If you get into an auto accident, try not to move your car unless it is not safe to leave it where it is at. Try to get the other
driver’s license plate before you move your cars in case they try to flee the scene. Make sure to call the police and wait for them
to arrive. It is a good idea to keep a disposable camera in your car just in case such an emergency arises so that you can accurately
document the area and items in question, and the true extent of damages. You should also keep a small notepad handy and immediately
record your recollection of the event before your memory starts to fade and you forget important particulars of the case. Also,
try to get information on any witnesses who are present at the scene. Get names, phone numbers, addresses, or if need be
license plate numbers and descriptions of vehicles in the area. This may allow them to be tracked down at a later date. Also,
if the police are called to the scene, be sure to get the name and badge number of the officer in charge of making the report. Finally,
you want to make sure to request the "case number" that the incident report will be filed under.
If you are involved in an auto accident, slip & fall, or other case where you are injured, you should try your best to document
the incident, call the necessary authorities, and then seek immediate medical attention. DO NOT MOVE until witnesses arrive
if at all possible. After following these steps you should then contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your
rights.
We will evaluate your claim carefully, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve for your pain and sufferring.
You may also be entitled to reimbursement for lost wages if a doctor has advised you to take off work to recouperate. We can
help you gather the necessary information and deal with the insurance company to make sure you are not taken advantage of in
the process. We may also be able to refer you to a doctor to get you the treatment you need even if you do not have any health insurance.
We generally work on a contingency fee basis, so there is no money up front and no attorney's fees unless we recover a settlement
or judgment for you.
The key is to act quickly and not delay. If the insurance company sees that you waited a week or
two to get treatment, they are not going to take your claim as seriously. Sometimes a person sustains only minor injuries at
first, but then they develop into something more serious later. If you do not go to the doctor early on, the insurance company
may try to argue that you got injured sometime after the intial accident and that they are not responsible. Don't let this happen
to you.
If you slip and fall on a someone else’s property or suffer some other kind of injury, you may be entitled to compensation. It is
not automatic, but if there is some sort of dangerous or unsafe condition on the premises, AND it is not obvious to a visitor, then
the premises owner could be held liable. If you are injured, it is once again very important not to move until you are sure it is
safe to do so, and until you can get someone who is in charge of the location to help you up. It is also a good idea to ask for help
from an independent witness and ask them to take a look at the are where you were injured so they can verify the condition of the
area. For example - is there water or some kind of liquid on the floor; or a crack in the floor; or a large pile of boxes that are
obviously not stacked up right? Also, if it is at all possible TAKE PICTURES IMMEDIATELY BEFORE YOU LEAVE!
It is also important
to insist on speaking to the manager and filling out an accident report. Make sure to get a “case number” or “incident number”, before
you leave, and try to see if they will give you a copy of the incident report or statement. (Unfortunately, some stores will not give
a copy of the report to you.) If not, then politely ask them for a piece of paper and pen so you can write down your own version of
what happened. Make sure to get all the names, and numbers of the witnesses and workers.
If it is a slip and fall, it is really
important to detail exactly what you slipped on, and in what condition the substance was. Is it a puddle of water? Then how big is
it? And is it clean clear water, or does it look old and dirty, like it has been there for awhile? If it is some kind of food item,
does it look old and mushy, or new? Make sure to save your clothing and shoes and don’t wash them, just in case.
If it is a dog
bite or other domestic animal injury case, then try to remember exactly where you were when the attack happened. Once again, try to
locate some witness who can verify the presence of the animal in case the owner denies liability later.
Important: Click here to read a Disclaimer in regards to the following information.
The Gordon Law Firm, P.C. | Ph: (210) 531-9700 | Fx: (210) 732-0158 | Email: Lawgordon@aol.com
Attorney Stephen H. Gordon - Voted Texas “Super Lawyer” in 2007 by “Scene in SA” Magazine.
HONEST. HARD-WORKING. HERE TO HELP.
Stephen H. Gordon - Attorney at Law
5820 IH-10 West, Suite 400 - San Antonio, Texas 78201
Ph: (210) 531-9700
| Fx: (210) 732-0158 | Email: Lawgordon@aol.com
