I Was Injured On Someone Else's Property. What Should I Do In California?

Getting injured on someone else's property might have legal implications. Victims of premises liability will try to blame themselves for the accident. However, owners and persons in charge of a property are responsible for addressing potential hazards that might lead to injuries.

That said, when you file claims against someone, you need to have a strong case that proves:

• They are liable for the damages.

• You suffered injuries because the responsible party was negligent.

Hence, preserving your personal injury claim is crucial. Here's what our prescreened California Accident Attorneys advise their clients:

What Should I Do After Getting Injured On Someone Else's Property In California?

If a guest or a person who is legally on the property gets injured, the owner or the person in charge will be legally liable for economic and non-economic losses that the victim sustained.

How To Preserve My California Personal Injury Claim?

Our California Accident Attorney will do their own investigations. However, you will work alongside your lawyer, so it's best to know what else you can do to further strengthen your California personal injury claim.

1. Collect Evidence Of The Hazardous Condition

If you can, look for the hazardous item or condition that caused your accident and get some evidence. Preferably, photos.

For example, take photos of the slippery floor if you slipped and fell because the property owner did not clean up spilled liquids. It would help if you documented it in a way that will reveal the physical characteristics of the height, width, depth, nature of the spill, etc.

Likewise, take photos of debris, broken floorboards, open wires, and other hazards.

Unfortunately, not everyone is physically able to do this after an accident. So, remember that you only do this when your condition permits, but you shouldn't force yourself at the risk of aggravating your injuries.

2. Keep Physical Evidence

When you're able to, preserve some physical evidence. Here are a few tips:

• Keep your shoes. Do not put on the shoes you were wearing during the accident. They might have signs of oil or other debris on the bottom, and continuing to use them could mean you lose the evidence.

• Your California Accident Attorney might need to hire a professional to look at the shoes. Experts frequently examine the amount of traction on the bottom of your shoes at the time of your fall.

• Request videos. Request that any video is kept by the property owners. In some cases, videos have been crucial evidence that has resulted in a settlement or a trial win.

Again, only do this when you're physically able to. Your California Accident Attorney will still do their own investigations and can collect them for you. So, make sure to contact them ASAP.

3. Keep Records Of Your Injuries

Even if you don't think you require hospitalization after the accident, you should still go visit a doctor. This is because some injuries could not become apparent for days following the collision.

Remember, you must have medical proof of your injuries to receive compensation. California Accident Attorneys will use these medical records as concrete documentation of the full extent of your injuries.

4. Keep In Mind The Statute Of Limitations

If you have been hurt, you must act fast because, if you are an adult, the statute of limitations, which determines how long you have to file a case, is two years from the date of the accident.

However, in California, the statute of limitations for claims made against municipalities, counties, and other public entities is only six months.

Hence, it would be best if you started working with a prescreened California Accident Attorney as soon as possible.

5. Talk To Insurance Agents With Caution

You are not required to speak with any of the property owner's insurance agents. Insurance companies aim to maximize profit by reducing or refusing claim payouts. However, the insurance agent will record your conversation. The agent can attempt to persuade you to say something that releases the property owner from responsibility or minimizes your losses.

Be aware that many property insurance plans feature a no-fault provision that gives a person hurt on the property money to assist in covering their medical costs. The term for it is medical payments coverage. To be paid under this coverage, you are not required to release any other possible claims.

So don't sign waivers or releases before you've spoken to a California Accident Attorney.

Find A California Accident Attorney ASAP!

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