An accident can leave you with both psychological and physical injuries. It costs money and takes time to recover from these injuries. Fortunately, if the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, you can get compensation for your injuries and damages. However, it is difficult to get compensation from the party at fault. That is why we recommend hiring a personal injury lawyer to help you get the compensation you rightfully deserve. Your lawyer will collect evidence, negotiate the settlement, and even take the case to court if necessary. Looking for the best personal injury lawyers in Joshua Tree, California? If yes, contact Crockett Law Group to handle your personal case. Our personal injury lawyers are ready to answer any questions you may have. We will work hard to ensure you get a fair settlement. We will pursue full financial compensation. 
Table of Contents
What Should I Do After an Injury?
Get Medical Treatment If Needed
If you are planning to make a personal injury claim after your accident, you need to get medical treatment as soon as possible. It is better to let a doctor evaluate you and treat your injuries. You need to keep records of all treatments. You will use the medical records during your case.Take Photos/Video If You Can
If you suffered minor injuries and you can still move, you need to take photos and videos of the accident scene, the cause of the accident, your injuries, any damage to your belongings, and the vehicles.Get Names and Numbers of Any Witnesses
It takes time and can cost you money to locate most of the witnesses once they leave the accident scene. Therefore, you need to get the names and numbers of any witnesses as soon as possible. Collect the information at the accident scene. You can even collect specific information from responding officers.Report the Incident
Sometimes, it is just easy to exchange information with the other party and leave the scene immediately. Especially if you are in a hurry. However, it is much better to report the incident since you may decide to file a personal injury claim in the future. If it is a workplace accident, report it to your supervisor.Never Admit Fault
Do not apologize or accept fault for the accident. Accepting fault at the accident scene weakens your case. The lawyer of the insurance company will use what you said against you. Therefore, do not admit fault at the accident scene.Call a Personal Injury Lawyer!
Calling a personal injury lawyer can reduce your stress and increase the chances of getting fair compensation. It is hard to deal with the lawyers of the party at fault. Personal injury lawyers have the resources and knowledge to deal with them. We highly encourage you to call a personal injury immediately after the accident.Why Do I Need a Lawyer?
Case Preparation / Filing a Lawsuit
Your lawyer will gather and preserve crucial evidence. In fact, the best personal injury lawyers usually work with private investigators and forensic experts to investigate the accident. So, your lawyer will help you prepare a strong case against the party responsible for your injuries or damages.Settlement Negotiation
It is complex to get compensation from insurance companies since they hate paying insurance claims. Your lawyer will never let insurance companies take advantage of you. Do not accept the first offer of the insurance company. It is wise to leave settlement negotiation to an experienced and skilled lawyer.Trial Preparation & Representation
Sometimes, insurance companies may refuse to settle out of court. They can even take a long time to settle. Hiring a personal injury lawyer shows the insurance company you are not messing. If necessary, your lawyer can take the case to court.What Type of Damages Can I Recover?
Economic Damages
It is easy to prove these damages since they compensate the victim for the financial losses that the victim suffers because of the accident. They include; lost wages, medical expenses, property damage, etc.Non-Economic Damages
It not easy to value these damages since they compensate the victim for the non-monetary losses that the victim suffers because of the accident. They include; pain and suffering, embarrassment, mental anguish, etc.Punitive Damages
They are used to punish the at-fault party, especially if the party is found to have acted in a negligent manner. How is Liability Determined?
It is a must to establish liability in all personal injury lawsuits. However, it is not easy to establish liability, even though you know the party at fault. You need to prove all the elements of negligence to determine liability.- Duty of Care – You need to prove there existed a duty of care from the other party to you.
- Breach of Duty of Care – You need to prove the actions of the at-fault party breached the duty of care. This means the other party did not take reasonable actions to stop you from getting injured.
- Damages – You need to prove that the breach of duty caused the damages.
- Causation – You need to prove the breach of duty of care was the proximate cause of your injuries.
