Whether you were bit by someone else’s dog or struck by a drunk driver, the aftermath of the accident was probably chaotic. Following unanticipated injuries, it can be hard to know which way is up, let alone how you should proceed if you want to hold the liable party accountable. 

Since building a strong personal injury claim starts from day one, though, there are certain steps you should take right away. Read on to learn what they are:

1. Head to the Hospital 

No matter how much you have to do after getting hurt, your priority should be your health. Head to a hospital as soon as possible—ideally within 24 hours—to undergo a comprehensive exam. 

Even if you were able to walk away from the scene, there’s a chance you need prompt treatment. Not all impact injuries are apparent right away, as some can have latent symptoms. What’s more, the adrenaline pumping through your body could be masking any pain. 

2. Record What Happened 

Once your condition is stable, write down everything that happened. Include all the minute details you can remember, from the weather conditions at the time to how first responders handled the scene. 

Until your legal team conducts a thorough investigation, there’s no way to know which details will come into play during the subsequent proceedings. As such, nothing is too small to make a note of in your retelling of events.  

3. Start a Journal 

When the time comes to demonstrate non-economic damages, which include pain and suffering, mental anguish, and diminished quality of life, you’ll be glad you started a journal following the accident. Detailed entries that delve into the hurdles you’ve had to overcome will be incredibly valuable at this stage of the proceedings. 

4. Preserve Evidence from the Scene 

If you managed to gather any documentation or footage from the scene, keep it in a safe place until you can hand it over to your legal team. Potential evidence worth preserving includes incident reports, photographs, surveillance recordings, and statements from eyewitnesses. 

5. Call an Attorney 

The sooner you call a personal injury attorney, the sooner you can file a claim. When it comes to securing a payout for personal injury-related damages, time is of the essence because there are strict filing deadlines. What’s more, enlisting help right away will give your legal team the chance to acquire time-sensitive evidence before it’s destroyed or altered beyond recognition. This, in turn, will ensure you’re able to put together a strong claim and, consequently, pursue the maximum payout possible. 

Speak with a Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorney 

If you were hurt in an accident through no fault of your own, you can count on the compassionate team at Maier Gutierrez & Associates. We’ll help you navigate every stage of the proceedings, so you can seek every dollar you deserve. Call 702-629-7900 or fill out the Contact Form on our website to schedule a free initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas.