Soft Tissue Injuries Information Center

• Return to Main
• Soft Tissue Injuries - An Overview
• What To Expect in a Soft Tissue Injury Case
• Treatment and Prevention
• What To Do if You Are Injured in an Accident
• What Is Whiplash?
• Frequently Asked Questions About Soft Tissue Injuries
• Soft Tissue Injuries Resource Links
• Soft Tissue Injuries Contact Form

What To Do if You Are Injured in an Accident

Soft tissue injuries are serious. Immediately after an accident, your next actions could be crucial to your recovery — both physically and financially. Get the medical attention you need; then contact an attorney from Winters & Yonker in Tampa, FL, who can help you understand your legal options.

Report the Accident

If you are in a car accident, the first order of business is to confirm that everyone involved is safe. If no one has called 911, do so right away. Many states require that an accident be reported if injuries (or a certain level of damage) occurred. In many cases it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident before the police arrive.

Your auto insurance policy may also set out instructions for what to do in the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident. If you do not follow them, you may forfeit some of your rights. It is a good idea to review your insurance policy from time to time to ensure that you report any accident to your insurance company as requested.

If you are injured on the job, notify your employer immediately. If you are injured on someone else's property, notify the property owner or manager.

Do Not Say Too Much

If you find yourself in an auto accident, it is best not to say too much to the other parties who were involved. An offhand remark that you make at the time may take on unforeseen significance in the future.

Although it may be your first instinct, do not apologize for the accident. This could be taken as an admission of guilt. Indeed, do not tell anyone that the accident was your fault or tell the other driver that you did not see him or her. Immediately after an accident, it is too soon to tell whose fault it was. You want to tell the truth, of course, but this does not mean that you are required to take responsibility for everything that occurred. What may appear to have happened might not be the whole story, and it is best to wait until the accident can be formally investigated.

Seek Medical Attention

Whether or not you are sure you need it, it is best to get medical attention soon after an accident. Injuries are not always obvious, especially not soft tissue injuries. It is also important to monitor your health over the next few days and weeks after an accident and report any changes to your doctor. If you were hurt at work, it is crucial to follow the procedures for seeking medical attention in order to preserve your rights.

Contact an Attorney

An attorney from Winters & Yonker in Tampa, FL, can offer experience and valuable advice on how to proceed if you have a claim against the party who caused your injuries.

Copyright ©2009 FindLaw, a Thomson Business

DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.

Return to Main