Slip and fall accidents can be dangerous as they can happen at any time. Victims could be going to a restaurant, a store, or a public sidewalk in New Jersey and end up hurting themselves. Leaving them with injuries and financial burdens. It’s important to know how to protect your rights if you’re involved in this type of accident. You don’t want to do anything that could mess up your claim. Knowing the proper steps ensure that you get the compensation you need to recover.
Seek Medical Attention
Checking on your health should be your top priority. Following a slip and fall accident, it’s important to have your injuries checked out by a medical professional. Even if your injuries seem minor, they could get worse over time. Sometimes you won’t even realize you’re injured until it’s too late. Don’t leave anything untreated and get a second opinion from a medical professional. You can also use the medical records from your visits as evidence for your claim.
Document the Scene
If you’re in the right head space, make sure to take pictures of everything. Look around the area and see if there’s anything out of the ordinary. Make sure to take videos or pictures of the hazard that caused you to fall. If the weather conditions are severe, like snow or ice, make sure to show that in your photos. That could have played a role in your accident. Having these pictures can help understand who is liable.
Get Witness Information
If anybody witnessed your slip, make sure to write down their names and contact information. These statements are helpful when it comes to figuring out who is responsible. These people are not invested in your life and can help to give an unbiased view of the accident. It helps to have different points of view that will match up with your story. Proving that you are telling the truth and can get your case moving forward.
Report the Incident
Make sure to report the accident immediately after it happens. Tell the property owner, manager, or a higher-up so they’re aware of the hazard. From there, they should write up an accident report with all the details that you provide them. Make sure to tell them everything from the accident and don’t leave anything out. This will help with your case when you try to figure out who is liable.
Keep Evidence
Don’t get rid of anything physical from that day. You can use any of those items as evidence for your slip and fall claim. All the documents that you have collected from the accident need to be kept in a safe place. Those can include all your reports and expenses that you had to pay yourself. The clothes that you were wearing that day can be used to back your claim. It’s important to keep track of all these details as you continue working on your claim.
Consult with an Attorney
The best way to protect your rights is by reaching out to a trusted personal injury attorney. Especially ones that are skilled in slip and fall cases in New Jersey. An attorney understands how these cases work and will make sure you have all the necessary information. They will be able to guide you through your case to ensure that you know what’s going on. They’ll do everything in their power to make sure that you get the compensation you deserve.
File a Lawsuit If Necessary
If you can’t reach a settlement with the insurance company, then your attorney might want to file a lawsuit. Which can be a time-consuming process. In New Jersey, you have about two years to file a lawsuit. This allows victims enough time to recover and gather the information they need for their claim. It’s important to look up these deadlines to make sure you’re on track with everything you need. Listen to everything that your attorney says to make sure that you stay protected.
Slip and fall accidents can cause serious injuries to victims. Making it harder for them to work on their daily activities. Victims need to follow the necessary steps to make sure they are covered. This will help increase your chances of receiving the financial aid you’ll need to recover. It’s in your best interest to reach out to a trusted legal team in New Jersey if you’re involved in a fall. You have a right to seek justice and get your money back.