What you should know if you are in an accident.

If you have been in an accident, the following steps may help you to protect yourself and preserve any potential claim you might have for damages. 

Report the Accident.

Regardless of what type of accident you have been in, you should report it as soon as possible after the accident.  If you are in a car accident, file a police report.  Aircraft accidents should be reported to the FAA, and Maritime accidents are reported to the Coast Guard, or local police.  If you have insurance, you should report it to your insurance company.  It is generally a good idea not to speak to the insurance adjuster for the other party until you have had a chance to report the accident and speak to your attorney.  Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company and the other party, and as such, they do not necessarily have your best interest in mind. 

Go to the Doctor.

Even if you think your injuries are relatively minor, you should go to the doctor to have them evaluated.  In some cases, what seems like a minor injury, like soreness, or a headache, can be symptoms of a more serious injury.  An early doctors visit may catch your injuries before they become worse.  Additionally, the longer it is between the accident and your doctors visit, the harder it will be to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident. 

When you are at the doctor, remember to report all of your injuries regardless of how inconsequential they may seem at the time.  While a sore back might not seem very important while you are dealing with a broken arm, it could be a symptom of an injury that is in fact far more serious than the broken arm is. 

Document the Accident.

As soon as practicable after the accident, write down everything you can remember about the accident.  Include the names and contact information for everyone involved in the accident, including passengers.  Draw a diagram of the accident scene.  It will help you to remember later.  Write a timeline of the accident explaining how the accident happened from start to finish.  Be sure to document the weather conditions and the lighting at the time of the accident.  These facts can become important later.

Keep a Journal/Diary.

If you were injured in the accident, keep a journal or diary to record how you feel each day.  Keep track of the things that you were unable to do because of your injuries.  Include a record of events that you had to miss, and appointments that you had with the doctor or physical therapist. 

Contact an Attorney.

If you have been injured in an accident, you are more likely to be fully compensated for your injuries if you hire an attorney to represent you in your recovery efforts.  The Law Office of Robert Stone, LLC provides a free consultation.  Contact us today.