**This segment on what to do if you have been injured in an accident was recorded in 2016 for Boomer TV, now Great Day with Patty Spitler.
Hi, folks! I’m Chris Garrison with Garrison Law Firm in Indianapolis, Indiana. We’ve been asked to do a series of segments on legal issues that are pertinent to you, the Boomer.
So, today, we’re going to talk about what to do if you’ve been injured in a personal injury accident of some kind. Accidents happen everywhere all the time. There are car accidents. There are slip, trip, and fall accidents. There are product malfunctions and animal attacks. Just to name a few.
1. Preserve Evidence
First, you must do all that you can to preserve evidence. Get witness names, phone numbers, and business cards. Use a cell phone to take pictures of vehicle damage, water on the floor, signage, or anything that portrays how the accident occurred and what injuries you have suffered.
In many instances, people are embarrassed, and they just want to leave the scene. You must fight that embarrassment, or you may be unable to prove your case. If appropriate, ask if there is a surveillance video and ask if it can be preserved.
2. Seek Medical Treatment
Second, you must determine if you are injured. If you feel any pain at all following the accident, you are likely injured and should be immediately checked out by a medical professional. If pain or immobility presents itself later, you should seek medical attention right away. The truth is boomers are more likely to sustain spinal injuries due to their age.
Delays in treatment will cause questions as to whether your injuries are real and whether the accident is the real cause of the injuries that you have.
3. Consult a Personal Injury Attorney
Third, you must consult a lawyer who concentrates their practice on personal injury cases. Not every injury merits having a lawyer represent you, but anytime there is a medical treatment beyond a medical examination, a seasoned professional injury attorney will likely recover more money for you than you can recover for yourself.
4. Do NOT talk to the insurance company:
Fourth, do not make a statement to the insurance company without the consultation and presence of a lawyer. Most people do not understand how what they say can hurt their case. Insurance companies may tell you they are a “good neighbor” or that you are “in good hands”, but the reality is that the insurance companies want to minimize claims.
So, what should you do if you’ve been injured in an accident
1. Preserve evidence
2. Seek medical treatment
3. Talk to a lawyer
4. Do NOT talk to an insurance adjuster.
Again, I’m Chris Garrison, and I have been practicing in personal injury since 1983. At Garrison Law Firm, our motto is, “YOU are our top priority!”
Until next time, take care. Thank you!
