According to the US Department of Justice, there are more than 400,000 personal injury incidents every year. Any accident can result in personal injuries, yet the most common type of personal injury accidents include car accidents, medical malpractice, and workplace accidents. When you’re injured in an accident, you may feel overwhelmed and confused. At this exact moment, many people can’t think straight or make the right decisions. That is why we have gathered the most important steps that you need to take when you’re injured in an accident.
Table of Contents
Get To Safety And Call 911
If you’ve been injured in any kind of road accident, the first thing you need to do is pull to the side and get to safety. If you feel like you are physically unable to move, ask for help. Calling an emergency number right after an accident also ensures that the emergency department gets to the accident scene as soon as possible. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should immediately call 911:
- shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Severe dizziness
If you’re in doubt and unable to determine the severity of your injuries, don’t drive to the hospital alone. Instead, call an emergency number. 911 centers will tell you what to do until they arrive. Besides, taking an ambulance where paramedics can help is much safer, especially if you feel like you’re going to faint.
Gather As Much Information If You Can
Calling the police department is out of the question, as police reports can help prove that the other party was at fault for your injuries. However, try to take photos of your injuries and anything related to the accident, including road signs and vehicle conditions. These photos can be used as evidence in court and help you receive proper compensation for your injuries.
Seek Medical Assistance
Even if your injuries are minor, you have to get checked at a hospital. Not all injuries are visible. You may not feel any pain as well if you have high pain tolerance or due to the adrenaline shock. However, internal bleeding and concussions can be extremely dangerous, which is why you have to carry out some important screenings. Signs of internal bleeding may include:
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Low blood pressure
- Purple bruises
- Feeling light-headed
As soon as you notice any of these signs, you need to head to the nearest hospital immediately to be evaluated by physicians. It’s beneficial to visit the nearest hospital because aside from getting proper treatment, your attending physician will be able to document your actual condition as well. As stated by these Sacramento personal accident attorneys, personal injury laws require seeking medical attention within a specified period and obtaining the medical documents that will assist you in your claim. A doctor will diagnose your injuries and provide medical evidence that your injuries were the result of the accident, be it a workplace or a road accident. This ensures that all your financial losses and medical expenses are covered. If you delay medical care, not only will your health deteriorate, but you will also find it more difficult to prove the other party’s liability.
Contact An Attorney
If you or one of your loved ones have been injured as a result of someone else’s recklessness or negligence, contacting a professional personal injury lawyer can guarantee that your rights are protected. Personal injury attorneys can fight on your behalf, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court. They can help you understand the legal process as well. You deserve to be compensated for your losses and injuries after an accident, especially if someone else was responsible. If your employer doesn’t provide adequate safety measures and precautions at work, which resulted in a workplace accident, they should be held liable and therefore should cover your expenses. If you’ve suffered after a car accident because someone was drunk driving, you should also be held liable. Having a professional attorney like Vaziri Law Group Personal Injury Attorneys by your side can ensure that all your expenses are covered, including:
- Lost income
- Medical expenses
- Physiotherapy
- Rehabilitation
- Therapists
Personal injury cases can be quite stressful and troublesome. However, don’t forget to attend to your injuries and follow your doctors’ orders for a speedy recovery. It can be hard to get your life back on track after an accident, but the sooner you recover, the more you’ll be able to stand back on your feet and return to your life. Talk to someone you love and surround yourself with friends and family. Most importantly, make sure you have a professional lawyer to guide you through the process and lift a huge weight off your shoulders. Keep these tips in mind as well if you’re suffering from a personal injury, as they can significantly affect your future and the aftermath of the accident.
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