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In the aftermath of a catastrophic injury, your first priority is getting medical care. But if someone else’s negligence caused the injury, what you do in the hours and days that follow can make or break your ability to recover compensation. Preserving evidence isn’t just important. It’s critical. The stronger your evidence, the stronger your case.

Immediate Steps to Take After the Injury

If you’re able, or if a trusted friend or family member can step in, start collecting evidence at the scene. This includes:

• Taking photos and videos of the accident site, your injuries, and any property damage
• Getting contact information for witnesses
• Noting surveillance cameras nearby that may have captured what happened

You should also seek medical care immediately, even if you think your injuries are minor. Medical records are a key piece of evidence. The sooner you see a doctor, the easier it is to connect your injury to the accident.

Keep everything—hospital discharge paperwork, diagnostic images, prescriptions, and receipts. This documentation shows the nature of your injury and the financial burden you’ve taken on.

Long-Term Evidence Preservation and Legal Support

Preserving evidence doesn’t end at the scene. In catastrophic injury cases, long-term evidence often makes the most significant difference. That includes:

• Keeping a pain journal that tracks your symptoms, emotional struggles, and changes to daily life
• Holding on to any physical evidence (damaged clothing, broken equipment, etc.)
• Securing repair records, maintenance logs, or company safety reports if the injury happened at work or in a commercial setting

It’s also important to notify any potential defendants that you intend to preserve evidence. Your attorney can send a formal “spoliation letter” to ensure critical materials aren’t altered or destroyed. Without this, key evidence could disappear before your case even begins.

Contact Silberstein & Miklos for Help Building a Strong Case

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, you don’t have to figure this out alone. At Silberstein & Miklos, we move quickly to gather and preserve evidence, allowing you to focus on your healing. We fight aggressively to ensure that negligent parties are held accountable and that injured individuals receive the compensation they deserve. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.