If you are involved in an automobile accident that results in injuries, one of the smartest things you can do is begin keeping a journal as soon as possible. This will ensure that your attorney has as much evidence as possible to help you get all the compensation you need and deserve.
So what should you include in your journal? Following are suggestions about the most important information to include.
Describe the accident
You should write down everything you remember about the accident as soon as possible. Details are important, so include as much as possible. This may include information about weather conditions, potholes or other road defects, and the behavior of the other driver before or after the accident. If you’re unsure if certain observations are important, include them anyway – the more information included, the better.
Document your doctor appointments.
While your doctor will keep medical records, you should write down the dates and times of all appointments – as well as any treatments you undergo and what the doctor says to you. This will ensure that your medical information remains complete.
Describe your pain
Keeping an ongoing description of your physical pain and emotional suffering could prove very important to your case. The fact is that memories of the pain you experience may fade over time, so this journal can help prove how much suffering you underwent during your recovery.
Describe the accident’s impact.
Serious injuries can have a major negative impact on your life. Write about things like how you were unable to do normal daily activities (hobbies, going for a walk, cooking dinner, etc.); events you were unable to attend (holiday celebrations, family events); how you were unable to go to work; how you lost your independence and needed help from others in your daily life. Basically, the idea is to include any and all negative impacts that the accident has had on your life.
