Georgia Injury Lawyers Blog
Accidents happen every day. Thankfully, most of them are minor, but many can result in life-changing injuries. If you’ve been injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may have a legal claim against them in order to receive compensation for your injuries. However, there are first five things you need to do in order to protect your rights.
Seek Medical Treatment
Your health is your most important asset. If you didn’t see a doctor right after the accident and are in pain, go get checked out. It’s not uncommon for some injuries to manifest themselves days or even weeks after an accident. Your symptoms could signal a more serious injury, and you’ll need medical treatment in order to make a full recovery.
If you have already been to see your doctor, don’t hesitate to return if your symptoms don’t seem to be improving or you experience new symptoms. Listen to your body and don’t assume that the pain will go away on its own.
It’s also important to follow your doctor’s orders. Don’t risk further injury or delay your recovery by trying to do too much. If your doctor tells you to stay home from work and rest, follow their advice.
Document Your Expenses
You need to keep careful track of any expenses that you incur as a result of your accident. You want to keep copies of the following:
- Medical bills
- Receipts for out-of-pocket medical expenses such as deductibles or other expenses not covered by insurance
- Pay stubs or other documents reflecting lost wages
- Receipts for any other expenses such as cab fare to doctor’s appointments because you can no longer drive
Do your best to keep the information organized and in a safe place. If you decide to hire a lawyer, these documents can help your lawyer quickly evaluate your case and get it moving forward.
Talk to Any Witnesses
Make a point to reach out and speak to any witnesses that were present at your accident. If they aren’t willing to give you a written statement, do your best to write down or otherwise record what they saw. Make sure to get their full names and contact information.
Write Down Your Own Experience of the Accident
It’s just as important to document your own experience of the accident just like the other witnesses. Your memories will fade over time and important details could be lost.
Talk to a Lawyer
Even if you’re not sure you need one, a lawyer can help you identify potential issues you did not consider. Personal injury lawyers typically offer a free initial consultation. If you’re worried about legal fees, don’t be – personal injury lawyers work on a “contingency fee” basis, meaning that they get paid only if they recover compensation on your behalf. As a result, a personal injury lawyer is likely to give you a candid assessment of your case at your very first meeting and help you decide whether or not you should pursue a claim.
Contact Slappey & Sadd – Georgia Personal Injury Lawyers
Established in 1992, we work with accident victims in the Atlanta area and across Georgia to get them the compensation they deserve. If you’ve been injured and are hurting, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Slappey & Sadd are a here to help – call us at 888-474-9616 or contact us online in order to schedule your free consultation.