What should I do if I have been in a Slip and Fall Accident?
Make Sure You Are Safe.
Be aware of your surroundings. If at all possible, make sure that you are in a safe location where you are not susceptible to further injury.
Call the Police.
If you, a friend, or loved one, has been injured, request medical attention immediately. Request that you be taken to the nearest emergency room for evaluation. If you begin to feel the symptoms of an injury some time after the accident, or your symptoms worsen or do not go away, seek medical attention immediately.
Make and File a Police Report.
If the police do not come to the accident scene, then you must go to the station. It is important that you do not delay. The failure to file a police report may impact both your case and your available insurance coverage.
Take photos of the accident site if possible, and record the names, addresses, and phone numbers, of witnesses to the accident.
Remember, some conditions such as water, snow, and ice are transient and will not be there for very long. Frequently, by the time a person hires an attorney, the condition that caused the accident is gone. If at all possible, you should make every effort to record the condition of the accident scene so that you will have the best chance of proving your claims.
Record Property Owner Information.
If at all possible, make a record of the address of the property and the owner’s information.
File a Notice of Claim.
If your accident happened on publicly owned property such as a sidewalk, you must act quickly to protect your rights by filing a notice of claim.
Do Not Give a Recorded Statement.
Do not speak to any representative of the property owner before speaking to your own attorney. Insurance adjusters are highly trained and skilled individuals who know all the tricks to keep from paying you fair and just compensation for your injuries. Their job is to get to you first, before you’ve had the opportunity to discuss your rights with an attorney. Their goal is to save the insurance company money by convincing you to take a very small, quick settlement. Do not let this happen to you!
Do Contact Your Lawyer.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, it is important that you get prompt legal advice. Time is of the essence. We strongly encourage you to contact us immediately to discuss your options. In the event that your injury prevents you from coming to us, we at Miller & Miller, will come to you at your home or hospital, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to discuss your case and advise you of your rights. The insurance companies will work tirelessly to minimize the amount of money that you are entitled to as compensation for your injuries. It is important that you have a law firm that will work just as hard to ensure that your rights and interests are represented.
