After you have sustained an injury, your next steps may be pivotal in the event of a future legal claim. While every case is unique, consider some of the following steps:
Contact 911: After a motor vehicle accident, or if you have fallen and require immediate medical care, you need to call 911. Police officers and emergency medical personnel cannot provide valuable assistance, but they will typically create reports of their observations of the scene, gather names of witnesses, and provide valuable information for a legal claim down the road.
Gather evidence: I Collect names of potential witnesses, take photos or videos of the scene or condition, including any skin condition, or images of any visible injuries, any vehicles or devices involved in the accident, any dangerous conditions, weather conditions at the time of the accident, and any other evidence that can show what happened.
Witness details: If there were individuals who saw the accident, get their name and number. Their statements can provide you with crucial evidence in terms of liability and who was at fault for the accident.
Request copies of any documents or information: If a statement was made, or if a video or photographs potentially exist, it may be important to request this information immediately, and in writing, in order to preserve this information for your claim.
Contact an experienced Columbia personal injury attorney: Contact us as soon as possible following your accident. Once retained, our lawyers can get to work investigating the accident, gathering critical evidence, and going after the compensation you deserve.