What do I do after a Scranton catastrophic injury accident?

Take care of your health: Your health needs to be your top priority. Get medical care quickly and follow any advice the doctor gives you. Attend all appointments, take all medications, and follow the suggested treatment plan. This is important to help you get better and to prove the extent of your injuries and the full value of your claim later on.

Do Not Accept Blame: Even if you think the accident might be your fault, do not apologize to anyone, or admit to breaking any laws. It is important to keep discussions about the accident to a minimum. If a police officer needs information for the report, stick to the facts of how the crash occurred. Insurance companies can trick you into admitting fault or minimizing your injuries.

Do Not Sign Insurance Documents: Never sign anything from an insurance company until you have spoken to an attorney. Signing documents for the insurance company can cause you to give up certain important rights. Never sign a settlement offer from an insurance company without consulting with your attorney.

Document everything. Photograph your vehicle, the accident scene and any environmental factors such as street signage or road conditions. If there are witnesses, collect their names and contact information. Also, find out the names and contact information for any police officers or EMTs who responded to your crash.

Keep a Journal: Soon after the crash, start compiling evidence. Get a copy of the police report, get quotes on property damage, eyewitness information/statements, and any other records from the accident. Write down everything you can remember from the day of the accident itself. Write down the date, cause, and outcome of any doctor’s appointments or hospital visits. Keep track of any time that you missed from work as a result of the crash. Use the journal to track your symptoms, pain, emotions, and how much your injuries impact your everyday life. This type of information is often vital when it comes to proving your case when you file your claim.

Contact a Catastrophic Injury  Lawyer: Accidents can cause catastrophic injuries and leave victims with huge medical bills and sometimes permanent disabilities. In addition, most victims need to miss work to recover or attend doctor’s appointments. Compensation is often available, but the process to recover it is both daunting and overwhelming for many people. This is where a knowledgeable serious injury attorney can help.