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Personal
Injury
 If
you are injured, particularly if you feel you may have broken bone(s),
do not attempt to move. If you have sustained anything more than
a superficial injury, you should not attempt to move unless it is
absolutely necessary to avoid further injury. Back injuries are
particularly problematic and a false move might lead to paralysis.
Do not make
any admission of fault for the accident that caused your injury.
An admission of fault can be used against you in court.
- Even though
you may think you are all right, it's
a good idea to visit the emergency room or your health care professional
as soon as possible after the accident. It is important
that you receive medical treatment as soon as possible. If you
are not injured, the worst thing that can happen is to find out
you are "OK." Better "safe than sorry" as
the saying goes.
- If you receive
treatment for your injuries, follow the recommendations and advise
of your doctor and health care professional(s). Make sure that
you receive all the treatment and therapy prescribed so that you
can reach your maximum recovery potential. Nothing
can hurt your case like failing to follow treatment directives,
missing appointments, or interrupting or terminating your treatment
against the advice of your physician. If you do not
proceed with your treatment as prescribed, a jury may conclude
that your injuries were minimal or nonexistent.
- Save your
medical bills and any documents, materials, or care instructions
you receive from your physician, the hospital, or any health care
provider. Save the prescription containers from any medication.
Save your cast, if you had a broken bone.
- While all
the events, and your treatment, are still relatively fresh in
your mind, you should prepare a written statement outlining how
the accident happened, the facts surrounding the incident, the
injuries and treatment that you received. This will be extremely
valuable when it is time to settle or try your case.
NEXT>>when
should I contact a lawyer?
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DISCLAIMER:
THE PRECEDING INFORMATION WAS OF A GENERAL NATURE AND NOT MEANT
TO CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE OR TO BE USED IN, OR APPLIED TO, ANY
INDIVIDUAL SITUATION. THIS GENERAL INFORMATION IS APPLICABLE TO
THE STATE OF MISSOURI AND MAY NOT BE VALID UNDER THE LAWS OF OTHER
STATES. IF THE READER HAS SPECIFIC LEGAL QUESTIONS, HE OR SHE SHOULD
CONTACT AN ATTORNEY.
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