Personal Injury Attorney
While no one expects to go about their day and get injured, it can happen. Accidents can come as a shock, since they often arise suddenly and without much time to react. What turns an accident into a potential personal injury lawsuit, is if another party had contributed to the incident either due to negligence or thoughtless actions. If the victims feels that someone else was at-fault, they may be confused, angry, and unsure how to respond. If you or someone you love is in such a predicament, it can help to get advice from a legal professional in your area about what to do next.
Q: What are common questions people have about personal injury cases?
A: When talking with an attorney, victims of personal injury accidents can be understandably emotional and stressed. Some of the most common questions victims ask are related to whether they have a reason for a lawsuit, how much it may cost to take legal action, and how much they may be entitled to receive. It is important to understand one’s legal rights in such a situation, so hopefully the victim can get the financial support he or she requires to heal from the incident.
Q: How should I respond immediately after a personal injury accident?
A: Call 9-1-1 for help if you may have suffered an injury due to the accident. Keep in mind that not all injuries present themselves right away. So, it may be best to call for help even if you feel reasonably okay. An officer can arrive to support the scene, along with writing up a police report of what happened. This police report can be an influential piece of evidence in your personal injury lawsuit, as it contains key facts about the event. Additionally, by calling 9-1-1 you can get a medical evaluation by an emergency team. If they feel it is best that you go to the hospital for treatment, then they can get you there quickly.
Q: Should I photograph the scene and gather witness statements?
A: If you were rushed to the hospital for serious injuries, then it is highly unlikely you were able to grab a camera or cell phone and take pictures of the scene. If this is the case, then the officer may have captured photographs instead. But, if you are of stable health then it is ideal for you to take pictures of everything related to the accident and your visible injuries before leaving. If there are bystanders who came over to help, don’t be shy to ask for their name and contact for a statement later on.
Q: I heard it can help to have an “injury journal” after the accident. Is that true?
A: Yes, keep a journal that lists any instances in which you experienced symptoms aside from the obvious physical injury. For example, you can write about how many hours of sleep you lost, feelings of anxiety, a sense of fear, etc. When fighting for a compensation amount that is fair, one of the Auto Accident Lawyers Indianapolis, IN residents trust can also bring forward evidence about how you were mentally and emotionally impacted by the incident as well.
Thanks to Ward & Ward Law Firm for their insight into personal injury claims and everyday accidents.
