Get a Medical Opinion

Whatever happened, getting checked out by a doctor is the right thing to do — for your health, and for your peace of mind. Many serious injuries, including spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and internal damage, don't announce themselves right away. Symptoms can appear days later. A prompt medical evaluation tells you what you're dealing with and makes sure nothing serious goes unaddressed.

Preserve What You Can

If you are able, take photographs of the scene, any hazardous conditions, and your injuries. Get the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed what happened. If law enforcement responds, make sure a report is filed. Write down what you remember while the details are still clear — memory is surprisingly unreliable, and the small things often matter more than you'd expect.

Be Careful About Who You Talk To

It's natural to want to explain yourself or be cooperative in the aftermath of an injury. But insurance adjusters — even friendly ones — are professionals whose job is to resolve claims for as little as possible. If someone from an insurance company asks for a recorded statement, it's worth talking to a lawyer first. You're not required to give one, and a brief conversation with Tom costs you nothing.

Reach Out Early — It Makes a Real Difference

The earlier Tom gets involved, the better he can protect your interests. Evidence gets lost. Surveillance footage is overwritten. Witnesses move on. When Tom is engaged early, he can investigate while the facts are fresh — identifying every responsible party, securing critical evidence, and building the strongest possible foundation for your case.

Just as importantly, early involvement means you can put the legal side of this entirely out of your mind. Tom handles the insurance companies, the paperwork, and the investigation. Your only job is getting better.

Think Twice Before Posting

Social media is a normal part of life, but it's worth being thoughtful in the period following a serious injury. Posts about your activities, your health, or the incident itself can be taken out of context in ways that are genuinely harmful to your case. When in doubt, it's better to wait.

Keep Track of How This Is Affecting Your Life

Hold onto your medical bills, records, and any out-of-pocket expenses. If you're missing work, keep a record of it. Consider keeping a simple journal about how you're feeling day to day — your pain levels, what you can't do, how your life has changed. These details matter, and they're easy to forget over time. The picture they paint is often central to what your case is ultimately worth.