The 5 Most Important Things to Do After Your Injury

A man slips and falls at the grocery store. A motorist is sideswiped by a truck while on her way to work. A child is severely bitten by a dog while playing in the neighborhood. Each day, countless people suffer injuries that cause not only physical pain but also emotional and financial burdens. In addition to worrying about their recovery, victims are faced with a host of tough questions:

How will I afford my medical bills?When can I return to work?How can I make up for lost wages? Is the insurance company offering me fair compensation?

When dealing with the trauma of an injury, victims may find it difficult to determine what steps they should be taking to fully recuperate from their injury and recover the damages they deserve. The following is a list of the five most important steps you should take after your injury.

Receive Medical Attention Immediately

If you have been involved in an accident, the first step you must take is seeking medical treatment, even if you think you are fine. Many injuries are not immediately noticeable, especially when you are in shock. A qualified physician will be able to identify and treat your injuries, as well as create an official record for insurance and legal purposes. Equally important are obeying all of your doctor’s instructions and attending all follow-up visits your physician may schedule.

Report Your Injury

If you have been involved in a motor vehicle wreck, contact the police and have them fill out a crash report. If you have been injured in a fall at a retail store, file a report with the manager and get a copy of it.  No matter the injury, ensure that it is reported to the appropriate authority and that an official account is documented.

Keep Records

The best way for you to recover maximum compensation is by building a strong foundation for your case. You should compile all documents related to the incident, including police reports, medical or repair bills, employer records evidencing lost wages, and photographs of your injuries and the accident scene. If there were witnesses, try to get a recorded statement of their account as well.

In addition, have the physician who treated you create a report detailing the extent of your injuries, the recovery process, any disabilities suffered, the duration of your injuries, and the chances that you will fully recover.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

Before you ever speak with the other party’s insurance company, you should consult with a skilled personal injury lawyer about your case. The insurance company won’t be looking out for your best interest. Instead, it will attempt to minimize your claim to help protect the company’s bottom line. Finding the right accident attorney can save you a tremendous amount of time and stress when seeking damages for your injury.

Avoid Public Statements

While your case is being resolved, you should avoid sharing anything related to your injury with news stations or publications, on social media or other websites, and even with friends and family. The other party’s insurance company will be working to build a case against your claim, and it will be researching any public information you give, hoping to find evidence that contradicts your previous testimony.

How Sneed|Mitchell Can Help

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury, Sneed|Mitchell has an experienced team of personal injury attorneys with the knowledge and resources necessary to help you seek compensation.  Call us today at (713) 800-6676 for a free consultation about your case. Meetings with attorneys by appointment only.