The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm | December 9, 2025 | Premises Liability
If you get injured in Historic Downtown Manassas, taking the right steps immediately protects both your health and legal rights. Whether you slip on a sidewalk, trip in a store, or are hurt in a restaurant, knowing what to do makes a significant difference in your recovery and potential compensation.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health takes priority over everything else. Even if injuries seem minor, get medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately but worsen over time.
Call 911 if you experience serious injuries like:
- Heavy bleeding or deep wounds
- Loss of consciousness or confusion
- Severe pain or inability to move
- Signs of broken bones
- Head, neck, or back injuries
For less severe injuries, visit an urgent care facility or your doctor within 24 hours. Delayed medical treatment can give insurance companies ammunition to argue your injuries weren’t serious. Medical records also create documentation linking your injuries to the accident, which is important evidence.
Document the Accident Scene
Evidence disappears quickly, so gather information while still at the scene. Take photographs from multiple angles showing the hazardous condition that caused your injury. Capture wide shots that show context and close-ups that reveal details.
Important items to photograph include:
- The exact spot where you fell or were injured
- Hazards like wet floors, broken pavement, or poor lighting
- Warning signs or lack thereof
- Overall area conditions
- Your visible injuries
Get contact information from anyone who witnessed the accident. Witnesses provide independent verification of what happened. Ask for names, phone numbers, and email addresses.
Report the Incident Properly
Notify the property owner or manager immediately about your injury. If you fell in a store, speak with the manager and insist that they create an incident report. Request a copy for your records.
For accidents on public property like sidewalks, report the incident to the City of Manassas. Document when and how you reported the accident. This creates an official record of the incident.
Preserve All Evidence
Keep everything related to your accident in a safe place. This includes medical records, bills, prescription receipts, and documentation of all expenses. Save receipts for over-the-counter medications, medical equipment, and transportation to appointments.
Don’t wash or discard clothing or shoes worn during the accident. Torn fabric or damaged footwear can prove how the accident occurred. Store these items in a safe location where they won’t deteriorate.
Maintain a daily journal to document your pain levels, limitations, and how injuries impact your life. Record missed activities, sleep problems, and emotional difficulties. These details support claims for damages related to pain and suffering.
Avoid Common Mistakes
Never give a recorded statement to insurance companies without consulting an attorney. Adjusters ask leading questions designed to minimize your claim. They might use your words against you later.
Don’t post about your accident on social media. Insurance companies monitor profiles for evidence that contradicts injury claims. A photo of you smiling doesn’t mean you’re not in pain, but insurers will try to use it against you.
Avoid accepting quick settlement offers. Initial offers rarely reflect the true value of your claim. Insurance companies are aware that most people need money quickly and exploit this pressure.
Special Considerations for Historic Downtown
Historic Downtown Manassas presents unique challenges for premises liability cases. Old buildings may have uneven floors, narrow stairways, or outdated safety features. Weather creates hazards on brick sidewalks and historic streets. Property owners must take reasonable steps to address hazards or warn visitors of potential dangers.
Crowded events and festivals increase the risk of accidents. Property owners hosting events must ensure that adequate safety measures are in place for the expected crowds. Poor lighting on historic streets contributes to nighttime trip-and-fall accidents.
Contact Our Manassas Premises Liability Lawyers at The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm for a Free Consultation
If you get injured in Historic Downtown Manassas, protecting your rights requires prompt action. From seeking immediate medical care to documenting the scene and understanding property owner duties, each step matters. Consulting a lawyer should also be high on your list of steps to take after your accident.
If you need help, call The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm to schedule a free consultation. One of our experienced premises liability lawyers can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm Manassas
9208 Lee Ave, First Floor, Manassas, VA, 20110
(571) 229-1800
Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Manassas
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 38.7523907,-77.5566859
The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm Fairfax
4000 Legato Rd #1100, Fairfax, VA, 22033
(571) 200-5424
Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Fairfax
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 38.8657713,-77.3652474
