When you’re the victim of an accident, you may not know what to do or how to get justice. Unfortunately, if you take the wrong steps, you may jeopardize your ability to receive compensation. As such, it’s imperative to properly document injuries sustained in an accident, as this can be valuable evidence when filing a lawsuit against the negligent party. Whether you were hurt in a car crash, slip and fall, or via medical malpractice, you’ll want to keep reading to learn how to document your injuries. You’ll also discover how personal injury attorneys in Baltimore County can help you through this process.
Why Do I Need to Document Injuries After an Accident?
Unfortunately, when injured in an accident, the other party and their defense team will try to do everything possible to cast doubt on the severity of the injuries you endured. Having photographic evidence that can corroborate the extent of the wounds is essential.
Similarly, recording and obtaining concrete evidence can help ensure you don’t forget any crucial details that may fade with time. Court cases can last years, meaning you may forget details or become hazy on the timeline. Irrefutable proof can help strengthen your claim.
What Steps Should I Take to Protect Myself?
After an accident, the first step you must take is to establish medical care immediately following the incident. Unfortunately, if you do not see a doctor or wait too long, the defense can say you failed to mitigate damages by delaying care and that the initial injuries must not have been severe if you did not seek treatment. Instead, you should call emergency services to receive care from medical technicians at the site of the accident. If you can wait, you must schedule an appointment with your primary care provider immediately.
You’ll want to hold on to and make additional copies of all medical records, invoices and bills, lab reports, and photos of imaging you receive from your doctor.
If possible, at the accident scene you should take as many photos and videos as possible, but only if you are physically able. This includes injuries you sustained but also the damage to your vehicle or the conditions of the store. For example, if you are hit by a mirror in a clothing store, a photo of the wall may show that the mirror was not properly secured.
Unfortunately, if you do not take the necessary steps, you may be ineligible to receive compensation for the damages you’ve suffered due to a negligent party. At the Law Offices of Markey & Orsi, our dedicated legal team is ready to help. We will examine the details of your case to fight for the justice you deserve. Contact us today to learn how our attorneys will advocate for you.
