What To Do Immediately After An Injury

Posted on Nov 22, 2013

The aftermath of an injury can be confusing, more so if you are dealing with an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence. Acting quickly and swiftly can make all the difference.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

If there are other parties involved, and, should you need to take your case to court, the other person could claim that your worsened your injuries by failing to seek care promptly — and this could hurt your chances to receive compensation.

Following an accident, you must seek immediate medical attention. Even if you feel perfectly fine, a car accident or a fall could have still caused unseen damage. Getting to a doctor quickly, you will be able to get a professional opinion on any injuries you may have sustained.

Record Your Version Of The Story

Again, if your case ends up being taken to court, you will need a record of everything. Careful, accurate records are your first line of defense to ensuring you get fair compensation for your injuries.

You should:

• Get contact information for everyone involved. In the case of a car accident, you should also get information on the vehicles involved, as well as insurance information.
• Collect your memories. You should do this as quickly as possible, to ensure that you do not forget any details. Nowadays, smartphones are equipped with cameras and voice recorders, as well as many diary-style applications being available for them. Use these to your advantage, and take a detailed “snapshot” of your accident.
• Report the accident. In the case of a car accident, you should call the police. For slips and falls, have management file an accident report. Reporting your accident can help you make sure that every detail of the story is taken into account.

Keep Proof Of Everything

Hard evidence is difficult for courts to ignore. Make sure you keep copies of everything related to your injury — any medical bills, any x-rays of tests results, and anything that could help you explain the extent of your injuries.

Remain Calm — You Can Get Through This

Being injured is scary. But, if you remain calm, take careful notes, and contact help quickly, you can ensure that your life after injury is that much easier.