Personal Injury - Glossary: Personal-Injury Damages

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.