It doesn’t matter if you love dogs or prefer to keep your distance, there’s something you need to know. You could be the victim of a dog bite at any time.

If a dog bites you, here are the first things you need to do:

• Move to safety, so the attack doesn’t continue
• Call for medical care, such as by dialing 911
• Exchange information with the dog’s owner, if possible
• Ask witnesses for their contact information
• Contact animal control

As time allows, it’s also important to document the attack. The information you collect will work in your favor when filing an insurance claim and seeking other ways to obtain compensation for your injuries.

Here are some of the many forms of documentation to gather:

• Photos of the scene
• Photos of your visible injuries
• A list of injuries and symptoms
• Journal entries outlining your recovery
• Copies of all medical records and medical bills
• Witness statements

You should also write down the events surrounding the bite, such as when and where it occurred, what you were doing and the steps that the dog’s owner took (if they were in the area at the time of the attack).

While your health is top priority, you may be dealing with an insurance company or filing a lawsuit, so you need to collect as much information as possible. Anything you have to back up your claim can help you receive compensation for your injuries, permanent scars, emotional damages, medical bills, future treatment and lost wages.

Dogs may be man’s best friend, but that doesn’t mean all these animals are safe to be around.