At Weir & Kestner Injury Lawyers, we get asked “what should I do right after an accident?” all the time. First, and most important is to protect your health. If you need medical attention be sure to seek immediate medical care. Second, if you are physically able, immediately become a case investigator. Things like taking pictures or video, completing accident reports, and documenting witness information can be instrumental to winning your case. The best evidence is collected right after an accident, not three weeks later.
Were There Any Witnesses?
Witnesses can help your win case. After an accident, get names and phone numbers of any potential witnesses. Whether it is a good samaritan who comes to your aid after a car accident, or someone who saw you slip and fall, go ahead and ask for their contact information. Witnesses can be critical to a successful personal injury action. Please keep in mind, after an accident you are not going to be thinking clearly, so remembering to gather witness information is a difficult thing to do. But, having a plan in place in the event you are injured in an accident helps set a strong case foundation.
Where Did the Accident Take Place?
If you are injured on someone else’s property, the property owner could be liable for your injuries. These cases are often called premises liability cases. In addition to obtaining witness information described in the preceding paragraph, document the names and positions of any employees you speak to and complete an incident report. Often store managers and employees are very busy and by the time they are asked to recall the events involving an accident, the details of that accident have faded.
Take Pictures and Video
Last, take pictures and video after an accident. If something causes you to fall, take pictures or record video of whatever it is that caused you to fall. After a car accident, take pictures or video of the accident scene and vehicles. If you suffer visible injuries like bruising or cuts, chronicle your recovery with pictures. Taking these photos and videos over time creates a real-life diary of how an accident has impacted you.