What to Do After a Serious Injury- A Guide for Georgia Victims
A serious injury can change your life in an instant. One moment you’re going about your day — the next, you’re facing doctors, hospital bills, missed work, and uncertainty. Whether it’s from a car accident, a fall, or another catastrophic event, the hours and days that follow are critical.
In these early moments, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You’re focused on healing, not paperwork. But the actions you take in the first 72 hours after an injury can shape your medical recovery and your legal case for years to come.
This guide lays out exactly what to do after a serious injury so you can protect your rights, preserve evidence, and make informed decisions. It’s written for people dealing with catastrophic injuries — spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, or other life-altering trauma — and their families.
Leibel Law has helped injury victims throughout Georgia navigate these moments with clarity and confidence. This guide reflects that experience. Follow each step closely, and when you’re ready, download the Serious Injury Documentation Kit to stay organized and in control.
Prioritize Immediate Medical Care
Getting medical care should be your first priority after any serious injury — even if you think you’re okay. Adrenaline can mask symptoms, and what feels like a minor issue could be something far more severe. Internal bleeding, traumatic brain injuries, or spinal trauma often go unnoticed without proper evaluation.
Insist on a full medical examination. If you’re taken to the emergency room, don’t leave without requesting diagnostic imaging like CT scans or MRIs if you’re experiencing headaches, dizziness, or numbness. If you weren’t transported to the hospital from the scene, schedule a visit with your primary care doctor or an urgent care clinic as soon as possible.
Your medical records will become critical evidence. Ask for a copy of every test result, visit summary, and diagnosis. Store these in a safe place and begin a system for tracking everything related to your care. This step will not only support your claim — it can also help your doctors provide better long-term treatment.
If you’re unsure where to go, or you feel like your concerns aren’t being taken seriously, keep pushing for answers. Serious injuries aren’t always obvious at first — but early documentation makes all the difference.
Avoid Talking to Insurance Companies (for Now)
After a serious injury, it’s common to get calls from insurance companies — sometimes within hours. They may sound helpful, even sympathetic. But make no mistake: their goal is to protect their bottom line, not your future.
If your own insurance company reaches out, limit the conversation to basic facts. Never guess, speculate, or downplay your injuries. And if the insurance company for the at-fault party contacts you, don’t engage at all. You are under no obligation to speak with them.
Never give a recorded statement without legal counsel. These recordings can be used to undermine your claim. Something as simple as saying “I’m fine” or “I’m feeling better” can be used against you later, even if you were just being polite.
Instead, direct all communications to your personal injury attorney. Once you have legal representation, your lawyer will handle every conversation with the insurance companies, ensuring your words aren’t twisted and your rights stay protected.
You don’t owe the other side anything — not a quote, not a call back, and definitely not a statement.
Start Documenting Everything
Strong cases are built on strong documentation. From the moment you’re injured, every detail matters — not just for your recovery, but for proving the extent and impact of your injuries.
Start with your medical documentation. Keep a folder or digital file with every appointment summary, test result, and prescription. Don’t rely on hospitals to organize this for you. Make it a habit to request and save copies after every visit.
Track all out-of-pocket expenses. That includes co-pays, over-the-counter supplies, travel costs to medical visits, and any assistive equipment. These can be reimbursed as part of a personal injury claim.
Next, document your lost income. If you miss work, ask your employer for a written statement showing your missed hours or salary. For self-employed individuals, save canceled contracts, client communications, or financial statements that show disruption.
Finally, take photos — of your injuries, your property damage, and even the environment where the incident occurred. If possible, return to the scene to capture details you couldn’t document in the moment.
The more you document, the clearer the picture of your experience becomes — for your doctors, your lawyer, and a potential jury.
Save Every Piece of Evidence
Physical evidence can make or break a serious injury claim. It’s not enough to describe what happened — being able to show it gives your case power and credibility.
If your injury involved a vehicle, don’t repair or dispose of it until a legal team has had a chance to document the damage. The same goes for helmets, clothing, shoes, assistive devices, or any other personal items from the scene.
Keep everything. That includes broken cell phones, damaged backpacks, even torn garments — anything that can show force, impact, or unsafe conditions.
Digital evidence matters, too. Save texts, emails, and voicemails related to the injury. Screenshot social media posts if the other party made statements online. If someone witnessed the event, write down their contact information and a summary of what they saw.
If you weren’t able to take photos at the scene, ask a trusted friend or family member to go back and document it for you — skid marks, debris, poor lighting, or anything that may have contributed to the accident.
Preserving evidence early is one of the simplest ways to strengthen your claim. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
Keep a Pain & Symptom Journal
Recovery isn’t just about medical procedures — it’s about daily impact. A pain and symptom journal is one of the most effective tools for showing how your injury affects your life over time.
Start journaling immediately after the injury. Each day, write down your pain levels (1–10 scale), where the pain is located, and any symptoms you’re experiencing — headaches, dizziness, numbness, limited mobility, emotional changes, or sleep issues. Include how the injury affects your routine, such as missing family events, trouble working, or relying on others for basic tasks.
Be honest and consistent. You don’t need to be dramatic — you need to be clear. Insurance companies and juries respond to documented patterns. A short, daily log builds credibility and proves the long-term effects of catastrophic injuries that may not show up on scans.
You can keep the journal on paper or use a simple notes app on your phone. What matters most is that it’s dated, detailed, and maintained.
Your doctors may also benefit from this record — it helps them understand your progress and adjust treatment. And for your legal team, it becomes powerful evidence of your pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the better. Timing matters — especially in serious injury cases. Evidence fades, witnesses disappear, and insurance companies move quickly to protect themselves. You need someone in your corner from the beginning.
A personal injury attorney helps you understand what your case might be worth, what steps to take next, and what mistakes to avoid. This early guidance can prevent costly errors — like signing documents that waive your rights or accepting lowball settlements.
When you schedule your consultation, come prepared. Bring medical records, photos, a copy of your injury journal, and any communication you’ve had with insurers or other parties. The more context you can give, the faster your lawyer can begin building your case.
Not all attorneys are equipped to handle catastrophic injury claims. Look for experience with complex cases involving brain trauma, spinal injuries, amputation, or wrongful death. Ask specific questions:
- Have you handled cases like mine?
- What resources will you use to investigate?
- Will I work directly with you or someone else?
You only get one chance to hold the responsible party accountable. Make sure you have the right team in place from the start.
Download the Serious Injury Documentation Kit
Being injured is overwhelming — staying organized shouldn’t be. The Serious Injury Documentation Kit was created to help you track the information that matters most in the days, weeks, and months following a life-altering injury.
This free, downloadable tool includes:
- A daily pain and symptom journal template
- Appointment and treatment log
- Witness and contact log
- Insurance communication log
- Photo documentation checklist
Whether you’re still in recovery or helping a loved one manage care, this kit can simplify the process, preserve your rights, and support your legal claim.
Download the Serious Injury Documentation Kit now and take the next step toward control, clarity, and justice.
Final Thoughts
The aftermath of a serious injury is filled with decisions, many of them made under pressure. It’s easy to miss key steps or rely on advice that isn’t built for your best interest. That’s why taking just a few clear, informed actions in the first 72 hours can make a lasting difference.
You don’t have to do everything at once. But the more proactive you are — with your medical care, your documentation, and your legal protection — the better your chances of building a strong recovery, both physically and financially.
If you or a loved one is dealing with a catastrophic injury, Leibel Law is here to help. This guide is just the beginning. Use it, share it, and don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance tailored to your situation.
Your next move matters. Make it count.
Additional Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Covers symptoms, treatment, and long-term effects of TBIs. Great for clients trying to understand brain injuries and their impact.
U.S. Department of Justice – Civil Rights Division: Disability Rights
Offers guidance on accessibility, workplace rights, and legal protections for individuals facing disability after serious injury.
National Center for PTSD – Coping After Trauma
From the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, this resource helps families and survivors manage emotional recovery and stress after a traumatic event.
