First and foremost call 911. Calling 911 after the accident not only is the fastest way to get you treatment for the injuries you have just sustained, it also records the date, time and place of the injury which is very important when bringing a lawsuit. There will be certain occasions (specifically motor vehicle accidents) where the person or persons who caused your injury urge you NOT to call 911. Even if the damage is minor, or the at-fault driver has personal reasons for avoiding an official accident report, you must make the call.

Second, take pictures or a video of the scene of the accident. Most mobile phones are equipped to take pictures or videos. It is imperative that you take photographs or videos of the scene of the incident. Evidence such as photographs or videos will greatly help your lawsuit. For example, if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, take pictures of the damage to your vehicle and the at-fault driver’s vehicle. If you are involved in a trip and fall on a sidewalk due to a defective portion of the sidewalk, take a picture of the defect. If you are involved in a slip and fall on a sidewalk due to ice or snow take pictures of the ice or snow that caused your fall. Photographic evidence is very persuasive in jury trials.

Third, look for witnesses and get their information. Witness testimony is very helpful in personally injury cases. An eye witness to the incident willing to testify on your behalf at trial is very powerful evidence. If the defendant does not have a witness to contradict your witnesses’ testimony they will be at a significant disadvantage.

Fourth, make detailed notes about the incident as soon as possible. Litigating a case is a very lengthy process. There may be situations where you will not give sworn testimony regarding the incident until years after the date of the incident. That is why it is imperative to take detailed notes regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident and how the incident occurred.

Fifth, medical treatment makes your case. If you delay on getting the medical treatment you need immediately after your incident a jury may assume that your injury is not very serious. If you are hurt, get all the necessary medical treatment immediately.

Lastly, consult an attorney as soon as possible.