Documenting an accident : Photos, Reports, and Care

July 9, 2025

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After a car accident in Washington, quick action is key. Floyd Personal Injury Law Group helps Kent, WA victims call police, document the scene, and seek medical care protecting health, preserving evidence, and strengthening injury claims from the start.


Why Calling the Police Is Critical After Any Collision


In Washington, state law requires that certain accidents be reported to law enforcement. Even for minor collisions, calling the police creates an official record that can protect your rights. A police report provides an unbiased account of the accident, which can be critical when filing an injury claim or defending against false allegations.

An experienced car accident lawyer in Kent, WA, such as Floyd Personal Injury Law Group, will often use the police report to establish fault, prove damages, and support your compensation claim. Without this report, disputes over what happened can turn into costly legal battles.


Key reasons to call the police after a crash:


  • Fulfills Washington’s accident reporting requirements

  • Preserves vital evidence for your injury claim

  • Documents witness statements and officer observations

  • Helps protect your right to fair compensation


Documenting the Scene: Photos, Witness Statements, and Reports


The moments after a crash are the best opportunity to preserve evidence. If you are physically able, take the following steps:


  • Photograph vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries

  • Capture traffic signs, skid marks, and weather conditions

  • Gather names and contact information from witnesses

  • Write down details before leaving the scene

A skilled personal injury attorney in Kent, WA can use these photos and statements to strengthen your case. Visual evidence often carries more weight than verbal testimony, especially in disputes over fault.


Seeking Medical Care Even When You Feel Fine


Some injuries, like concussions or internal trauma, may not show symptoms immediately. Prompt medical evaluation ensures hidden injuries are diagnosed early and provides a medical record linking your injuries to the accident.


Accident injury attorneys in Kent, Washington often see insurance companies question claims if there’s a delay in treatment. Visiting a doctor right away prevents them from claiming your injuries came from another cause.


Early medical care:


  • Detects injuries like whiplash, internal bleeding, or fractures

  • Creates documentation needed for your injury claim

  • Protects your long-term health and recovery


Common Mistakes to Avoid in the First 24 Hours After a Crash


Your actions in the first day after a crash can impact your legal and financial recovery. Common mistakes include:


  • Admitting fault at the scene

  • Failing to call the police or file a report

  • Posting accident details on social media

  • Skipping or delaying medical treatment

The team at Floyd Personal Injury Law Group advises clients to focus on safety, evidence preservation, and securing legal representation early. These steps protect your rights and increase your chances of a fair settlement.


Get Legal Help After a Washington Car Accident


If you’ve been in a collision in Kent, WA or surrounding areas, Floyd Personal Injury Law Group offers trusted guidance from initial accident reporting to final settlement. Our goal is to ensure you remain informed, legally protected, and positioned for the best possible outcome.


FAQ


Do I have to call the police after a minor accident in Washington?


Yes. Washington law requires that accidents involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 be reported to the police. Even for smaller accidents, calling the police creates an official report that can protect your rights in future claims.


What evidence should I collect after a car crash?


Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, skid marks, and visible injuries. Gather witness names and contact information, and make notes about weather and lighting conditions. Keep a copy of the police report for your records.


How soon should I see a doctor after a car accident?


You should seek medical care immediately, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms right away. Early treatment protects your health and supports your injury claim.


What mistakes should I avoid after a collision?


Avoid admitting fault, skipping medical care, failing to report the accident, or posting details on social media. These actions can weaken your legal position and reduce your chance of full compensation.


How can a personal injury attorney help after a crash?


An attorney can gather evidence, handle communications with insurance companies, and build a strong claim for compensation. In Kent, WA,
Floyd Personal Injury Law Group offers guidance from the moment of the crash through settlement or trial.


Contact Floyd Personal Injury Law Group

(206) 575-7562

(206) 575-7563

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Injured on Property: Kent’s Legal Guide by Floyd Personal Law Group
By jeff December 24, 2025
What Really Happens After a Property Injury If there is one thing I have learned from years of working with injured clients in Kent, it is that the most painful part of a property injury is often what comes after the fall. The shock, the confusion, the embarrassment. People replay the moment over and over, wondering what they did wrong. Most of the time, the answer is nothing. The emotional impact tends to catch people off guard. I hear the same questions constantly. Why do I feel so overwhelmed? Why is the property owner acting like this was my fault? Should I have spoken up sooner? I once represented a woman who fell on a slick ramp behind a retail store. She blamed herself because she was “in a hurry.” But when we reviewed the surveillance footage, it showed employees walking past the spill for nearly an hour before she fell. That is how quickly self-blame can cloud reality. Clients also struggle with symptoms that evolve days later. Pain that spreads Difficulty walking Headaches Loss of sleep Anxiety about returning to the location These are real experiences, and ignoring them only makes things worse. The moment you start doubting your own instincts is the moment the insurance company gains leverage. That is why clarity matters so much in these cases. Understanding Liability and What You Should Do Next Premises liability protects you when unsafe conditions on someone else’s property cause harm. It covers everything from wet floors to broken steps to poor lighting. The standard is simple. Property owners must take reasonable steps to prevent hazards. When they do not, people get hurt. Here is what I look for when assessing a case: Was there a clear, preventable hazard? Did the owner or employees know or should they have known about it? Did their failure to act directly cause your injury? These answers often come from details that people overlook. Maintenance logs. Internal memos. Prior complaints. A witness who saw the hazard hours earlier. These pieces quietly connect the story. If you get injured, your actions in the first few hours matter more than most people realize. This is what I always recommend: Get medical care right away, even if pain feels manageable Report the incident and get a copy of the report Take photos of the hazard, your injuries, and surrounding conditions Ask for names and contact information of witnesses Avoid recorded statements with insurance adjusters Document symptoms as they develop Each of these steps protects your future self. I have seen strong cases collapse because the hazard was cleaned up before anyone captured evidence or because the injured person casually apologized at the scene. These moments may feel harmless, but insurance companies use them strategically. How Compensation Works and When to Call a Lawyer The cost of a property injury is rarely just the initial medical bill. I have seen slips and falls lead to months of physical therapy, lost wages, long term pain, and ongoing stress that clients were not prepared for. People often underestimate the long term financial impact until they are in the middle of it. Here is what compensation may include in Washington: Medical expenses Physical therapy and rehabilitation Lost wages Reduced earning capacity Pain and suffering Long term care costs Washington follows comparative negligence, meaning the insurance company will often try to assign part of the blame to you. You missed a warning sign You were distracted Your shoes were inappropriate These arguments come up constantly, even in cases where the property owner clearly failed to maintain a safe environment. It is why legal representation becomes important earlier than most people think. So when should you contact a lawyer? Your pain is worsening or persistent You are missing work The property owner denies responsibility The insurance company offers a low settlement You feel pressured to settle quickly You are unsure what your claim is worth Reaching out is not about being combative. It is about protecting your rights before the situation becomes more complicated. Why Work With Floyd Law Group in Kent, WA? Over the years, I have represented people who walked into my office feeling overwhelmed and unheard. Many assumed their injuries were not serious enough or believed the insurance company would treat them fairly. What they needed was guidance grounded in real experience, not vague reassurance. At Floyd Law Group, my approach is straightforward. I investigate the facts, not the assumptions I protect clients from insurance tactics I communicate clearly and honestly I focus on long term recovery, not quick settlements Because we work here in Kent, we understand the nuances of local properties, businesses, and community spaces. That local insight helps us see patterns others might miss and build cases with stronger context. Above all, my goal is simple. Make sure you are treated fairly and fully heard. FAQs How long do I have to file a claim in Washington? You generally have three years, but your case is stronger when evidence is collected early. What if no one witnessed my fall? Many strong cases have no witnesses. Evidence like photos, medical records, and past complaints can still support your claim. Can I file a claim if the injury happened at a friend’s house? Yes. Claims are handled through insurance, not your friend personally. Final Thoughts A property injury can shake your confidence as much as your body. Pain, uncertainty, and pressure from insurance companies create a perfect storm that leaves people second guessing everything. I have seen how overwhelming that feels, and I know how quickly circumstances can spiral if you do not protect yourself early. If something about your accident does not sit right with you, trust that feeling. Ask questions. Gather information. And remember, you do not have to navigate this alone. Your health, your future, and your peace of mind matter far more than rushing into a decision you cannot undo later. If you want a meta title, schema markup, or GBP optimized version, I can create that next.
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