What are the First Steps when you are Injured in Wasilla?

Were you driving along the Mat-Su Valley when you collided with another vehicle? Were you taking in the sites heading toward the Wasilla Farmer’s Market and you fell over some debris on the road?

Let’s face it—even in the best of times, people get hurt. And often times it is due to the failure of someone to act in the manner they should have. In these situations, there are Lawyers In Wasilla Alaska that can help an injured party recover monies for their injuries. But, as they will not be at the accident scene when it happens, they are going to need information to be provided to them.

So how does this happen? In the auto accident case, after the impact (and, of course, you make sure everybody is ok), call the police. A police report may prove to be an important piece of evidence in your lawsuit. Next, exchange information with the other driver, including name and contact information and insurance information. Also, get the contact information of any eyewitnesses. Be sure to take pictures of the scene, too. What does your car look like? What does the other car look like? Where were they positioned?

All of these items will be used at trial to establish (i) that the other driver was at fault and (ii) that you suffered injuries.

Similarly, in the slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall context, it is important to gather as much information as possible. Find out who owns the property adjacent to the place you fell so you know who to sue. Again, get the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses. Get a copy of any accident/incident report completed. Take photos of what caused you to slip or trip. And take photos of any injuries that can be seen.

Once these initial steps are completed, seek medical attention. In addition to your own well-being, if you cannot prove injuries, you typically cannot collect money.

The next step is to find a lawyer, bring all this information to him or her and let the legal process begin. In short, this process will include (i) the preparation, filing and service of a complaint on any defendants, (ii) the receipt of an answer from the defendant(s), (iii) the discovery process, where information is exchanged through written demands and depositions, (iv) motions to the court seeking various types of relief and (v) trial.

At any time during this process, the case is likely to settle. Trials are risky, time-consuming and expensive, which serves as a deterrent to both attorney and client from “rolling the dice.”

As you can see, there are certain steps you, the injured party, must take in order to strengthen your case even before you speak with an attorney. Armed with this evidence, lawyers can work the legal process to your advantage, obtaining for you the maximum amount of money possible.