What Should I Do If I Suffered A Personal Injury?

Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
Jul 14
2 min read

Updated: Sep 5

Accidents happen—on the road, at work, in stores, or even on someone else’s property. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. But what you do in the hours and days after an injury can make or break your personal injury claim.

Here’s what you should do if you believe you have a personal injury case—and why every step matters.

1. Get Medical Attention Immediately

Even if you feel “okay” after the accident, some injuries (like whiplash, internal bleeding, or concussions) aren’t immediately obvious. Seeking prompt medical care does two things:

Protects your health
Creates a medical record that links your injuries to the incident

Insurance companies and opposing attorneys often scrutinize delays in treatment. If you wait too long, they might argue your injuries weren’t serious—or weren’t caused by the accident at all.

2. Document the Scene

If you’re physically able, gather as much evidence as possible before leaving the scene:

Take photos of the area, your injuries, vehicles, or conditions that contributed to the accident
Get contact info for witnesses
Report the incident to relevant authorities (e.g., police, property owner, store manager)

If you’ve already left the scene, write down everything you remember as soon as possible while it’s fresh in your mind.

3. Preserve Records and Receipts

Start collecting and saving anything related to the incident, including:

Medical bills and reports
Prescription costs
Transportation expenses (like rides to appointments)
Proof of lost income
Emails or texts with insurance companies, doctors, or involved parties

All of this helps paint a picture of how the injury has impacted your life—financially and physically.

4. 🗣️ Avoid Admitting Fault or Speculating

After an accident, emotions run high. But it’s important to:

Avoid apologizing or admitting fault (even casually)
Limit what you say to insurance adjusters
Never post details about the incident or your injuries on social media

Even an offhand comment can be used against you during negotiations or in court. When in doubt, speak with a lawyer first.

5. Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

Consulting an attorney early ensures you’re protecting your rights and following the right timeline. Personal injury lawyers can:

Assess the strength of your claim
Deal with the insurance company on your behalf
Calculate what your claim is truly worth
Help you avoid mistakes that reduce your compensation

Most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis—you don’t pay unless they win.

6. Act Before the Deadline Passes

Every state has a statute of limitations—a time limit to file your personal injury lawsuit. In many states, it's two or three years from the date of the injury. If you miss the deadline, your right to compensation may be gone forever.

That’s why it’s smart to start the process early, even if you’re still recovering. You don’t need to go to court right away—but you should know your legal options.