When you go to a store for groceries or other items, you never expect to make a detour to a nearby ER. However, should you find yourself getting injured during your shopping trip, that may be exactly what occurs. Depending on the type of accident you suffered and the extent of your injuries, you may be considering filing a personal injury lawsuit to get compensation for your injuries. If you are injured as a shopper, here is what you should do immediately following your accident.
Get Medical Treatment
Even if you believe you have only minor injuries, always get medical treatment immediately after your accident. Since injuries to your back and head may not exhibit symptoms until hours later, failing to get prompt medical treatment puts your health at risk and makes it easier for insurance companies to deny your claim.
Say Very Little About the Accident
While you are at the store speaking to management personnel, medical personnel, or possibly police or witnesses, try to say very little about the accident itself until you have spoken to and received guidance from a personal injury lawyer. Should you accidentally say something such as “I’m okay” or “I’m sorry” during the course of conversation, others may take this to mean you have admitted fault for the accident.
Get Witness Accounts
Since it is likely there were others nearby who witnessed your accident, try to get statements from as many people as possible. In doing so, you can help build a much stronger case on your behalf, and also have information your attorney can use later on in court. While getting these statements, also be sure to get the names and contact information of anyone you speak to, since your attorney will probably want to conduct follow-up interviews later on.
Report the Accident
If you happen to have an accident in a store, such as slipping and falling while walking down a store aisle, never just get up and walk away without letting anyone know what happened. Instead, make sure you immediately report your accident to store personnel. By doing so, this will mean management will need to file an accident report. This can be critical to helping you win a personal injury lawsuit, especially if it is shown a spill was not cleaned up prior to your accident.
By knowing the steps to take after your accident, you can increase the odds of emerging with a settlement that will help you pay medical bills, replace your lost wages, and compensate you for your pain and suffering.
Author information: Anica Oaks is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here.
