Injury Checklist: What To Do If You Have Been Hurt

No one wants to be in an automobile accident and no one wants to go to court. But if you are injured in a Pennsylvania car accident, it’s vital you take action to document and preserve evidence to ensure that you will have a strong case, should legal action be necessary to protect your rights.

Most importantly, contact a Hazleton car accident attorney if you’re asked to sign any releases, checks or other documents from insurers.  Call the Hazleton automobile accident lawyers of Munley, Munley & Cartwright at 1-800-318-LAW1 or contact us online BEFORE you sign anything or agree to any settlements!

If you have suffered any type of personal injury, you should consider the following:

• If you’re experiencing pain, see a physician as soon as possible. Document all of your visits to physicians and other health care professionals, along with names of the physicians and hospitals you visit.
• Document the pain you experience, and how it affects your life.
• Document work lost as a result of your injuries.
• Document expenses you’ve incurred because of your injuries.

Additionally, if you have been injured in a car accident, you should consider the following:

• If you are not seriously injured, pull to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights. Do not leave the scene.
• Make sure your passengers are OK. If not, call an ambulance.
• Call the police.
• Exchange information with other parties in the accident, including license plate number, name, address, telephone number, driver’s license number, make/model of car, and insurance carrier(s). Also get names, addresses and telephone numbers of any witnesses.
• If you are able to, photograph damage and any physical evidence such as skid marks. Also photograph injuries if they are visible. Non-digital photos are better than digital photos to avoid claims of digital alteration.
• Do not admit fault.
• Cooperate with police officers and answer questions.
• Get business cards and reports from police officers.
• Report the accident to your insurer.

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, you should consider the following:

• Preserve your shoes and clothing in a sealed plastic bag.
• If the object you slipped on was perishable, store your shoes in the freezer or use chemical preservative.
• Take photos of the site of your fall, any slip dangers and slip preventions measures, and any warning signs.
• Take photos of the conditions of your shoes and clothing after your fall, along with any injuries.
• Get names, addresses, and telephone numbers of witnesses.
   
• If possible, do not leave the site without getting an accident report from a site manager or other senior personnel.

If you have been injured by a defective product, you should consider the following:

• Retain the product, along with original packaging and any receipts you might have.

At Munley, Munley & Cartwright, we know when you’ve suffered a personal injury, getting well should be your highest priority. Taking some extra steps can help preserve your legal rights. Call our Hazleton personal injury lawyers at 1-800-318-LAW1 or contact us online to discuss your case.