Bonus: Includes a Free Checklist to Protect Your Health, Evidence, and Legal Rights
Accidents happen in an instant, but their consequences can last for months or years. Whether you’ve been injured in a slip and fall, a car crash, or another preventable incident, the days immediately following your accident are critical. The steps you take now can affect your physical recovery, the strength of your evidence, and the value of your potential settlement. This OakTree Law Personal Injury Action Plan will guide you through the most important actions to take during the first 7 days after your injury.
Day 1: Get Medical Care ASAP
Immediately after the incident, even if your injuries seem minor, seek professional medical care. Injuries like concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage may not be obvious right away.
What to do:
- Visit an ER, urgent care, or your primary doctor.
- Follow all medical advice and treatment plans.
- Keep copies of medical reports, prescriptions, and receipts.
Day 1–2: Preserve and Gather Evidence
Evidence can quickly disappear. Witnesses forget details, hazardous conditions get repaired, and surveillance footage is overwritten. The sooner you act, the stronger your case.
What to do:
- Take photos or videos of your injuries, the accident scene, and any contributing hazards.
- Collect witness names and contact information.
- Request copies of incident reports, police reports, or security camera footage.
- Save damaged clothing, broken equipment, or other physical evidence.
Day 2–3: Notify the Appropriate Parties
Depending on where and how your injury happened, you may need to alert multiple parties.
What to do:
- Inform the property owner, employer, or relevant authority.
- *Notify your insurance company.
- If the accident occurred on government property, be aware that you may have a much shorter deadline to file a claim.
Day 3–7: Keep a Detailed Recovery Journal
Your own words can become powerful evidence for pain and suffering damages.
What to do:
- Record daily pain levels, limitations, and emotional impacts.
- Note missed workdays and activities you can’t perform.
- Save receipts for medical devices, prescriptions, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
Within the First Week: Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
An experienced attorney can handle communication, protect you from shady insurance tactics, and help you avoid costly mistakes. At OakTree Law, we have handled a wide range of personal injury cases, including car accidents, premises liability, wrongful death claims, and more, and we know how to position your case for the best possible outcome.
What to do:
- Schedule a free consultation as soon as possible.
- Bring your evidence, medical records, and any correspondence to the meeting.
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Be Proactive
The first week after an accident sets the tone for your entire recovery, both physically and legally. By following this Personal Injury Action Plan, you can protect your health, preserve valuable evidence, and position yourself for fair compensation. If you’ve been injured, don’t navigate this process alone. Contact OakTree Law today to speak with an experienced California personal injury attorney who will fight for your rights.
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