Personal injury accidents can often lead to extra expenses or loss of income, such as medical treatment or time off work, so it’s vital to be properly compensated. You’ll need a personal injury lawyer to make a claim, but it’s important to know what to do first. Below is a guide to the steps you should take if you’re injured in Houston, TX.
Consult a Medical Professional
It’s always advisable to consult a medical professional, even if your injuries are relatively minor. Seeking medical attention is one of the most vital aspects when you have suffered a personal injury. This allows more comprehensive checks to be made for any injuries that you may not have noticed and also documents the injuries officially.
When consulting a medical professional it’s key not to miss out or downplay any symptoms as the full extent of your injuries may not be apparent right away. However, you shouldn’t exaggerate or amplify any injuries either. The key is to be completely honest and transparent in your medical consultation as this will be reflected in any subsequent reports.
Report the Accident
The steps you need to take will depend on the exact circumstances of the incident, and where it happened. Wherever appropriate, it should be reported to the relevant authorities right away. For an accident involving vehicles this may mean calling the police, while a workplace incident should be documented by a person of responsibility.
Gather Evidence
Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may not be able to gather any evidence right away. However, if it is possible it’s very helpful to collect evidence immediately after the incident occurs. This ensures you capture the most accurate picture of the event, before any potential issues can be covered up or rectified.
Your injury lawyer will appreciate whatever information you can gather, particularly photographs of the scene from different angles, names of witnesses, and details of the other party’s insurance, if applicable.
Don’t Discuss the Incident
Sustaining personal injuries is a big deal and it’s natural to talk about it with friends and work colleagues. However, when a claim is being processed multiple witness statements may be sought, including from individuals you have spoken to since the incident. It’s very easy to accidentally give the wrong impression, or for words to be misunderstood. It’s therefore preferable to be careful about what you say, and to only provide very basic, factual information.
Appoint a Personal Injury Lawyer
The law in Texas generally allows two years for a personal injury case to be filed but the more quickly you appoint a lawyer, the more effective they are likely to be. Early involvement means that your lawyer can collect essential evidence while it’s still fresh and even more importantly, while it’s still available. There’s no such thing as contacting a personal injury attorney too quickly.
If you’re looking for skilled lawyers you can trust with your personal injury claim, we can help. Give our team at Phipps Garza Law Firm in Midland, Houston, or Eagle Pass, TX a call today to book a no-obligation appointment.
