REPORT THE ACCIDENT. No matter how you got hurt, you must be able to place yourself at the scene of the accident. In most instances a call to 911 will trigger a police and/or emergency medical service response. When the authorities arrive you must tell them exactly what happened and advise them of any injuries you have sustained. If you require medical attention, make sure you advise the first responders where you feel pain.
If you are injured on the job, you must advise your foreman, supervisor or manager as to the mechanism of your injury and request they call 911 and create an official incident/accident report.
If you are injured on someone else’s property report it to the store manager, superintendent or anyone else working in the area where you got hurt.
COLLECT AS MUCH EVIDENCE AS POSSIBLE. Personal injury cases are won based on the evidence. These days most people have one of the best litigation tools in their own pocket — a smart phone. Take photos of vehicles, street signs, defective conditions on the ground or in a building or anything else that will assist in showing someone exactly how you were hurt. Get contact information for any witnesses including first and last names, phone numbers and/or an email address. If you are unable to take these photographs because of your injury try to have someone else do it and get their contact information so you can obtain it later on.
SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION: Don’t be a tough guy (or gal). If you feel pain, play it safe and get a medical evaluation. Many times the shock of an accident can mask the physical symptoms associated with a serious injury. Make sure you advise all medical professionals of your prior medical history so they can make a proper medical assessment.
DO NOT: give a statement to anybody other than the authorities. If you believe you may be at fault for the accident call your attorney before you give any statements that may expose you to civil and/or criminal liability.
Many times someone from an insurance company will come to the scene of the accident. You are under no obligation to speak to them and what you say will most likely be used against you in the future.
DO NOT: sign any statement or report unless it is generated by the police. Make sure whatever you are signing is accurate and do not let anyone put words in your mouth. If you are in too much pain to concentrate on what is being shown to you – hold off and tell the police you will sign it at a later time.
DO NOT: sign anything from any insurance companies. Believe it or not, but I have seen insurance companies try and get an injured person to sign a settlement release within the first 24-48 hours of the accident!
DO NOT: speak to anyone who tells you they know a doctor “you should see”.
