Your immediate priority is to seek medical attention for your health and to document the injury. Then, report the incident in writing to the hiring company or site manager as soon as possible. Document everything: take photos of the hazard and your injuries, get contact information for witnesses, and keep detailed records of all medical visits and expenses. This creates a crucial evidence trail if you need to pursue a liability claim later.

Insurance most commonly handles claims where you are found legally responsible for causing bodily injury or property damage to others. This includes incidents like a guest slipping and falling in your home, causing a car accident, or your dog biting a neighbor. It also covers claims of personal injury, such as libel or slander. The core function is to protect your assets by covering the other party’s medical bills, repair costs, and legal fees if you are sued, up to the limits of your policy.

First, get the police department’s name, the report number, and the date of the incident from the officer at the scene. After a few days, contact the department’s records division. There is often a small fee and a request form to complete. You may need to pick it up in person or receive it by mail. Provide this copy to your insurance company immediately, and keep the original for your own records and any potential legal proceedings.