Many people get hurt because of someone else's negligence or malice. For this reason, personal injury law and lawyers exist to protect victims. If you would like to know more about personal injury, keep reading.
What Steps Should You Take After an Injury?
After the injury, assess your injuries and seek emergency medical help if needed. If you don't need emergency medical services, start by gathering evidence such as photos. For example, if you were in a car collision, take photos of both vehicles. If you fell on a broken step, take a photo of the broken step. If there are any witnesses, get their contact information, and get contact information from anyone involved in the injury.
If you were in a car collision, report the accident to your auto insurance carrier. Even if you don't feel your injuries are severe, seek medical attention. Seeking medical attention does two things. First, it verifies the extent of your injuries so that you know how much money you'll need. Second, it shows the court that you mitigated your injuries by seeking and following the doctor's treatment plan, which is incredibly important for your case.
Who Can You Sue for a Personal Injury?
Ultimately, you can sue if someone else breached their duty of care and you were hurt as a result. You can sue whoever is responsible for the injury, which may include:
- Other drivers involved in a collision
- Homeowners of damaged, poorly maintained structures
- Dog owners with dogs that bite or attack
If the injury was related to a product, you may have a product liability case. In this situation, you can sue the manufacturer, the distributor, and perhaps the retailer who sold the product.
If you were working at the time of the accident, you probably can't sue. Unless there are special circumstances, you'll need to file a workers compensation claim, which releases your employer from any lawsuits related to the injury.
Why Should You Hire an Attorney?
An attorney can help in many ways. They have the experience and knowledge to negotiate a fair settlement. They know what information and documentation you'll need to improve your chances. In addition, they do all the talking for you, so you don't have to deal with insurance carriers.
On top of that, an attorney can help guide you through the process by:
- Helping you prepare to testify
- Suggesting clothes/hairstyles that may appeal to the court
- Advise you to avoid posting on social media
No one wants to get injured, but it happens all the time. Personal injury law, however, is there to try and make you whole again. If you would like to know more, or if you need a personal injury attorney, contact a local firm, such as Henley & Henley, PC.
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