When the initial shock after an accident wears off, there are important steps to take to protect your rights. These will be even more important if you sustain an injury.
Following these steps could make the difference in whether you are able to secure compensation for your injuries after a car accident. Whether you are in Scranton or anywhere in Pennsylvania, our attorneys at the Piazza Law Group can walk you through what you should do.
The Five Things You Should Do After An Accident
1. Call The Police
A police report of the accident can provide important evidence of fault in a personal injury claim. Sometimes people will admit to fault to a police officer, only to later change their minds when they face skyrocketing insurance costs. If you are able, your first phone call after a car accident should always be to the police.
2. If You Are Able, Document Any Damage
If you are unable to document damage because of your injuries, that is all right. The most important thing is your health. However, if you are able, you should take some pictures of the damage to your car, the other vehicle and the accident scene. Additionally, if you notice any bystanders who witnessed the accident, try to get their names and contact information. Their accounts could be valuable when seeking compensation.
3. Seek Medical Care
If you are in any type of pain, you should seek medical care as soon as possible. If not from a first responder at the scene of the accident, you should talk to your doctor. Some injuries may not reveal themselves right away. For example, what you may think is some minor neck or back pain could actually be herniated disc requiring extensive treatment.
4. Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
Doing everything you can to get back to optimal health is an important part of any personal injury claim. If you do not follow recommended treatment, the defense could argue that your injuries are not that serious. If you are worried about how to afford care, a lawyer can likely help.
5. Contact Piazza Law Group, An Experienced Personal Injury Law Firm
If you are hurt because of someone else’s negligence, do not try to get the compensation you need on your own. You will need an attorney on your side who knows how to handle all of the important legal work — dealing with insurance companies, lawyers, collecting evidence, trying your case before a jury — while you focus on your health.
At the Piazza Law Group, we have more than 65 years of combined experience pursuing justice for those who are hurt through the negligence of others. We invite you to call 570-483-8511 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.