If you are injured in an accident, you may be left feeling overwhelmed and not sure what you should do next. Of course, different types of accidents can lead to different injuries. That being said, the type of accident an individual was injured in may also be an indicator of how serious an injury may be. For example, a fall from a couple of steps can result in a minor injury, while falling down an entire flight of stairs may have dire consequences.
No matter the type of accident you are involved in, it’s a good idea to follow a few simple steps when trying to deal with the accident and/or an injury. If you are involved in an accident, in no particular order, you should:
Remain calm;
Make sure your surroundings are safe;
If you or someone else is seriously injured and requires medical assistance, call 9-1-1;
Exchange information with others involved in the accident;
If you can, write down information about the accident;
Take photos of the area the accident occurred, as well as your surroundings;
Ask any officers on the scene to get you medical help;
Do not sign any documents.
If you decide to go home immediately following your accident, contact a medical professional such as your primary care physician, to set up an appoint. Your doctor can assess you for any injuries and help you determine if you require any additional treatment.
If you were involved in an accident, were injured as a result, it may also be a good idea to contact a personal injury attorney. An experienced personal injury attorney can inform you of your legal rights, review the facts of your accident, and assess whether you may have a valid personal injury case with the potential to recover damages.