Any type of injury-causing accident is inherently traumatic, but you should do everything possible to protect yourself in the immediate aftermath of an incident. By taking several proactive steps to file the appropriate reports and document the scene, you can strengthen your personal injury case and preserve your potential ability to recover compensation. 

Whether you have been injured in an automobile collision or a premises liability incident, you should make every effort to:

• Make sure everyone is safe. Before doing anything else, ensure the immediate safety of everyone involved in the incident. Immediately call 9-1-1 and seek emergency medical assistance if anyone’s injuries require immediate attention.
• Gather contact information of all involved parties and witnesses. Regardless of what type of injury occurred, you will need the names, phone numbers, and addresses of everyone involved in the incident. If an injury occurred on commercial property, you should obtain the contact information of the manager-on-duty as well as the property owner and any employees working at the time. You should also obtain contact information for any witnesses, as their testimony could become important later on.
• File and request a copy of an incident report (if appropriate). If you are injured in an automobile accident that results in injury, you are required in the state of California to contact law enforcement. Doing so can also be advantageous, as the officer dispatched to the incident site will complete an official report that documents what happened. You should request a copy of this report. In other types of injuries, you may still want to register and receive a copy of an incident report. If you slip and fall at a store, for example, you should request an incident report be filed via the manager-on-duty. This filing should establish the indisputable facts of the incident.
• Document the incident site. If possible, you should take steps to document what happened. Take pictures of conditions that may have contributed to the incident, your injuries, and any property damage. If you notice that the incident area is under surveillance, request (in writing) a copy of the security footage.
• Seek medical attention. Once you have left the incident site and if you have not already done so, immediately schedule a thorough medical examination. You should do this even if you do not believe you have suffered any serious injuries. Some types of injuries, including concussions, are not easily detectable, but it is important that you get the opinion of a medical professional – and a corresponding official report – as soon as possible after the incident.
• Contact your insurance provider (if necessary). Insurance providers may become involved with certain types of personal injury cases, including automobile accidents. You are generally required to promptly inform your insurance carrier of any qualifying event. Failing to do so in a timely manner can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation.
• Speak to a qualified legal professional. As an experienced San Diego personal injury attorney, I can help you understand your legal options for recovering damages in the wake of an incident.