Slip-and-fall accidents often conjure up the image of an icy walkway or a set of stairs that have been not been adequately salted. But what many people don’t think about is that slip-and-fall accidents can happen year-round. These accidents can often result in serious – even life-threatening – injuries. This is why it is so important to understand the steps to take after being involved in a slip-and-fall accident in order to increase your likelihood of recovering the maximum amount for your injuries. Here’s what you should do after a slip-and-fall accident.
Seek Medical Care as Soon as Possible
As with most injuries, one of the best things that you can do after a slip-and-fall accident is to seek medical attention as soon as possible. This is important even if you feel okay. Not only does it help to ensure that nothing is seriously wrong with you, but it also helps to establish a potential case for you should you decide to pursue a personal injury case.
Your doctor’s notes can be used as evidence and he or she can also check out your body in order to ensure that there are no additional injuries. This provides you with a better opportunity to receive the maximum compensation for your injuries.
Observe the Scene of the Accident
Sometimes you can tell a lot about a slip-and-fall accident by looking around the scene afterwards. You may be able to take note of anything that seems out of place or any obvious factors such as water on the floor or an uneven sidewalk. By looking at the scene after the accident, it can help you to better gauge the negligence that transpired.
Take Pictures and Video
There’s no doubt that the scene of the slip-and-fall accident will never look the same as it does at the time the accident took place. This is why it’s a good idea to capture the scene of the accident by taking ample pictures and video of it from various angles. These images can help to support your claim. If you are unable to take pictures after the accident because you are seeking medical attention, enlist the help of someone you trust to do so. All it takes is a Smartphone.
Take Lots of Notes
Unfortunately, our memory naturally fades with time. This is one reason as to why there is a limited amount of time that you can bring a claim for personal injury. Since your memory of the accident will never be as strong again as it is today, it’s best to write everything down. This includes all of the information that you receive along the way. Write down the contact information of any witnesses to the accident as well as what they say that they saw. You may need them to testify on your behalf. If your slip-and-fall accident occurs in a store, it’s important that you notify employees – if not the manager him or herself – of what occurred and see if there is an official report form that can be filed. This form can later serve as evidence in your case.
Consult with a Knowledgeable and Experienced PI Attorney
Insurance companies are businesses just like any other. Therefore they’re interested in paying out as little money as possible, while your objective is to receive the maximum compensation for your injuries. For this reason, every little thing that you do and say can be used against you. That’s why it’s in your best interest to consult with a qualified personal injury attorney who can help to explain the legal process with you and to advise you throughout your case. Your attorney can help to handle the negotiation process with the insurance company.
MPJ Law Firm Can Help Those in NM Who Have Been Injured in a Slip-and-Fall Accident due to the Negligence of Another
If you have a loved one that has been injured in a slip-and-fall accident due to the negligence of another party, it can greatly impact your life. It can be difficult enough to deal with your injuries, but it can be even harder when you are left to pick up the pieces financially. You should never have to pay the price for someone else’s mistakes.
At MPJ Law Firm, we have a deep understanding of personal injury accidents and understand the effect that such an accident can have on just about all aspects of your life. We will always act in your best interest. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!
Posted in: Slip and Fall Accidents