Personal Injury - Do's and Don't's
The Dos
- Do seek medical attention before doing anything else.
- Do summon the police, in appropriate cases.
- Do cooperate with all law enforcement and emergency personnel who respond to the scene.
- Do get the license plate numbers of all other vehicles involved in car accidents and the drivers' names,
addresses, telephone numbers, and insurance information.
- Do get the name and address of the animal's owner and any license information if you were injured by
an animal bite or attack.
- Do write down the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all potential witnesses to an accident.
- Do contact your health, homeowner's, and/or automobile insurance companies, as appropriate.
- Do take photographs of all of the following, as applicable, as soon as possible after the accident:
- The scene of the accident, from all angles.
- The surrounding area.
- The product or animal that caused your injuries.
- Your injuries.
- Any property damage.
- Do contact your attorney.
The Don't's
- Don't move your vehicle after an automobile accident unless necessary for safety or required by law.
- Don't subject yourself to further injury by standing or waiting in an area of traffic or other safety hazards.
- Don't leave the scene of an accident until the police tell you it is okay to do so.
- Don't throw away any potential evidence in the case, such as defective products, or torn or bloodstained
clothing.
- Don't remain in a burning building while calling for help. Leave the area of danger first, and then
immediately call from a safe place.
- Don't engage in discussions as to fault with anyone, and make sure you don't apologize for anything-it
can be considered evidence that you were legally at fault.
- Don't agree to settlement terms without contacting your attorney.
Disclaimer
This publication and the information included in it are not intended to serve as a substitute for
consultation with an attorney. Specific legal issues, concerns and conditions always require the advice of
appropriate legal professionals.
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