HAVE YOU BEEN IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT?
Often Clients do not realize the impact of the collision until the adrenaline and the excitement of the situation passes. It is typical for a client to feel severe pain on the day following the collision. Even if someone does not leave the scene by ambulance, and may not even feel the need to go to the Emergency Room or Urgent Care, it is a good idea to be checked out at an Urgent Care or your Personal Physician as soon as possible after any accident with significant impact or vehicle damage.
If you are injured, particularly if you feel you may have broken bone(s), do not attempt to move. If you have sustained anything more than a superficial injury, you should not attempt to move unless it is absolutely necessary to avoid further injury. Back injuries are particularly problematic and a false move might lead to paralysis.
Take Photos at the scene with your phone. Contact the police and make a police report.
Do not make any admission of fault for the accident that caused your injury. An admission of fault can be used against you in court.
Never give a recorded statement to another party’s insurance carrier!
- GET APPROPRIATE MEDICAL CARE – IMMEDIATELY. Any delay or gap in your treatment can hurt your case. Even though you may think you are all right, it’s a good idea to visit the emergency room or your health care professional as soon as possible after the accident. It is important that you receive medical treatment as soon as possible. If you are not injured, the worst thing that can happen is to find out you are “OK.” Better “safe than sorry” as the saying goes.
- FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS OF YOUR DOCTOR If you receive treatment for your injuries, follow the recommendations and advise of your doctor and health care professional(s). Make sure that you receive all the treatment and therapy prescribed so that you can reach your maximum recovery potential. Nothing can hurt your case like failing to follow treatment directives, missing appointments, or interrupting or terminating your treatment against the advice of your physician. If you do not proceed with your treatment as prescribed, a jury may conclude that your injuries were minimal or nonexistent.
- Changes in your ability to remember or drastic changes in temperament or personality could indicate a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- KEEP A FILE. Save your medical bills and any documents, materials, or care instructions you receive from your physician, the hospital, or any health care provider. Save the prescription containers from any medication. Save your cast, if you had a broken bone.
- KEEP A JOURNAL While all the events, and your treatment, are still relatively fresh in your mind, you should prepare a written statement outlining how the accident happened, the facts surrounding the incident, the injuries and treatment that you received. This will be extremely valuable when it is time to settle or try your case.
- DO NOT DISCUSS your auto accident or your injuries with acquaintances and be careful what you say, even to family and friends. Anything you say could be used against you, if that person is called as a witness at Trial or in a deposition. DO NOT, NOT, NOT put any information about your accident or injuries on Facebook or any Social Media. The best policy is to get off Facebook until after your case is concluded.
- CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
THERE IS NEVER A FEE TO DISCUSS YOUR CASE AT OUR OFFICE. NO FEES ARE CHARGED UNLESS WE COLLECT FOR YOU.
I have handled Auto Accidents, Slip and Falls, and all other injury cases for over 30 years. There is no fee to discuss your case. Our fees are contingent upon recovery and we are only paid a percentage when we recover money for you. Call me today at (314) 725-1880 for a free consultation with no obligation. Lloyd Nolan.
DISCLAIMER: THE PRECEDING INFORMATION WAS OF A GENERAL NATURE AND NOT MEANT TO CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE OR TO BE USED IN, OR APPLIED TO, ANY INDIVIDUAL SITUATION. THIS GENERAL INFORMATION IS APPLICABLE TO THE STATE OF MISSOURI AND MAY NOT BE VALID UNDER THE LAWS OF OTHER STATES. IF THE READER HAS SPECIFIC LEGAL QUESTIONS, HE OR SHE SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY.