What To Do After Equipment Accident in Arkansas

Immediately after your accident, it is crucial to get medical attention. Even if you do not believe that you are injured, getting help is the first step towards building a case for workers’ compensation or injury claim. A doctor will evaluate your injuries and examine you. Their evaluation and diagnosis will help your attorney make your case.

As you get medical help, ask a coworker to safely disable the equipment so that someone else doesn’t suffer an injury. This equipment will also be an important part of your case and is considered evidence. They should approach the equipment cautiously in case it is defective. If the equipment is not safe or is not on stable ground, have your coworkers focus on removing everyone from the accident scene.

It is important to report your accident immediately to your supervisors. They will need to file an incident report and document your accident carefully. This is critical to filing a workers’ compensation claim. If you do not report your accident, the insurance companies will claim that you suffered your injury elsewhere.

If you are able, take photos of the accident scene and the equipment. These pictures can help establish a defect or capture the seriousness of the accident. If you are unable to take photos because of an injury, ask a coworker to document the accident scene as best, they can. Have them take pictures from multiple angles and include any critical details that might help us paint a clear picture of the accident. These pictures will help us build a case for you and show insurance companies the true extent of the accident and the injuries you suffered.

After you have received medical attention, speak to any witnesses and obtain their stories. Have them write down statements if they can, so they don’t forget important details. It is equally important for you to write down the details as you remember them.

The insurance company has one goal in mind — to pay you as little as possible. As such, they will want to talk to you and obtain a “recorded statement.” Adjusters are skilled interviewers, and they know how to ask questions that they can use to reduce your claim. Do not speak to them at this time until you have spoken with a knowledgable equipment accident lawyer. It is important to focus on your recovery and your case. Let them know that you will need to talk to your attorney before answering any of their questions.

Once you’ve taken the necessary steps to seek medical attention, report your injury, and ensure documentation of the injury and location, you should discuss your accident with a personal injury lawyer at Rainwater, Holt & Sexton. We can help you avoid any traps or pitfalls and protect your rights to compensation every step of the way.