In the United States, at least 1,047.8 out of every 10,000 people seek medical attention for an injury at a hospital emergency department. According to these statistics, there is a high volume of cases in the hospital related to injuries. Most of those injured are unaware of their legal options, particularly in cases involving automobile collisions.
When you are involved in a car accident, there is a good chance that you will experience shock at some point. Because of this, it is possible that you will not be able to figure out the next step to take. Because of this, it is essential to have the contact information of a personal injury attorney who can be contacted in the event of an accident.
If you live in South Carolina, having a personal injury lawyer in Columbia, SC is even more vital for you to have. You can use this information to determine what steps to take immediately after sustaining an injury.
Suppose you were not the party responsible for the accident. In that case, you have the legal right to seek compensation from the party at fault. Your personal injury attorney will ensure that you follow all of the necessary procedures to be compensated for your injuries.
This article discusses the steps you should take as soon as possible if you sustain an injury and other types of damage and loss.
Sustaining An Injury
Transportation-related occurrences in South Carolina produced 49 fatal workplace injuries or 46% of all fatal workplace injuries in the state. According to a report released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, private-sector employers in South Carolina reported 30,300 nonfatal workplace illnesses and injuries in 2021,
Translating into an incidence rate of 2.2 instances per 100 full-time equivalent workers. In table A. South Carolina was one of 12 states and the District of Columbia with a total recordable case incidence rate (TRC) that was much lower than the national rate of 2.7,
A personal injury lawyer Columbia SC able to file a lawsuit against the negligent party to recover damages. In a personal injury lawsuit, the Legal team in Columbia can represent you and we will do all in our power to get you the money you deserve.
We will meet with you for a free first consultation to go over the specifics of your case and to examine legal options. In addition, we don’t ask for a deposit and work on contingency. As a result, we may begin working on your case right immediately.
Steps To Take After An Injury
It is important to take the proper steps after being injured. This is because it has a significant impact on your insurance claim. To avoid jeopardizing the process of your insurance claim, the following steps should be followed:
Make Sure You Are Safe
Getting involved in an accident can cause you to be in shock. After suffering an injury, the first step is to make sure you are fine. If you are not severely injured, you could find a safe place around the scene to sit and get comfortable. This would enable you to process the incident and make you think clearly about the next step.
If you are severely injured, get help from people around before an ambulance comes to the accident scene. This ensures you are given first aid immediately while waiting for medical care from the hospital.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
You must make sure your health is preserved by calling for medical care. This must be done promptly by calling 911 to get an ambulance to take you to the hospital. Even if you do not sustain any injury, it is still important to seek medical care. This is because there could be an internal injury sustained.
Getting prompt medical care would also help with your insurance claim. This is because delaying medical care could jeopardize your insurance claim. The insurance company can claim that another incident caused your injury if there is a delay.
Involve The Police
After you have called 911, you must also call the police to report the accident. This is because an investigation by the police is needed for you to get a police report. The police report is essential in your insurance claim process. It would prove the accident was by the negligence of another party. The police report should state the following:
- The nature of the accident
- The witness and victim statement
- The police’s conclusion about their investigation
- Traffic tickets, if any
Call Your Personal Injury Lawyer
Being involved in an accident can have you in shock and leave you helpless. It is important to call your personal injury lawyer immediately. With this, you can be sure your lawyer would help with the personal injury claims. Involving a lawyer as soon as possible would also help you to negotiate your settlement.
If your lawyer cannot make it to the accident scene, you can be directed to the next step to take. This is important because you might take an action that would be a costly mistake, affecting your claim.
Get The Necessary Contact Details
You must get the contact details of the party at fault and other witnesses. You will need their details to file your insurance claim. The details of the witnesses are important because they will corroborate your claim. This will further prove the party at fault was negligent and caused the accident.
Get Enough Evidence
You may need to take pictures of the accident scene and the damage caused. This will help prove your case and strengthen your claim.
Inform Your Insurance Company
Even though you are not filing your claim with your insurance company, they must know about the accident. It is a mandatory requirement if you have an insurance policy. This is also necessary, provided the other party at fault has no insurance. You can use your insurance coverage for the damages caused.
Follow Your Lawyer’s Instructions
You must be careful to follow the instructions of your lawyer succinctly. This involves not giving unnecessary details that may jeopardize your claim to the insurance company. Any implicating statement made will be used against you, which may affect your claim’s value. Tell them your lawyer will speak to them on your behalf.
Document The Incident And Details Of The Bills
It is possible to miss out on details of the incident later on when you get to talk with the insurance company. To avoid this, journal your experience and what led to the accident. This is because you need essential details to make sure you get your compensation.
You can also keep track of expenses by documenting them. This includes medical bills, hospital transport, and all other costs. Having proper documentation will help with reimbursement and form part of the compensation.
Conclusion
Making a mistake in the aftermath of your injury could affect how your insurance claim is handled. When trying to obtain a settlement for a personal injury, it is essential to exercise extreme caution. One wrong move can make the entire process of settling a dispute more complicated.
Take the steps outlined above, and consult with a lawyer specializing in personal injury law. Taking this step will ensure that you promptly receive the compensation to which you are entitled. You would also experience less frustration as a result of how you negotiate.