Steps to Take Immediately After an Injury (Before Talking to Insurance)

When you’ve been injured, the hours and days that follow are some of the most important for protecting your health and your legal rights. What you do now can make a major difference later—especially when it comes to dealing with insurance companies.

1. Get Medical Attention Right Away

Even if you think you’re “okay,” some injuries don’t show symptoms right away. See a doctor as soon as possible, follow all medical advice, and keep copies of every record, prescription, and receipt. Prompt treatment also helps link your injuries directly to the incident—something insurance companies look closely at.

2. Document the Scene

If it’s safe to do so:

  • Take photos or videos of the scene, vehicles, or hazards.

     

  • Note weather, lighting, and location details.

     

  • Collect names and contact info for any witnesses.

     

These small steps can make a big difference when you’re proving what happened later.

3. Notify the Right People

Report the accident to the property owner, manager, employer, or local authorities—whoever is appropriate for your situation. Stick to the facts, avoid speculation, and don’t admit fault.

4. Be Cautious with Insurance Adjusters

Insurance companies may call quickly after an accident. Remember, their goal is to minimize payouts—not necessarily to help you. Don’t give a recorded statement, sign anything, or accept a settlement before speaking with an attorney.

5. Keep Track of Everything

Save all medical bills, receipts, out-of-pocket expenses, and records of time missed from work. Write down how your injuries impact your daily life—pain, sleep, mobility, or emotional wellbeing. These details help demonstrate the true value of your claim.

6. Call a Personal Injury Attorney Early

The sooner you talk with an experienced lawyer, the better. They can help preserve evidence, deal with insurers, and ensure nothing jeopardizes your potential claim.

If you’ve been injured, don’t go it alone.

Contact Persinger Law Firm for a free consultation. We’ll review your situation, protect your rights, and help you move forward with confidence.

Do I Have a Personal Injury Case? Understanding the Basics

Accidents happen fast—and when they do, it’s easy to feel unsure about what comes next. You may be asking yourself: Do I actually have a case? Understanding the basics of personal injury law can help you decide what steps to take.

What Is a Personal Injury Claim?

A personal injury claim arises when someone is hurt because of another person’s negligence or wrongful act.
Common examples include:

  • Car and truck accidents

  • Slip-and-fall injuries

  • Medical negligence

  • Dog bites

  • Defective or dangerous products

The goal of a personal injury case is to hold the responsible party accountable and recover financial compensation for your losses.

The Four Elements You Must Prove

Every successful claim includes four key parts:

  1. Duty of Care – The other party had a legal responsibility to act safely.

  2. Breach of Duty – They failed to meet that standard of care.

  3. Causation – Their actions (or inaction) directly caused your injuries.

  4. Damages – You suffered measurable harm such as medical bills, pain, or lost wages.

If one of these is missing, your claim may be difficult to pursue.

Shared Fault and Comparative Negligence

Even if you were partially responsible for the accident, you may still recover compensation under comparative fault rules. In many states, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault—for example, being 20% at fault means you could still receive 80% of your total damages.

Understanding how your state handles shared responsibility can make a big difference in your outcome.

Don’t Miss the Filing Deadline

Every state limits how long you have to file a personal injury claim—this is called the statute of limitations. Missing that deadline usually means losing your right to recover, no matter how strong your case may be. An attorney can make sure your claim is filed on time.

Steps to Strengthen Your Case

  • Get medical treatment and follow your doctor’s advice.

  • Keep all records, receipts, and communication.

  • Gather evidence—photos, witness names, police or incident reports.

  • Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies before talking to a lawyer.

Talk to an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

Not every injury leads to a lawsuit—but if someone else’s negligence caused you harm, you deserve to understand your rights. A skilled personal injury attorney can review your situation, explain your options, and help you pursue fair compensation.

Injured and unsure what to do next?
Call Persinger Law Firm for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights and your best next steps.