The following is a guest post by Dolan Law Offices:
The actions that you take after your personal injury accident can have a significant effect on your physical and financial recovery. Below are some tips about what to do if you, or a loved one, have been hurt in a personal injury accident:
- Take Pictures & Notes: if you are physically able to take notes and/or pictures after your accident, it is important that you do so. Remember, that your cell phone likely has a camera on it so that you can take pictures of the accident scene using it. Your thoughts about the accident and the conditions immediately preceding the accident will likely have more detail if you document them as soon as possible. This information can later serve as important evidence in your settlement negotiations or personal injury lawsuit;
- Identify Witnesses: look around and identify anyone who may have witnessed your accident. Get their name, address and phone number so that you, or your personal injury lawyer, can contact them for statements, or to testify, later;
- Seek Prompt Medical Care: it is important to get a physical examination as soon as possible after your accident and to follow all of your doctor’s orders. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, must be treated quickly to avoid further physical damage. Other injuries may not have significant symptoms immediately following your accident but will require treatment to avoid future pain.
- Be Wary of Your Insurance Adjuster: Insurance adjusters are employees of insurance companies that are looking to make a profit. Insurance companies maximize their profits by paying out as little as possible in insurance claims. Thus, they want to pay you as little as possible for your claim. Your insurance adjuster may pretend to be your friend or may try to trick you into saying something that could hurt your settlement. Therefore, it is advisable to refer your insurance adjuster to your personal injury lawyer if the adjuster has questions about your accident.
- Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer: it is important to hire a personal injury lawyer to represent you in your personal injury case and to make sure that all of your rights are protected. Your lawyer will fight for your fair damages while you concentrate on your physical healing.
These tips will help you achieve an equitable recovery for your personal injuries. Contact a lawyer today to discuss your potential legal recovery.
The Chicago personal injury lawyers of Dolan Law Offices fight for each and every personal injury client and are committed to helping injured parties recover just damages.
