Wawa is a convenience store and gas station that operates throughout the country. Like other businesses open to the public, they have a duty to keep the premises safe. They should pay for losses if they fail their duty and someone suffers an injury. If you fall in a Wawa, speak to our Philadelphia premises liability attorney.
Contact authorities
As soon as the accident occurs, contact the police. The store can file an internal report, but the police report will provide additional details regarding the incident. They can document the scene and determine the cause. The police report is also essential when filing your injury claim. When you obtain the report, keep it safe and bring it to an initial consultation with a Wawa accident lawyer.
When you call the police, you should also request emergency medical services. Even if you feel uninjured, it is vital to get checked out. Sometimes injuries don’t show symptoms for hours or days. The shock and emotions surrounding the accident can cover up symptoms until you settle in at home.
Get witness information
Since these Wawas are high-traffic areas, there are likely other people nearby who saw the accident. Often, witnesses leave before police arrive to take their statements. You should try to get their contact information so your Philadelphia slip and fall attorney can get their official statement later. Witness statements can make a difference in premises liability cases, as witnesses have no involvement in the situation and do not benefit from making a statement.
You should ask for their names, phone numbers, email addresses, and home addresses. You can even record their statement in a voice note on your phone. If you can record their statement, ask them what they saw and what they think caused the fall.
Report it to a Wawa manager
Typically, a Wawa manager will already address the fall, but if they have not, you should speak to one. The manager will be alerted to the situation and address the hazard. They will also alert the insurance company to what occurred and that a claim may be filed. Sometimes they will file a report about the incident. You will also need the manager’s name and contact information. You will need the insurance company’s name, policy number, official location name, and store number.
Take pictures
You should take pictures and videos before the manager can clean up the mess. Since the hazard affects other customers, they will quickly remedy it. The clean-up will also complicate liability without photos and videos. You do not need to move to take these pictures; just grab your cell phone and snap them from where you are. Moving about can cause further harm. You should also take pictures of your injuries immediately. Bruises, bleeding, and swelling can decrease over time. It is vital to have these pictures as they will help with your claim. Our slip and fall lawyers can help guide you on which pictures you should take, and we will include them in your case file.
Do not wash your clothing
This step might seem odd, but your clothing can be relevant to your case. Your shoes may become a focal point of the investigation. The insurance company may argue that your footwear caused you to fall. By preserving it, you can prove otherwise. Not only should you keep your clothing, but you also should not wash it. Your first instinct might be to wash off blood, substances, or more, but DO NOT.
Avoid social media
Social media has become a place to share our lives and vent to others. You might be tempted to discuss your case, injuries, pain, and medical appointments. Unfortunately, the more you say and post about your life during a claim, the higher your risk of a claim denial. Insurance adjusters will be watching your social media, even private ones, for anything they can take out of context and use against you. They will not only focus on posts regarding your accident, but also on anything and everything you put online.
Call a Wawa slip-and-fall lawyer
After a Wawa slip and fall, the best step is to contact a premises liability attorney. The insurance company works against you, but Kwartler Manus, LLC works for you. We understand how to navigate these claims and help you recover payment for your losses. We have helped countless clients get the justice they deserve. Speak to our legal team by calling (267) 817-7127 to schedule a consultation.