Preserve evidence at the scene:
Following an accident, if you are able to do so safely, take photographs or videos of the scene. Take photographs of any damage to property, vehicles and injuries sustained. If you have slipped on a material or substance on the floor, take photographs of this. Similarly, if you have tripped over a defect or a hazard on a floor or pavement, take photographs of this, with measurements showing the height of the defect. Your solicitor will ask you to send any photographs that you have taken to them, and will likely ask for the metadata showing the date and time that the photographs were taken.
Obtain witness details:
Document the accident properly by exchanging information with other parties involved. i.e. names, addresses, registration numbers, make and model of car and insurance details (if in a car accident) and take full contact details of anyone who witnessed the accident. Your solicitor may want to contact those witnesses, to provide a statement to support your version of events. Whether you have been in a car accident, have fallen or have had an accident at work, were there any bystanders to witness what happened to you? Did any of your colleagues witness the accident? You should check if they would be willing to give witness statements to help you with your case.
Seek medical attention:
Seek prompt medical attention and keep a record of your injuries and treatment. It is vitally important if you have suffered an injury due to an accident that you seek help from a medical professional. Some injuries maybe can appear not to be serious at first, but can have longstanding effects. Speak with your GP and request a sick note from work if you need to be absent due to your injuries. If your injuries have not resolved after a reasonable period of time, rather than just expecting them to go away on their own, speak to your GP again as you may need a referral for further treatment or investigations. Contemporaneous medical records are often vital evidence in proving that a person was injured as a result of an accident. It is also very important that you explain to any professional exactly what happened to cause your injuries and where they occurred. This will all help to strengthen the evidential position.
Receiving injuries as a result of an accident can be traumatic and overwhelming. At Stephensons Solicitors LLP we are here to guide and support you in making any claim. Contact us today on 0161 696 6235 to speak with our specialist solicitors.
Blog author: Sharon Edwards
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