Personal injuries happen more often than you might think and can include a physical injury by means of an automobile or motorcycle accident, accident at work, accident at home, disease or illness, battery and assault, tripping accidents, and/or product defect accidents. A personal injury can also include a medical or dental accident that leads to a medical negligence claim. If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you are probably fearful, frustrated, and unsure of next steps and how to best protect your legal rights. Discuss your potential injury claim, including your rights to financial recovery, with a skilled civil litigator in the San Fernando Valley.
We’ve put together a brief list of what to do and what not to do after you or a loved one has been injured because of the negligence of another person, government entity, or business. This list is not exhaustive. The specifics of your case should be addressed with your attorney.
After a personal injury DO:
- Do seek prompt medical attention.
- Do contact a successful personal injury lawyer as soon as you can after your accident. The sage advice you receive in an initial interview may be extremely helpful in the days following the accident.
- Do realize that you have a statute of limitations in California that prevents you from bringing a personal claim after a certain length of time.
- Do take numerous color pictures of the scene of the incident and all evidence, including any damage to your vehicle (before you get it repaired).
- Do save all prescription medication bottles, medical casts, braces, and any other items from your doctor.
- Do provide your attorney with the photos and videos of the accident or accident scene that you have taken (or that someone else has taken for you).
- Do keep all receipts for expenses incurred as a result of the accident. Be sure that receipts are dated and contain legible services provider information.
- Do notify your attorney about any contact with the other party, including insurance companies.
After a personal injury DO NOT:
- Do not wait to visit a doctor to have him examine your injuries. Your medical health is a priority. At your visit, be honest about your pain.
- Do not give any written, oral, or recorded statements to anyone about your accident or injuries without first consulting your attorney.
- Do not admit fault or offer any opinions about the cause of the accident.
- Do not make any false or incorrect statements about prior or current injuries to any doctor who may treat or examine you.
- Do not ignore your doctor’s advice. Get a second opinion if you are not comfortable with the first opinion.
- Do not keep information from your attorney. You never know what information might be important to your personal injury claim!
For more information on protecting yourself and your legal rights after you are injured as a result of a third party’s negligence, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help walk you through the process.
Attorney Barry P. Goldberg has created a professional approach to injury law and seeks the greatest possible recovery for each individual case. If you or a loved one has been injured by the negligent actions of a third party, reach out to him today to discuss your potential case.
