If you were injured during a recent trip to a state recreational site, you may not know what to do next. You might not realize that you can be compensated for injuries sustained at state parks. There are steps that you need to take, but you can receive compensation. Here are four steps you need to take if you've been injured while exploring a state park.
Take Pictures of the Accident Scene
If your injuries were the result of an accident while visiting a state park, the first thing you need to do is take as many pictures as possible. Some of the pictures you take should include the surroundings where the injuries occurred, and any warning signs that might have been in the area.
Surroundings
If you want to protect your rights to receive compensation for your injuries, it's important that you take pictures of the area where the accident occurred. This is especially important where state parks are concerned. Pictures help to document the risks involved with the area. For instance, if you were injured in a rock slide area, take pictures of the rocks you were injured on.
Warning Signs
If your injuries occurred while you were a visitor at a state park, you need to take pictures of any warning signs that might have been in the area. If there weren't any warning signs, pictures will document that, as well. Warning signs can help to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. But, if there were no warning signs, you wouldn't have received notice of the risks involved with that particular area.
Document Your Injuries
If your visit to a state park resulted in injuries, be sure to provide detailed documentation. Of course, you need to document the initial injuries. But, you should also keep track of the injuries as they heal. This should include pictures of the injuries, as well as notes. It's also a good idea to write notes during your doctor's visits. That way, you can provide detailed information about the injuries you sustained.
Notify Park Officials
If you suffered injuries while visiting a state park, don't forget to notify park officials. You'll need to file a report about the incident. When you file the report, be sure to provide as many details about the incident as possible.
Hire a Personal Injury Attorney
Finally, if you sustained injuries at a state park, hire a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Since your injuries were sustained at a national park, you'll be seeking compensation from a government agency. That process will require the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney.