Learn What To Do If You Slip And Fall On A Business's Sidewalk
When you are walking on a business's sidewalk on a cold winter morning, you should not have to worry about sliding on ice and falling to the ground. When this happens, the business should be held accountable for their neglect in clearing the sidewalk and putting salt or sand down to make the sidewalk less slippery. If you are involved in a slippery accident in the near future, follow the steps provided below to make sure that you are able to be compensated for your injuries when everything is said and done.
Seek Medical Attention Right Away
When you slip and fall, the first thing you need to do is seek medical attention for your injuries. There are times when people can fall and think that nothing is wrong with them because they do not feel massive amounts of pain. However, you can have an injury and not feel a lot of pain until a day or two later. It is best to seek medical attention right away so that any injuries can be documented and treated immediately to decrease the pain that you feel over time.
File a Police Report for the Accident
You need to contact the police and report that the accident took place as soon as you can. You want to be sure that a report is made so that the accident can be properly tracked if needed in the future. The police will get a statement from you, any witnesses that saw the accident take place, and the owner of the establishment.
Contact an Attorney Before Speaking to any Insurance Companies
When you are injured, many insurance companies will want to talk to you right away. They often record the conversations that you have with them and can sometimes manipulate the conversation by asking questions that have answers that can be misconstrued later on down the line. Hiring an attorney before speaking with the insurance companies ensures that the company cannot take advantage of you and that someone will fight for your best interests to get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
If the insurance company chooses not to settle with you, the attorney will be able to fight your case in court. He or she will need proof of your injuries and medical bills, as well as any other expenses you incurred because of the accident. This allows them to make sure that they try to get enough money from the insurance company to make you feel whole again financially. For more information, contact a personal injury lawyer at a law firm such as Dunnigan & Messier P.C.
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