Getting injured can turn your life upside down and, depending on the severity of the injury and  it can be a struggle to get back to normal. It is fairly common that protecting your legal rights is not the first thing you think of in the days following your injury. There are some steps that you can take that can save a substantial amount of time and effort if you later decide to take legal action against someone for your injuries.

It is perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed and maybe even a little scared to go forward with the legal process. We put together a list to help you with the case if you are ever hurt in an accident.

What to Do After a Personal Injury 

If you have been injured, it is important to stay calm and try to follow the following actions. 

Seek Medical Attention 

The very first thing you should do after being injured is to seek medical attention. This could mean going to the emergency room, your general physician, or even the healthcare clinic as soon as possible. Any delay in seeking medical attention could have repercussions not only for your health but also for your legal case. Most insurance companies consider getting medical attention within 72 hours after the sustained injury to be a reasonable time.

When you speak with your doctor, you should mention all issues and pain even if you believe they are minor. You should not embellish or exaggerate your pain, as this can have repercussions later on.

Avoid Speaking About Your Case 

It is normal to want to reach out to family and friends to inform them of what has happened. The only people you should discuss your case with are the doctor and your lawyer. If you do talk about your case your lawyer should be present, especially if you need to speak to an insurance agent or the opposing lawyer.

Gather Evidence 

During a personal injury case, you and your lawyer must prove that you were injured because of someone else’s negligence. You need to collect records and documents of everything pertaining to your case, which include medical records, police reports, witness contact information, and photographs. You should also write down a detailed document pertaining to what happened before, during, and after the accident in your own words to help to recall the event later. The sooner that you do this, the better as memories often fade rather quickly and you may not remember everything precisely.

Going through a personal injury can be terrifying and that is why we suggest finding a personal injury lawyer, like our friends at Norris Law, to help you through this difficult process and help you get the compensation you deserve.