Personal Injury Do’s and Don’ts

Boston Personal Injury – What To Do and Not Do After an Injury

I’m Boston personal injury lawyer Steven J. Topazio, and I have some advice for you if you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident, from a dog bite, in a boating accident, or because of a dangerous property condition.

DO contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. My number is 1-617-422-5803, and I offer a free consultation. I help injured people and families grieving the loss of a loved one in a wrongful death seek financial recovery in court in Norfolk County, Plymouth County, Essex County, Middlesex County, and Suffolk County, Massachusetts.

The decisions you make shortly after your injury will either build your case for full financial recovery, or make it difficult for you to pursue your claim later. I am happy to talk with you about the important first steps you should take, including:

DO seek immediate medical attention. Too many people tough it out and don’t seek medical treatment until days-even weeks after their accident. By the time they realize how serious their injury is, it can be too late. Take your injury seriously. See a doctor and document the details of your treatment and how you are feeling day to day. Your failure to seek immediate medical attention will be used against you by the insurance companies and their lawyers, who will argue that if you were seriously hurt, you would have sought immediate medical attention after the accident.

DO exchange insurance information with others involved in the accident. Also, obtain the names and phone numbers of all potential witnesses. The police don’t always include all witness information in the police reports.
DO report your accident immediately to your insurance company and to the police. Failure to report an accident or injury in a timely manner can cause your injury claim to be denied.

DO take photos of your injuries, the damage to the vehicles, and even the scene of the accident. Preserving the evidence is your responsibility, and a good photograph can make the difference in your case. Do you have a cell phone or a Blackberry with photo capabilities? Take a picture of the accident scene. Put a loved one’s damaged motorcycle or other property in storage to keep it in the same condition it was in right after the accident. Get phone numbers of witnesses. It may be months before your case gets to court, and every bit of evidence you collected can be helpful in proving your case.

DO keep copies of everything. The burden is on you in a personal injury case to prove all of the elements of your case.

Don’t discuss the accident with the opposing side, their attorney, or ANY insurance adjuster or agent, even your own, until you know your rights. Anything you say regarding your accident can be used against you in a court of law. Don’t let your words be taken out of context. The insurance companies and their lawyers will use whatever is available to them to reduce the amount of money they have to pay you.

Don’t give any recorded statements or sign any papers, except under the advice of your attorney.
Don’t settle your case until you know the full extent of your injuries. You are entitled to future as well as past medical expenses, including compensation for conscious pain and suffering. An experienced personal injury lawyer will help you properly evaluate your case.

As your personal injury lawyer, I can tell you the important steps to take at every stage of injury and recovery to maximize your chance for financial compensation that you are entitled to. I am here to protect your interests with sound legal advice and aggressive courtroom representation. I have been representing the interests of injured people for more than 24 years.