Personal Injury Accident Guide: What to do after an injury?
Personal injury accidents are one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Each year, personal injury accidents account for more than 85,000 deaths and 2.5 million hospitalizations. Although personal injury accidents can happen to anyone at any time, certain risk factors can increase your chances of being involved in an accident. Some risk factors include being a young driver, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding, and not wearing a seatbelt.
Below is a guide on what to do after a personal injury accident:
Common Causes of Personal Injury Accidents
Personal injury accidents happen every day. They can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. Whether you're walking down the street, driving in your car, or just sitting at home, you're at risk for a personal injury. And when they do happen, they can be life-changing. These are the common causes of personal injuries:
Photo by Vlad Chețan
Dog Bites And Animal Attacks
According to the Centers for Disease Control, over 4.5 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs yearly. Of those bites, approximately 20 percent require medical attention. Dog bites can range from minor puncture wounds to severe injuries requiring surgery or even death. In addition to physical injuries, dog bites can also cause emotional trauma. Victims of dog bites may suffer from anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Several factors can contribute to dog bites and animal attacks. Dogs that are not properly trained or socialized are more likely to bite than those that are. In addition, certain breeds of dogs are more prone to aggression than others. Male dogs are also more likely to bite than females, and unneutered dogs are more likely to bite than neutered ones. Age is another factor to consider; puppies and senior dogs are more likely to bite out of fear or frustration than adult dogs. Finally, environmental factors such as heat, hunger, and overcrowding can also lead to increased aggression in dogs.
Photo by Tim Grundtner
Slip And Fall Accidents
Slips and falls are one of the most common causes of personal injury. They can occur anywhere, at any time, and to people of all ages. Many factors can contribute to a slip and fall accident, such as wet floors, loose carpeting, cluttered walkways, and uneven surfaces. Slips and falls can also be caused by environmental factors such as icy sidewalks or rainfall. No matter the cause, slips and falls can lead to severe injuries, including broken bones, concussions, and back injuries.
Unsafe Property
Unsafe property is a leading cause of personal injury in the United States. Thousands of people are hurt yearly because of dangerous conditions on someone else's property. In many cases, the property owner is legally responsible for injuries occurring on their property. There is a multitude of variables that can contribute to or influence unsafe property. These include the type of property, the location of the property, and the condition of the property. Dangerous property can be characterized by various factors, including broken stairs, loose handrails, slippery floors, and exposed electrical wiring.
Unsafe Products
Unsafe products are the leading cause of personal injury in the United States. Thousands of people are injured or killed yearly by defective or dangerous products. There is a multitude of variables that can contribute to or influence unsafe products. Poor design, manufacturing defects, and inadequate warnings or instructions are just some of the factors that can lead to injuries or death. Dangerous products can be anything from toys and clothes to cars and airplanes. Damages caused by unsafe products can range from minor cuts and bruises to paralysis or death.
Common Types of Personal Injury Accident
Personal injury accidents can take many different forms. These are a few of the most typical:
Workplace Accident
Workplace accidents can happen in any industry and at any time. They often occur when workers are performing tasks that are outside of their job duties. For example, a construction worker asked to clean up a spill may slip and fall, or a factory worker trying to reach for a falling object may be struck by it.
Some workplace accidents are caused by faulty equipment or hazardous materials. For instance, a machine that malfunctions may cause an injury, or a chemical spill may cause burns or respiratory problems. Regardless of the cause, workplace accidents can have severe consequences for workers and employers. Workers may be left with injuries requiring medical treatment and time off from work, while employers may be faced with workers’ compensation claims and damaged equipment.
Motor Vehicle Accident
photo by Will Creswick
Every day, we hear reports of car accidents on the news. But how do they happen? More often than not, car accidents are caused by human error. This could include speeding, distracted driving, or simply not paying attention to the road. In some cases, drivers may be influenced by drugs or alcohol. However, there are also many instances where mechanical failures can cause accidents. This could include blown tires, faulty brakes, or steering problems. No matter the cause, car accidents can have a devastating effect on those involved. That's why driving safely and being aware of your surroundings are essential.
Medical Malpractice
There are several ways in which medical misconduct may occur. Sometimes it results from a simple mistake, such as a doctor prescribing the wrong medication. Other times, it may result from negligence, such as a doctor failing to order necessary tests or follow up on abnormal test results. In some cases, medical malpractice can result from intentional wrongdoing, such as a doctor falsifying medical records. Whatever the cause, medical malpractice can have devastating consequences for patients and their families.
Premises Liability
Premises liability is the legal term that refers to an owner’s responsibility for injuries occurring on their property. It must be proven that they were aware of the dangerous condition and did not take steps to fix it or warn visitors to hold a property owner liable. For example, if there is a loose step on a staircase, the owner would be responsible if someone was injured. Premises liability can also come into play if someone is injured due to inadequate security, such as in a parking lot with insufficient lighting. In these cases, it must be shown that the owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and did not take steps to remedy it.
Product Liability
Product liability is the legal responsibility of a manufacturer or seller for any injuries caused by their products. It can happen when a product is defective, when it is not properly labeled or when it does not have adequate warnings. Product liability can also occur when a company knows about a problem with its product but does not take steps to correct it. Injured consumers can seek compensation for their damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Wrongful Death
Wrongful death usually occurs when someone is killed due to the negligence or recklessness of another person or entity. For a death to be considered wrongful, it must be caused by an accident that could have been prevented. For example, if a drunk driver causes a car accident that kills someone, that would be considered wrongful death. Or if a defective product kills someone, that could be considered wrongful death.
In most cases, the deceased's family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible party to receive monetary compensation for their loss. While no amount can ever make up for the loss of a loved one, it can help ease the financial burden that often comes with such a tragedy.
DOs After a Personal Injury Accident
After you've been injured in an accident, it can be challenging to know what to do next. There are a lot of decisions to be made, and it can be tough to know who to trust. Here are some steps you can take to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve:
Seek medical treatment
After sustaining a personal injury, seeking medical treatment as soon as possible is significant. Even if your injuries seem minor, it is always better to err on the side of caution and get checked out by a doctor. Internal bleeding, concussion, and other serious injuries can all be invisible to the untrained eye.
Furthermore, injuries that initially seem minor can sometimes worsen over time and cause long-term pain and suffering. By getting prompt medical treatment, you can ensure that your injuries are properly diagnosed and treated before they have a chance to worsen. In addition, seeking medical treatment after an accident will also create a record of your injuries, which can be helpful if you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Call the police
If you are involved in a personal injury accident, it is always best to call the police. The police will document the accident and will create a report, which can be used as evidence if you need to file a claim. The police will also interview witnesses and get statements from them. In addition, the police will likely take pictures of the accident scene, which can also help prove your case. If you have any injuries, the police will also EMS to the scene to transport you to the hospital. Therefore, calling the police after a personal injury accident is always the best course of action.
Document the scene
Scene documentation is a vital part of the personal injury process. By taking photos and/or videos of the accident scene, victims can preserve significant evidence that is useful to support their claims. This evidence can show how the accident happened and who was at fault. It can also refute any false statements made by the other party or their insurance company. In addition, scene documentation can help to prove the victim's damages, such as the extent of their injuries. For all these reasons, personal injury victims need to document the accident scene as soon after the accident as possible.
Get contact information
Getting the contact information of any witnesses who may have seen what happened is always a good idea. Even if you are unsure if they will be able to help, it is better to have the information in case you need it later. Witnesses can provide valuable testimony about what they saw, which can help prove your case. In addition, their contact information helps track them down if they move or their memory of the accident fades over time. For these reasons, getting the contact information of any witnesses after a personal injury accident is significant.
Hire an experienced personal injury accident lawyer
If you have been in an accident that has left you injured, you may wonder if you need to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer. The answer is yes, you definitely should. Here are three reasons why:
1. They will know how to deal with the insurance company. Insurance companies are notoriously difficult to deal with, especially if they try to minimize the amount they have to pay. An experienced personal injury lawyer will know how to negotiate with the insurance company to get you the highest possible settlement.
2. They will make sure all of your medical bills are paid. If you have been injured in an accident, you will likely have a lot of medical bills. An experienced personal injury lawyer will ensure all your medical bills are paid through an insurance settlement or a personal injury lawsuit.
3. They will help you get your life back on track. An accident can leave you feeling lost and uncertain about your future. An experienced personal injury lawyer will help you get your life back on track by bringing you the financial compensation you need to move forward.
If you have been in an accident, don't try to handle it personally. Hire an experienced personal injury lawyer to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Reliable Personal Injury Accident Lawyer Today
photo by Brian Tromp
After being in a personal injury accident, it is significant to hire an experienced personal injury accident lawyer for many reasons. There are many details involved in pursuing a personal injuries claim, such as knowing how to value your case, negotiating with insurance companies, handling medical bills and liens, understanding applicable laws and deadlines, as well as handling all communication with the insurance company so you can focus on your health and recovery.
Insurance companies take advantage of most people who try to handle their cases because they do not know how to navigate the system. OUCH USA will not let this happen to you - we will help you wisely choose to hire an experienced personal injury accident lawyer after your accident. Please feel free to contact us by email at hello@ouchusa.com or by phone at +1-844-872-6824. We are delighted to arrange a no-obligation appointment to go over your case.
