There is rarely a dull moment in Spring Hill, Florida, no matter the time of year. It is one of the places where Americans living in the northern parts visit to escape harsh winters because they are guaranteed to find warmer temperatures all year round.
But accidents can still happen even in your best moments, so it is essential to always be ready. The first step in readiness is to identify the most common hazards in a place so you can avoid them.
Slips and Falls Are Pretty Common
Spring Hill, Florida, receives over two times as much rainfall as the national average. With such high levels of rainfall distributed across the year, pavements and footpaths can become quite slippery, creating a slip and fall hazard.
Slip and fall accidents do not occur only outdoors. They can occur indoors, for example, in a supermarket, mall, or grocery store, especially when the floor is wet. The good news is that you may be eligible for compensation if you suffer a slip and fall accident on private property.
Florida premises liability laws hold property owners responsible for legally ensuring the safety of the people entering their premises. If a business or property owner fails in their responsibility, they will be liable for damages resulting from their negligence.
But securing compensation requires working with an experienced personal injury lawyer, preferably one specializing in slip and fall accidents.
What to Do After an Accident
Call 911
The best action after an accident is to seek medical attention by calling 911. Most slip and fall accidents result in bumps and bruises. However, there are circumstances when they could result in severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and compound fractures.
Injuries to the spine and brain may not show immediately but could be catastrophic. Therefore, getting a medical examination after a fall is necessary to rule out the risk of severe injuries. Also, medical records will be part of the evidence you need to build a strong case.
Document the Scene
After an accident, the chances that someone will clear the scene once you leave are pretty high, making evidence collection a problem, so you may want to document everything before leaving.
You can ask someone to do it for you if you are seriously hurt. When documenting, ensure that you get every critical piece of information, such as the hazard that causes the accident, your injuries, and anything that can help tie your injury to the location.
Report Your Injury
The fact that an accident occurred on a premises does not always mean that they will admit responsibility or that it did happen.
So you will need to file an accident report with the establishment’s management and ensure you carry a copy of the report. Alternatively, you can ask your lawyer to do the filing on your behalf.
Allow Your Lawyer to Handle the Case for You
The days after an accident can be pretty tough on your finances. You will have medical bills, household bills, mortgage, and car loans to take care of, although your injury could have robbed you of the ability to make money.
Unfortunately, the opposing side may try to take advantage of your situation by offering to settle. While any kind of money could be tempting at such a time, it is always best to let your lawyer handle negotiations.
If they make a quick offer, they know your claim is worth more. If you are too pressed for cash, you could ask your lawyer to help you access personal injury loans to settle some of your most urgent bills.