If you were injured on someone else’s property in Fairfax, California, you have rights and options for seeking compensation. Premises liability covers injuries caused by unsafe conditions, negligent maintenance, inadequate security, or hazardous design. At Law Republic APC we represent people who have suffered in slips, trips, falls, dog bites, and other incidents that occurred on residential, commercial, or public property. This guide explains how claims typically proceed in Fairfax, what evidence matters, and how local statutes and insurance practices can affect outcomes. Knowing your next steps can help preserve your case and protect your ability to recover damages.
Premises liability cases often turn on details like the property owner’s notice of a hazard, the cause of the dangerous condition, and the extent of your injuries. In Fairfax, gathering early evidence — photos, witness contact information, and medical records — strengthens claims and helps demonstrate fault. Insurance companies will investigate quickly, and timely actions preserve important evidence and legal rights. This overview outlines practical steps to take after an injury and describes how a law firm can help manage communications, collect proof, and negotiate with insurers while you focus on recovery and medical care in the weeks after an accident.
Pursuing a premises liability claim helps injured people seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs that arise after property-related accidents. In Fairfax, holding property owners or managers accountable can lead to compensation that offsets ongoing treatment and other financial impacts from an injury. Legal representation can also prompt property owners to correct hazards that otherwise might injure others. Beyond monetary recovery, a claim can document the incident with insurers and create a record that may support future needs. The process helps ensure responsible parties address unsafe conditions and that victims receive a fair assessment based on evidence.
Law Republic APC represents clients across California, including people injured in Fairfax, Marin County. Our team focuses on personal injury matters such as premises liability, and we guide clients through evidence gathering, demand preparation, and negotiations with insurers. We emphasize clear communication about case options, timelines, and potential outcomes, and we work to reduce stress for injured people by handling complex procedural and administrative tasks. If you call 818-532-5323 we can discuss your situation, answer questions about deadlines and documentation, and outline steps to protect your claim while you concentrate on recovery and medical care.
Premises liability applies when an injury occurs because a property owner or occupier failed to keep the premises safe or warn of known hazards. In Fairfax, that can involve shopping centers, apartment complexes, private homes, government property, and businesses. Determining liability often requires showing that the property owner had actual or constructive notice of the dangerous condition, failed to fix it within a reasonable time, or did not warn visitors. Insurance carriers often defend these claims, so careful documentation of the incident scene, surveillance footage, witness statements, and maintenance records is important for a strong case.
The legal process for premises liability typically involves gathering evidence, identifying responsible parties, notifying insurers, and negotiating a settlement or pursuing litigation. Key elements include proving duty of care, breach, causation, and damages. Each case is affected by local law and facts like whether the injured person was invited, a licensee, or a trespasser, which can influence liability and recovery. Time limits apply for filing claims, so timely action preserves rights. Local experience and knowledge of how claims are handled in Fairfax and Marin County can help shape a realistic strategy tailored to the circumstances of the incident.
Premises liability is the legal concept that holds property owners and occupiers responsible for injuries caused by unsafe conditions on their property. This can include inadequate maintenance, unmarked hazards, broken flooring, poor lighting, or negligence in controlling dangerous activities. The definition varies with the status of the injured person and the type of property, and courts consider whether the owner knew or should have known about the hazard. Establishing a claim typically requires showing that the unsafe condition caused the injury and resulted from a failure to exercise reasonable care in maintaining the premises or warning visitors about the danger.
A premises liability case centers on proving duty, breach, causation, and damages. Investigating a claim includes documenting the scene, collecting eyewitness statements, obtaining incident and maintenance reports, and preserving surveillance footage if available. Medical documentation is essential to link the injury to the incident and to quantify damages. Negotiations with insurance carriers often start after demand letters and evidence presentation; if a fair resolution is not reached, filing a lawsuit may follow. Each step demands attention to deadlines and procedural rules, and careful preparation increases the chance of a favorable resolution without unnecessary delay.
Understanding common terms helps when discussing a premises liability case. Terms like negligence, duty of care, causation, comparative fault, and damages appear frequently in paperwork and negotiations. Knowing what those words mean enables clearer decision making and more effective communication with insurers and property managers. This section defines essential phrases in plain language so injured people can follow case developments and make informed choices about settlement offers, medical treatment documentation, and potential litigation. Familiarity with these terms reduces confusion and helps set realistic expectations about timelines and likely outcomes.
Negligence refers to the failure to exercise reasonable care that a reasonably careful person or property owner would use under similar circumstances. In premises liability, negligence often means a property owner did not repair or warn about a dangerous condition that they knew or should have known about. Proving negligence requires showing that the property owner owed a duty to the injured person, breached that duty, and that the breach directly caused the injury and resulting damages. Medical bills, witness accounts, and maintenance records help demonstrate how negligence led to harm.
Comparative fault is a legal principle that reduces a recovery based on the injured person’s share of responsibility for the accident. In California, an injured party can recover damages even if they were partly at fault, but their award is reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if a jury finds the injured person 20 percent responsible, their final recovery is reduced accordingly. Understanding comparative fault encourages thorough documentation to limit arguments that the injured person’s conduct caused or substantially contributed to the injury.
Duty of care describes the legal obligation property owners or occupiers have to maintain safe conditions for visitors and to warn of known dangers. The scope of that duty can vary depending on the visitor’s status, such as invitee, licensee, or trespasser, and on the nature of the property. Establishing that a duty existed is an early step in a premises liability case, and showing that the owner breached that duty through action or inaction supports a claim for damages. Evidence that the owner failed to inspect, repair, or warn can demonstrate a breach.
Causation links the property condition or owner’s conduct to the injury sustained, while damages refer to the measurable losses resulting from the injury, including medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Both physical and financial evidence are used to quantify damages, including medical records, wage statements, and expert reports on long-term care needs. Establishing causation often requires showing that the injury would not have occurred but for the unsafe condition or negligent action on the property, and accurate documentation helps ensure damages are calculated fairly.
When addressing a premises injury, people can pursue a limited approach that focuses on immediate settlement negotiations with an insurer, or a comprehensive approach that includes a full investigation, documentation, and litigation readiness. A limited approach may be appropriate for straightforward claims with clear liability and modest damages, while a comprehensive approach better serves complex cases involving serious injury, disputed fault, or multiple defendants. Choosing the right path depends on injury severity, available evidence, and the property owner’s cooperation, and thoughtful guidance helps injured people make choices aligned with their recovery and financial needs.
A targeted settlement approach can make sense when liability is clear and the injury involves short-term treatment or minimal medical expense. In such cases, a focused demand to the insurer supported by photos, a short medical record, and witness contact information can lead to a prompt resolution. This approach minimizes delay and avoids prolonged legal steps when the financial impact and long-term consequences are limited. It also reduces legal costs and streamlines the process so injured people can receive compensation for immediate needs without unnecessary procedural burdens.
A limited approach may be appropriate when property owners and insurers respond cooperatively, accept responsibility, and make reasonable settlement offers early in the process. When documentation clearly shows the hazardous condition and the insurer is willing to settle, pursuing a narrow negotiation can resolve the matter efficiently. This route is often quicker and less expensive than full litigation, which benefits clients who prioritize speed and certainty. However, it requires careful review to ensure the offer adequately compensates for medical costs and other losses before accepting any settlement.
A comprehensive approach is advisable when injuries are severe, when liability is contested, or when multiple parties may share responsibility. These situations demand detailed evidence collection, expert opinions on causation and future care needs, and readiness to litigate if a fair resolution is not offered. A full investigation also seeks out latent evidence such as maintenance logs, building inspection records, or surveillance footage that insurers may not provide voluntarily. Thorough preparation helps secure appropriate compensation for long-term medical needs and other significant losses that can follow a serious incident.
When it is unclear whether the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition, a comprehensive approach becomes important. This involves seeking maintenance and incident reports, employee statements, and other records that can show notice or negligent maintenance practices. Obtaining such evidence often requires formal discovery tools available in litigation, and preparing a robust record supports stronger negotiation leverage. A full case strategy protects the injured person’s rights by ensuring that key facts are documented and preserved even if initial settlement offers are inadequate.
A comprehensive strategy increases the likelihood of securing full and fair compensation by thoroughly documenting the incident, injuries, and losses. It anticipates defenses like comparative fault and develops responses through evidence and testimony. Comprehensive preparation also includes evaluating future medical needs and long-term financial impacts to ensure settlement offers address both current and projected costs. By building a complete record, injured people are better positioned to negotiate from strength or proceed to court if necessary, rather than accepting prematurely low offers that fail to cover ongoing care and recovery expenses.
Thorough case work also helps preserve evidence that may degrade or disappear over time, such as surveillance footage, physical hazards, or witness availability. Early and comprehensive investigation prevents surprises during settlement talks or trial and clarifies the likely trajectory of a case. This approach supports transparent communication about risks and potential outcomes so injured people understand options and timelines. Ultimately, a complete case development plan seeks to maximize compensation while minimizing unexpected setbacks and ensuring decisions about settlement or litigation are informed by a solid factual foundation.
A comprehensive approach ensures losses are accurately valued by accounting for medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost wages, and future care needs. Detailed medical records, expert opinions, and vocational assessments, when appropriate, help quantify past and projected costs. This prevents undervaluation when insurance companies make early offers based on incomplete information. Accurate valuation also protects the injured person from out-of-pocket shortfalls later and ensures that settlement terms reflect the real long-term financial impact of the injury. Careful documentation is critical to show the full extent of damages and support fair compensation.
Comprehensive preparation creates a stronger negotiating position by presenting insurers with a clear, well-documented case and reducing opportunities for defensive tactics. When a claim includes corroborated evidence, medical detail, and preserved scene documentation, insurers are more likely to take demands seriously and offer reasonable settlements. This approach reduces the chance that a claim will be undervalued or dismissed prematurely, and it increases the likelihood of resolving disputes without protracted litigation. A strong record also streamlines settlement discussions by focusing on the factual basis for damages and liability.
If you can do so safely after a premises injury, document the scene with photographs and video from different angles. Capture the hazardous condition, any warning signs, the surrounding environment, and your visible injuries. Record the date and time, and preserve any clothing or footwear involved in the incident. If witnesses are present, ask for their names and contact details. Early documentation helps preserve evidence that insurers might later dispute. Collecting comprehensive visual and contact evidence right away builds a clearer record to support a claim and reduces reliance on fading memories.
Insurance adjusters may request recorded statements or early interviews; it is wise to be cautious before giving one. Statements taken without full medical documentation or legal guidance can be used later to limit recovery. Instead, provide basic facts and direct insurers to your legal representative or request more time to gather records. Keep communications focused on logistics, such as how to submit medical bills, and ask for written confirmation of all offers. Protecting your account of the incident until you have documentation and proper representation can prevent misunderstandings and help preserve your claim value.
Filing a premises liability claim can address medical costs, lost income, and ongoing care needs that result from injuries on another’s property. Pursuing compensation may also cover rehabilitation, assistive devices, and other out-of-pocket expenses that arise after an accident. Claims can help restore financial stability while injured people recover from physical harm and manage mounting bills. Additionally, bringing attention to unsafe conditions encourages property owners to fix hazards, which can prevent future injuries to others in the Fairfax community and support public safety improvements at local businesses or residential complexes.
A claim also creates a formal record that can be important for future needs, including potential long-term medical care or disability. Insurance settlements can provide funds that help cover treatment that insurance coverage may not fully reimburse. Pursuing a claim ensures that responsible parties are held accountable for negligent maintenance, inadequate security, or failure to warn. If you are unsure whether to pursue a claim, a consultation about the facts, potential damages, and time limits in Marin County can clarify options and the likely path forward so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Typical incidents that lead to premises liability matters include slips and falls on wet or uneven surfaces, trip hazards from damaged walkways, injuries from inadequate lighting, assaults on poorly secured properties, and animal attacks such as dog bites. Other circumstances include negligent maintenance of stairways, broken handrails, and hazardous conditions in parking lots. Each scenario involves unique factual inquiries about notice, maintenance schedules, and property management practices. Identifying the cause and responsible parties is an essential first step toward pursuing compensation after an injury in the Fairfax area.
Slip and fall incidents often happen in retail spaces, restaurants, and apartment complexes where spills, wet floors, or poor upkeep create hazards. These cases hinge on whether the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and whether reasonable steps were taken to clean, mark, or repair the hazard. Documentation such as surveillance footage, incident reports, and witness statements strengthens claims. Victims should seek medical care promptly and preserve evidence like clothing or footwear that was worn during the incident to support a clear connection between the condition and the injury.
Trip-and-fall injuries can result from uneven pavements, loose carpeting, exposed cords, and damaged steps or handrails. These accidents often cause significant harm, especially for older adults, and may lead to fractures or head injuries. Determining responsibility involves reviewing maintenance schedules and inspection records to show whether the property owner failed to address known hazards. Collecting photographs, witness details, and repair histories soon after the incident helps preserve proof and demonstrates patterns of neglect that insurers often consider during settlement discussions.
Dog bites and other animal attacks are frequent sources of premises liability claims when animal owners fail to control or restrain a dangerous animal. Injuries from bites can require extensive medical treatment and carry infection risks, scarring, and emotional distress. In California, owners may be held responsible under local statutes or negligence principles, and documenting the incident, vaccination records, and witness statements is key. Prompt medical attention and reporting the attack to local animal control help preserve public safety and provide essential records for a claim.
If you were injured on property in Fairfax, Law Republic APC can explain options and next steps, including evidence preservation, insurance notification, and claim timing. Contacting a law firm early helps protect time-sensitive rights and ensures important evidence is not lost. We offer practical guidance about documenting the scene, managing communications with insurers, and evaluating settlement offers in light of your medical needs. Our goal is to reduce the stress of handling claim logistics so you can focus on recovery while trained legal staff handle procedural and negotiation tasks on your behalf.
Law Republic APC assists people injured on premises by coordinating evidence collection, consulting with medical and other professionals as needed, and managing communications with property owners and insurers. We emphasize clear case assessments and realistic expectations about timing and potential outcomes. Our team helps clients prioritize immediate needs like medical care and wage loss documentation while preparing a coherent claim narrative that supports full recovery for both present and future damages. We explain options so clients can make informed decisions about settlement or litigation paths.
When working on premises liability matters, we focus on preserving critical evidence such as scene photographs, incident reports, and witness statements. We also help secure maintenance logs and other records that show notice or neglect. This practical focus on documentation and case readiness improves negotiation leverage with insurers and helps protect clients from low early offers that fail to account for ongoing treatment. By handling these procedural tasks, we allow injured people to concentrate on treatment plans and rehabilitation without the burden of navigating complex claim procedures alone.
We aim to communicate clearly about realistic timelines, possible outcomes, and the strengths and weaknesses of each claim. Clients receive straightforward advice about whether a targeted settlement approach or a comprehensive case strategy best suits their situation. We also assist with medical referrals and cost documentation to ensure damages are fully addressed. If litigation becomes necessary, we prepare a thorough record to support trial readiness. Our approach balances responsiveness to client needs with careful preparation for negotiations or court action as required by each case.
At the outset we evaluate the facts, advise on preserving evidence, and coordinate medical care referrals if needed. We notify insurers and request relevant records while assembling documentation of damages and liability. Early case assessment informs whether a targeted negotiation or full investigation is appropriate. If settlement negotiations begin, we present a demand supported by evidence and medical records. If negotiations do not resolve the claim, we prepare for litigation, including formal discovery and expert consultations. Throughout, we keep clients informed about timing, likely outcomes, and settlement considerations so decisions remain informed.
The first phase focuses on securing the scene, collecting photographs and witness information, and obtaining incident reports and surveillance if available. We advise on immediate steps to preserve physical evidence and document injuries with medical providers. Identifying responsible parties and insurance carriers early helps direct subsequent demands. We also check for any applicable municipal reports or building inspection records that could support notice or maintenance failures. This thorough early investigation sets the foundation for negotiations or litigation by preserving time-sensitive proof and avoiding loss of critical information.
Collecting scene photos, video, and witness contact information soon after an incident prevents loss of important details and demonstrates the hazard as it existed at the time. We advise clients on how to safely gather visual records and how to obtain copies of incident or maintenance logs from property managers. Witness statements can corroborate your account, so documenting names and contact information is important. Early preservation reduces disputes about how the hazard appeared and supports a clearer causal link between the condition and the injury.
Prompt medical documentation links injuries to the incident and establishes a record of treatment costs, lost wages, and rehabilitation needs. Keeping detailed bills, receipts, and employer documentation of missed work helps build the economic damage component of a claim. We also track ongoing care needs and potential future expenses. Accurate records ensure that settlement discussions account for both immediate and long-term financial impacts, reducing the chance that medical costs are underestimated in early offers from insurers.
Once evidence and medical records are in hand, we prepare a demand package that outlines liability and damages and presents evidence supporting compensation. Negotiations with insurers typically follow, and we handle correspondence, settlement discussions, and strategy adjustments based on the insurer’s responses. If the insurer makes a reasonable offer that fully addresses current and future needs, settlement may conclude the matter. If offers are inadequate, we evaluate the benefits of proceeding to litigation, prepare necessary discovery, and continue to collect evidence to strengthen the case.
The demand package compiles photographs, medical records, bills, wage loss documentation, and any relevant maintenance or incident reports that show liability and quantify damages. Clear organization of these materials helps insurers assess the claim and supports negotiations from a factual basis. We craft a narrative that explains how the hazardous condition caused the injury and substantiates future treatment needs. Presenting a thorough demand reduces the chance of undervalued offers and focuses talks on resolving the claim fairly and efficiently.
Negotiations involve evaluating the insurer’s position, responding to requests for documentation, and adjusting strategy as new facts emerge. We advise on whether to accept offers or continue pursuing higher recovery based on medical prognosis and projected needs. Communication remains professional and evidence-focused to maintain credibility. If the insurer refuses reasonable settlement, we prepare to escalate through litigation while continuing negotiation efforts, keeping clients informed about risks and potential timelines associated with trial preparation versus settlement acceptance.
If settlement cannot resolve the case fairly, filing a lawsuit becomes necessary. Litigation includes formal discovery, depositions, and possible expert testimony to establish causation and damages. Preparing for trial requires organizing documentation, identifying witnesses, and developing trial strategy. While litigation can extend timelines, it also provides tools to obtain records and testimony not provided voluntarily. Throughout litigation, we continue to evaluate settlement possibilities and present offers that reflect the case’s strength, always advising clients about the trade-offs between a trial and a negotiated resolution.
Discovery allows formal requests for documents, interrogatories, and depositions of witnesses and property representatives, which can reveal maintenance histories or internal communications about hazards. Expert witnesses may be retained to address causation, future medical needs, or building design issues. Depositions help lock in testimony and expose inconsistencies in the defense’s account. Thorough discovery can strengthen settlement leverage and clarify the case’s likely outcome at trial. This stage requires detailed preparation and careful coordination of records and testimony.
Trial preparation includes organizing exhibits, preparing witnesses, and developing a persuasive presentation of liability and damages. Court proceedings follow procedural rules and often include pretrial motions to shape the case. Trials can resolve disputes that negotiations cannot, and verdicts may address compensation comprehensively. Even when cases proceed to trial, settlement remains an option at any stage if a fair resolution is offered. Clients are guided through the pros and cons of trial with clear explanations about likely timelines, costs, and possible outcomes.
Seek immediate medical attention for any injury and follow your provider’s instructions. If possible, document the scene with photos or video showing the hazard and take pictures of visible injuries. Collect contact information for witnesses and ask property management for an incident report. Preserve clothing or footwear involved in the incident and note the date and time. Timely medical care not only protects your health but also creates a medical record that connects treatment to the incident, which is essential evidence for any claim. Avoid delaying documentation and evidence collection, as surveillance footage and witness memories can fade. Notify the property owner or manager about the incident and keep a record of communications. If an insurer contacts you, be cautious about recorded statements and consider directing them to your legal representative. Early preservation of evidence and clear records of treatment and lost wages strengthen your claim and support a fair resolution with insurers or in court.
In California, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including premises liability, is generally two years from the date of injury. This means you have a limited time to file a lawsuit seeking compensation. Missing the deadline can bar you from pursuing civil remedies, so timely consultation and action are important to preserve your rights and avoid forfeiture of a valid claim. Some circumstances may alter the filing deadline, such as claims against government entities which often require filing an administrative claim within a shorter timeframe before a lawsuit can proceed. It is important to check local rules and seek guidance early so required notifications and filings occur within the applicable timeframes, preserving the option to seek full compensation.
Yes. California applies a comparative fault system that reduces recovery by the percentage of fault attributed to the injured person. You can still recover damages even if you share responsibility, but any award will be reduced accordingly. For example, if you are found partially responsible for an injury, your recovery will be lowered by your share of fault. Because comparative fault can significantly affect settlement value, thorough evidence collection helps limit arguments that you were to blame. Photos, witness statements, and maintenance records reduce uncertainty about how the accident occurred, and proper documentation helps ensure any shared fault is fairly evaluated when calculating compensation.
Key evidence includes photographs of the hazardous condition and your injuries, surveillance footage of the incident, witness statements, incident and maintenance reports, and medical records documenting treatment. Payroll records and receipts help quantify lost wages and out-of-pocket expenses. These materials together create a persuasive picture of liability and damages that insurers evaluate when considering settlement offers. Preserving evidence early is critical because materials like surveillance footage can be overwritten and witnesses’ memories can fade. Requesting records from property owners and obtaining medical documentation promptly strengthens your claim and reduces the chance that defenses will successfully dispute the connection between the hazardous condition and your injuries.
A fair settlement should cover reasonable and necessary medical bills directly related to the injury, as well as compensation for lost income, pain and suffering, and other measurable losses. Settlement amounts depend on the strength of evidence, the severity of injuries, and projected future medical needs. It is important to evaluate any settlement offer carefully to ensure it accounts for both current and anticipated expenses. Accepting a settlement typically ends further claims related to that incident, so be sure the offer fully compensates for ongoing care before agreeing. Detailed documentation of medical treatment, prognosis, and expected future costs helps ensure settlement negotiations address the full scope of your losses rather than only immediate expenses.
After you report an injury, insurers for the property owner will investigate the incident, often requesting documentation, statements, and medical records. They may make an early settlement offer intended to close the claim quickly. Responding to insurers with thorough documentation and clear demands increases the likelihood of a fair outcome. Maintaining communication records and written responses helps track the insurer’s actions and offers during the process. Because insurers evaluate claims based on liability risk and anticipated damages, presenting organized evidence and a clear narrative often leads to better outcomes. If negotiations stall, you can pursue litigation where formal discovery tools are available to obtain additional records and testimony that may not be provided voluntarily during initial insurer investigations.
If the property owner denies responsibility, your case will rely more heavily on thorough documentation and evidence that establishes notice of the hazard and a causal link to your injury. This may include maintenance logs, prior incident reports, witness statements, and any available surveillance footage. Building a strong record helps counter denials and demonstrates the basis for liability during negotiations or litigation. If cooperation is not forthcoming, formal discovery in litigation allows requests for documents, depositions, and subpoenas to obtain evidence. Pursuing these avenues can reveal records that clarify the property owner’s knowledge and maintenance practices, supporting your claim even when initial denials are asserted.
Claims involving injuries on government property can involve additional procedural steps and shorter deadlines to file administrative claims before a lawsuit may proceed. Each agency may have specific notice requirements and time limits that must be met. Failure to follow those procedures can prevent filing suit, so early consultation is important to ensure compliance with the rules that apply to public entities. Because of these special rules, it is important to identify the type of governmental owner and confirm required timelines and filing procedures. Gathering evidence, medical records, and witness contacts promptly still matters, but administrative claim requirements often add an extra procedural layer that must be addressed within strict timeframes.
Future medical needs and lost wages are typically calculated by reviewing medical records, consulting with treating physicians, and, when appropriate, obtaining opinions from medical and vocational professionals. Projections consider the likely course of recovery, the need for ongoing care or surgery, and expected impacts on earning capacity. Documented treatment plans and expert assessments help quantify future costs and support claims for long-term care and wage replacement. Accurate calculation also depends on evidence of pre-injury earnings and documentation of actual work missed due to the injury. Presenting clear medical and employment records during settlement negotiations ensures insurers and courts account for both current expenses and projected future losses when determining a fair recovery amount.
Avoid giving recorded or detailed statements to insurance adjusters without first understanding the full extent of your injuries and having documentation. Early comments may be used to argue you were not as hurt as claimed or that your account is inconsistent. Provide basic contact and incident information but defer detailed recorded interviews until you have medical records and, if needed, legal guidance to ensure your statements are accurate and complete. Keep all communications in writing when possible and request written confirmation of offers. Direct complex questions to counsel and focus your own communications on obtaining copies of reports or invoices. This approach preserves your account and allows you time to gather evidence that supports a complete and accurate description of the incident and resulting injuries.
