Injured in an Accident and Not Sure What to Do Next?

Here Are 5 Things That Can Help

Life can change in an instant. A car crash, a fall on a poorly maintained sidewalk, or even a dog bite can leave you in pain, confused, and wondering what to do next. For many people, calling a personal injury attorney feels like a big step. And it is. But it doesn't have to feel overwhelming.

At Gomerman | Bourn & Associates, we believe in helping people make informed, confident decisions, not pushing anyone into legal action they’re not ready for. If you're considering reaching out after an accident or injury, here are five simple steps that can make the process smoother and give you peace of mind.

1. Focus on Your Health First

If you've been injured, your priority should be getting medical care. Even if you feel "okay" in the moment, many injuries (like whiplash, concussions, or internal damage) don’t show symptoms right away. Seeing a doctor not only protects your health, it also creates a medical record that can support your case later on, if needed.

And remember: taking care of yourself isn’t just physical. Trauma can be emotional, too. Don’t hesitate to ask for support if you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed.

2. Document What You Can (But Only If It's Safe)

We get it, not everyone is thinking about photos and notes after an accident. But if you're able, try to gather the basics:

• Photos of the scene, injuries, or property damage

• Names and contact info for witnesses

• A written summary of what happened while it's still fresh in your mind
  

If you didn’t capture everything in the moment, that’s okay. Start with what you do remember, your impressions, the conditions, anything that stands out. Even small details can be helpful later on.

In cases like a slip and fall, time-sensitive details like wet floors or tripping hazards may be cleaned up quickly, making it harder to document what happened. But here's what you can do after a slip or trip and fall incident.

3. Stay Off Social Media (Seriously)

It might feel harmless to post an update for friends or vent about what happened. But insurance companies and opposing attorneys often look at social media to find ways to downplay your injury. A photo of you smiling at a family event or a comment that seems too casual can be misinterpreted and used against you.

As we shared in our post about why you should resist the urge to share case details online, social media content is discoverable and can hurt your case. Your best bet? Keep things private until you’ve spoken with an attorney.

4. Gather Insurance Information

If there was another party involved, like in a car accident or a slip and fall on someone else’s property, get their insurance info if possible. Also, have your own health or auto insurance details handy. Even if you don't end up filing a claim, having this information ready can save time and help your attorney assess your options.

If you believe the other driver was uninsured or underinsured, you may still be covered. Read our guide to uninsured/underinsured motorist claims in California.

5. Make a List of Questions

Talking to a personal injury attorney isn’t just about them asking you questions, it’s also your chance to ask yours. Every situation is different, and you deserve to understand your rights and options.

Some good questions to ask:

• Do I have a valid case?

• What are my options if the other driver was uninsured?

• What does the process look like?

• How does your firm communicate with clients?
  

If you’re brand new to this process, it may help to check out these key terms you might hear during your personal injury case.

You're Not Alone. And You Don't Have to Rush

One of the most common things we hear from new clients is: "I wasn't sure if I should even call." That’s okay. You don’t need to have everything figured out to contact us. 

At Gomerman | Bourn & Associates, we know how overwhelming life can feel after an accident. Whether it’s a car crash, a fall, or something else, we’ll meet you where you are and walk you through your options. Reach out for a free, confidential consultation or give us a call at 415-545-8608.

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Gomerman|Bourn and Associates specializes in employment law and personal injury cases. Since opening its doors in 2012, they have recovered well over $100 million for their clients. To learn more about Gomerman|Bourn and Associates, visit www.gobolaw.com