scene will file a police report. Cooperate with officers and answer all questions. Remain friendly and patient yet affirmative in the fact that the accident was not your fault. Do not make any statements that you would not want on the record.
Additionally, collect contact information of the party at fault and any witnesses to the incident. Collect all names, addresses, phone numbers, and any insurance information. Attempt to get any witness statements that might benefit you in telling your side of the story.
Try to take photos of the accident, the surroundings—including any hazards at the scene—and pictures of your injuries. Save any correspondence between you and the other party, such as emails or text messages. Make a record of all times you talked with the insurance company or legal representatives and take notes of what the conversations entailed.
Gather all hospital and medical records. This may include office visit reports, x-rays, test results, and evaluations. Your personal injury lawyer can present this evidence to help you collect fair compensation. Most personal injury claims will reach a settlement agreement; others will have to go to trial.
3. Seek the Advice of an Illinois Personal Injury Lawyer
Being left injured in an accident is bad enough. It can affect you physically, emotionally, and financially. You should not also have to worry about damaged property, lost wages, and medical expenses. An Illinois personal injury lawyer from Agruss Law Firm, LLC can help you walk through the process to find the relief you deserve.
Additionals:
- 5 Most Common Personal Injury Claims
- Factors That Make a Good Health Business
- Can I Claim Personal Injury Compensation?
- How do I Know if I Have a Personal Injury Case?
