As with any lawsuit, you want to be sure to gather as much evidence as you possibly can. With that in mind, consider the following steps for preparing for a personal injury case after you've been injured by another party.

Get Medical Help

Up to 52% of personal injury claims in the U.S. are related to motor vehicle accidents. If you are involved in an accident, first and foremost, call 911 and see a doctor or medical professional to treat your injuries before talking with your insurance company or filing a claim.

Gather and Record Information

Photographs, medical paperwork, and doctor's notes are great evidence. You'll want to gather the contact information of any potential witnesses to the accident and get a copy of the Police Accident Report. Writing down a recollection of what happened during the incident will also help you keep your memory fresh should any details be forgotten later. Since such documentation may later be used as evidence, any notes should be complete and accurate.

Seek Out a Personal Injury Attorney You Can Trust

In a personal injury lawsuit, hiring a lawyer you can rely on and trust should be one of your top priorities - talk to an attorney before you speak with the insurance company for the other party. Lawyers are experienced in personal injury settlements, claims, and lawsuits, and are therefore able to answer your questions knowledgeably and to provide you with the justice you deserve. A good personal injury attorney will also serve your best interests first, which may not be the case with insurance companies that are in the business of settling for lower payouts. Your personal injury attorney will know how and when to inform other parties involved, and understand applicable time limitations for personal injury lawsuits.

Inform the Other Party

When filing a personal injury claim, your attorney should inform the other party of your intended lawsuit as soon as it's determined that you have a legal case. By informing the other party of your intent to sue, your attorney is helping ensure that you have the right to proceed with negotiations. If the other party isn't contacted in a reasonable timeframe, the other party may argue you've waited too long to inform them of your sustained injuries.

Submit Your Claim in a Timely Manner

Personal injury claims have a statute of limitations, which means that after a certain time you may not be able to file your lawsuit against the party responsible for your injury. For this reason, you'll want your attorney to file any personal injury claims well before the statute of limitations is set to expire. This will also help to prevent any evidence from being lost or forgotten over time.

Do Not Post on Social Media

Refrain from posting on social media after your accident and throughout the duration of the case. Social media posts can be used as evidence by the other party to discredit you or your claim.

For legal representation and more information on personal injury law, contact Kelly White Donofrio today for a consultation.