What to Do Immediately After a Personal Injury: A Legal Checklist

Immediate Medical Priorities

Your health comes first. Even if injuries seem minor, seek appropriate medical attention immediately.

Emergency Medical Steps:

• Call 999 if serious: Don't hesitate if injuries are severe or you're unsure
• Accept ambulance treatment: Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask injuries
• Get to A&E or urgent care: For non-emergency but concerning symptoms
• See your GP promptly: Even for seemingly minor injuries
• Follow all medical advice: Attend appointments and follow treatment plans

Document Everything at the Scene

If you're physically able, documenting the scene immediately can be crucial for your claim.

Photographic Evidence:

• The accident scene: Multiple angles showing conditions
• Hazards or defects: Broken pavement, spilled liquids, poor lighting
• Your injuries: Visible cuts, bruises, swelling (update photos daily)
• Damaged property: Torn clothing, broken personal items
• Weather conditions: Rain, ice, poor visibility
• Warning signs: Or lack thereof where they should be

What to Record:

• Time and date: Exact time of the incident
• Location details: Precise address or landmarks
• Weather conditions: Temperature, precipitation, visibility
• Lighting conditions: Bright, dim, artificial lighting
• Your activities: What you were doing when injured

Gather Witness Information

Independent witnesses can be invaluable for proving liability in your case.

Witness Details to Collect:

• Full names and addresses: Essential for later contact
• Phone numbers: Primary and alternative contact methods
• Email addresses: For easy follow-up communication
• What they saw: Brief summary of their observations
• Their location: Where they were when they witnessed the incident

Types of Witnesses:

• Bystanders: People who saw the accident happen
• Other victims: Anyone else affected by the same incident
• First responders: Police, paramedics, or security personnel
• Employees: Staff members at the location where injury occurred

Report the Incident

Proper reporting creates an official record and is often legally required.

Who to Report To:

Incident Type	Report To	Time Limit
Road Traffic Accident	Police (if required), Insurance companies	Immediately for serious accidents
Workplace Injury	Employer, HSE (if serious)	Immediately to employer
Public Place Accident	Property owner/manager, Local authority	As soon as possible
Medical Negligence	Hospital/GP practice, CQC	Follow complaints procedure

Information to Include in Reports:

• Detailed description of what happened
• Exact time, date, and location
• Names of people involved
• Description of injuries sustained
• Contact details for follow-up

Maintain Detailed Medical Records

Comprehensive medical documentation is essential for proving the extent of your injuries.

Medical Documentation to Keep:

• GP records: All visits related to your injury
• Hospital records: A&E visits, admissions, treatments
• Specialist reports: Consultants, physiotherapists, psychologists
• Prescription records: All medications related to your injury
• Medical certificates: Sick notes and fitness-to-work assessments
• Treatment costs: Receipts for private medical care

Recovery Documentation:

• Progress photos: Healing progression over time
• Pain diary: Daily record of pain levels and limitations
• Activity limitations: What you can't do due to injury
• Sleep disruption: How injury affects rest and sleep

Track Financial Losses

Keep meticulous records of all costs and losses related to your injury.

Direct Costs to Document:

• Medical expenses: Prescriptions, private treatment, equipment
• Travel costs: Transport to medical appointments
• Care costs: Professional or family care assistance
• Property damage: Damaged clothing, personal items
• Adaptations: Home or vehicle modifications needed

Lost Income Documentation:

• Sick leave records: Time off work due to injury
• Payslips: Before and after injury for comparison
• Employer confirmation: Letters confirming lost income
• Self-employment records: Lost business and contracts
• Future earning impact: Reduced capacity or career changes

Avoid Common Mistakes

1. Don't Admit Fault

Never say "sorry" or accept blame at the scene. You may not have all the facts, and this can be used against you later.

2. Don't Delay Medical Treatment

Insurance companies often argue that delayed treatment means injuries weren't serious. Seek prompt medical attention even for minor injuries.

3. Don't Accept Quick Settlement Offers

Initial offers are often much lower than fair compensation. Don't sign anything without legal advice.

4. Don't Post on Social Media

Insurance companies monitor social media. Avoid posting about your accident, injuries, or activities during your claim.

5. Don't Ignore Mental Health Impact

Psychological injuries are as valid as physical ones. Seek help for anxiety, depression, or PTSD following an accident.

Important Time Limits

Personal injury claims have strict time limits. Missing these deadlines can bar your claim entirely.

Standard Time Limits:

• General personal injury: 3 years from date of injury or knowledge
• Road traffic accidents: 3 years from date of accident
• Clinical negligence: 3 years from date of knowledge
• Criminal injury compensation: 2 years from date of incident
• Industrial disease: 3 years from date of knowledge

Special Circumstances:

• Children: 3 years from 18th birthday
• Mental incapacity: No time limit while incapacitated
• Fatal accidents: 3 years from death or knowledge

When to Contact a Solicitor

While not every injury requires legal representation, certain situations definitely warrant professional advice.

Contact a Solicitor If:

• Injuries are serious or life-changing
• Liability is disputed by the other party
• Multiple parties may be responsible
• You're facing financial difficulties due to injury
• Insurance companies are being unhelpful
• You're unsure about your rights

Benefits of Early Legal Advice:

• Evidence preservation: Ensuring crucial evidence isn't lost
• Expert medical assessment: Independent medical examinations
• Proper valuation: Understanding true value of your claim
• No win, no fee options: Financial protection during proceedings

Protecting Your Claim

Do:

• Keep all documentation organised and secure
• Follow all medical advice and treatments
• Attend all medical appointments
• Be honest about your injuries and limitations
• Stay in contact with your legal representative

Don't:

• Exaggerate your injuries or limitations
• Ignore medical advice or miss appointments
• Discuss your case with insurance investigators
• Sign documents without legal advice
• Undertake activities that contradict your injury claims

Emergency Legal Helpline

If you've been seriously injured and need immediate legal advice, don't wait. Early intervention can make a significant difference to your claim's success.