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Personal Injury Dos & Don'ts
The Dos
Do seek medical attention before doing anything else.
Do summon the police, in appropriate cases.
Do cooperate with all law enforcement and emergency personnel
who respond to the scene.
Do get the license plate numbers of all other vehicles involved
in car accidents and the drivers' names, addresses, telephone
numbers, and insurance information.
Do get the name and address of the animal's owner and any
license information if you were injured by an animal bite
or attack.
Do write down the names, addresses, and phone numbers of
all potential witnesses to an accident.
Do contact your health, homeowner's, and/or automobile insurance
companies, as appropriate.
Do take photographs of all of the following, as applicable,
as soon as possible after the accident:
The scene of the accident, from all angles.
The surrounding area.
The product or animal that caused your injuries.
Your injuries.
Any property damage.
Do contact your attorney.
The Don'ts
Don't move your vehicle after an automobile accident unless
necessary for safety or required by law.
Don't subject yourself to further injury by standing or waiting
in an area of traffic or other safety hazards.
Don't leave the scene of an accident until the police tell
you it is okay to do so.
Don't throw away any potential evidence in the case, such
as defective products, or torn or blood-stained clothing.
Don't remain in a burning building while calling for help.
Leave the area of danger first, and then immediately call
from a safe place.
Don't engage in discussions as to fault with anyone, and
make sure you don't apologize for anything-it can be considered
evidence that you were legally at fault.
Don't agree to settlement terms without contacting your attorney.
Disclaimer
This publication and the information included in it are not
intended to serve as a substitute for consultation with an
attorney. Specific legal issues, concerns and conditions always
require the advice of appropriate legal professionals.
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