Auto accidents, unsafe premises, and other situations often leave victims severely injured through no fault of their own. While an attorney can hold liable parties responsible and pursue compensation for their losses, your initial steps immediately after the accident can have a significant impact on your ability to recover your damages. If you’ve been hurt because of someone else’s negligence, the steps below will help you protect your rights.

What to Do Right After an Accident

1. Take Photos

Of Course your primary effort should be to get necessary medical attention for you and all of those injured.  However, photographic evidence can be compelling evidence, helping to establish liability for your injuries. If possible have family members and witnesses take pictures of any factors that may have contributed to the accident as well as your own injuries, both before and after receiving medical treatment. Often vehicles are moved after the wreck and the insurance adjuster will dispute the wreck happened the way you describe it.  Photographs of the scene and injuries can often be used to verify you are telling the truth.

2. Collect Witness Information

Eyewitnesses are also a valuable resource in personal injury claims, so your attorney will want to speak with anyone who saw what happened. If possible, have family members or others get witness names and contact information, as well as a brief summary of their version of events.

3. Seek Medical Attention

Many injuries, especially those common in auto accidents, often don’t emerge until hours or even days later. Even if you think your injuries are minor, see a doctor immediately after the accident. Receiving prompt treatment can keep injuries from progressing, and may establish a clear link between your injuries and the other party’s negligence.

4. Refuse to Speak to Insurers

Insurance companies often contact and call accident victims and ask to record your answers to questions they ask about how you think the wreck happened and your injuries. The adjuster may seem sympathetic at first, however keep in mind that their only goal is to minimize the value of your claim, so it is usually wise to refuse to communicate with them at all until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.

5. Consult With an Attorney

Personal injury law is extremely complex, and insurance companies routinely employ a variety of tactics to reduce the value of valid claims. Your personal injury lawyer will know how to build the strongest case possible, protect your rights throughout the process, and ensure you collect the maximum award for your damages.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, you deserve quality representation from a law firm dedicated to providing the most aggressive representation possible. The Law Offices of Adrian L. Falgione, LLC has been fighting for the rights of accident victims throughout South Carolina’s Midlands since 1989, providing caring, compassionate, personalized service to every client. Visit their website for more on their personal injury expertise, follow their Facebook for regular updates, or call (803) 957-6543 now to speak with a seasoned accident attorney today.