Getting injured can seriously interrupt someone’s life, and it can be challenging to know what to do next after getting hurt. This is especially true when the injury is due to someone else’s negligence, such as a car accident or medical malpractice. Below are two immediate things California injury victims can do to potentially set themselves up for legal success down the line when they are facing such a scenario.
Step 1: Get treatment
The most important reason to get medical attention after an injury is, of course, for one’s own health and safety. However, legally, there is another reason: getting medical attention quickly will ensure there is an early, trustworthy report of the injuries that can be used as evidence in future legal claims. Observations from the doctor can also help to establish fault.
Step 2: Learn more about personal injury rights
Every state has unique personal injury laws. It is important for people to understand these laws when they are faced with a potential case of their own. Damages can depend on a number of factors, including the number of expenses incurred, emotional distress, losses from the injury and whether the accident resulted from reckless conduct. Time limits and process specifics can also vary state to state, so having an understanding of these factors can prove critical.
One effective way to quickly learn about personal injury and rights in California is to speak with an experienced lawyer. It is a good idea to do this early on. A lawyer may have insights on the type of evidence those harmed in accidents through no fault of their own should collect and how they should behave following the accident in order to set themselves up for legal success.