What to Do after Getting Injured?

The incidence of personal injuries caused by car accidents in Los Angeles is significant, however, the number of other types of accidents is not to be neglected. No matter the type of accident one could suffer it is good to know how to act right after suffering a personal injury.

A Los Angeles personal injury attorney can offer legal aid if you have suffered any type of accident and want to file a claim.

The first thing to do right after suffering an accident

The first step to take after suffering an accident is to tend to your health. Make sure you get better in order to be able to seek legal assistance and obtain the right compensation for the injuries you were caused. How you take care of your health also depends on the type of accident and the extension of the damages: if the injuries are serious, call for medical help and once you get better request a consultation with a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer.

On the other hand, if the lesions suffered are minor and you feel up to collect some evidence, do not hesitate to do that. It will weigh considerably when filing your claim. Once you gathered the evidence, you can hire a law firm to represent you in a lawsuit or in the negotiations with the insurance company.

It is important to follow through with all of the prescribed medical treatment, not only for your own wellbeing but also to be able to use it as evidence. The defendant may use your failure to comply with the physician’s indication as proof that the accident did not indeed cause the said injuries or that it did not impact you to the said extent and, therefore, you deserve a lower settlement.

If you were injured as a result of medical malpractice, the first step is to reach out to a medical malpractice lawyer in Los Angeles. The misdiagnosis or mistreatment will need to be confirmed and cross-checked with another expert physician. A lawyer can analyse your case and prepare the needed evidence and documentation to support your medical malpractice case. 

You can watch the video below for more information on the steps to take after being involved in a personal injury accident:

Evidence of getting injured

The evidence is the most important factor in suffering an accident which has caused a personal injury. It is recommended to collect evidence such as testimonies of eyewitnesses or at least phone numbers for these to be contacted, if there are any, to ask for the police report on the incident, to ask for the medical reports and if you can take pictures of the scene, you should do that also. It could also help if you write down everything that happened prior and right after the accident. Collecting information as soon as you are able to represents an important first step after being injured in a car accident and in other types of accidents.

It is important to know that not all pieces of evidence can be used if you decide to take the case to court. However, most of them will be very relevant when negotiating with the insurance company. Documents like the police report or even photographs can help you gain leverage.

How long do you wait to file a claim after a personal injury in L.A.?

You may decide that it is best to meet for a consultation with a personal injury attorney. This should take place as early as possible, once your condition allows it. A lawyer will be able to give you important information on how to file a claim, negotiate with the insurance company and even take the case to court if needed.

An important factor which should be taken into consideration after getting injured is how long you wait to file your claim. If the accident has caused serious damages, it may take time to know their full extent, but the legal deadlines keep running; if the accident caused minor injuries make sure and act as soon as possible. In California, the limitation period for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally 2 years (CCP §335.1), and a written claim against a public entity is generally due within 6 months (Gov. Code §911.2), however, it is never recommended to wait that long.

Apart from making your best effort to follow these initial steps, you should also be careful not to make certain mistakes that may influence the outcome of your case. One example is to admit fault or to settle too early.

If you have suffered an accident and need help to settle your case, contact us through the form as soon as your condition allows it for the best outcome.