HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR CASE

GUIDANCE FROM AN EXPERIENCED LEGAL TEAM

The steps you take after you are injured in an accident are crucial. They can greatly impact whether you are later able to obtain compensation, as well as how much compensation you will be eligible for. Our law firm, Jones & Swanson, has provided some tips about what you should do following your accident, as well as what you should not do. By being proactive, you can lay the groundwork for a much stronger personal injury claim. In addition to reading the following information, you can also receive more in-depth guidance by speaking with one of our Marietta injury lawyers about your case.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

Following your accident, you should:

• Get witnesses’ contact information. Immediately talk to people who were around when the accident occurred. Find out who witnessed the accident and get that person’s name and contact information. Witness testimony can play a major factor in your ability to prove liability in your case.
• Take photos of the accident scene and any other relevant evidence. For example, after a car accident, you will want to take photos of your damaged vehicle and of the crash scene, as well as of your injuries. Or, if you are hurt because of hazardous conditions on someone’s property, it can be helpful to take photos of the area where you were injured.
• Go see a doctor and follow the doctor’s orders. A doctor’s visit can help you determine and document the extent of your injuries. Failing to go see a doctor in a timely fashion or failing to abide by the doctor’s orders can lead to the at-fault party or the insurance company involved in your case questioning your injuries or claiming that you worsened your medical condition.
• Collect all documentation related to your accident. These include police reports related to your accident, bills and receipts related to your medical care (even if these costs are covered by your insurance provider), and receipts for other related expenses (such as rental cars or vehicle repair). You should also keep track of all your medical appointments, including which doctors you saw and on what dates.
• Consult with a lawyer as soon as possible! The sooner you begin working with a personal injury attorney, the greater level of protection you will have. A competent attorney can assist you in the following ways: collect evidence concerning your case, ensure that you are not doing anything that could harm your chances of receiving compensation, speak with the insurance company on your behalf, file a claim or lawsuit on your behalf, and negotiate a settlement or argue your case in court.

WHAT YOU SHOULD NOT DO

There are certain things you should absolutely avoid after you are injured in an accident. These include the following:

• Do not talk to an insurance claims adjuster without guidance from your attorney. Your lawyer can actually speak to the insurance company representatives on your behalf. While these claims adjusters might seem friendly on the phone, their job is to gather any information from you that could lower your settlement amount or even lead to a claim denial.
• Do not post any compromising information or photos on social media sites. If you share on Facebook or other social media sites that you are feeling fine after your accident or that you are taking part in certain physical activities, this could be used by the opposing party in your case to question the validity of your injuries.