When you’ve been in a car accident through no fault of your own, you may be in for a long recovery time – and you need to document the stages.
Personal injury laws give you the right to ask for fair compensation for both your economic (like lost wages and medical bills) and non-economic losses (like pain and suffering) from the negligent driver. The more evidence you have that supports your position, the easier it can be to make a solid claim. Here are some steps to take:
1. Take lots and lots of photos
Photos really are worth a thousand words – and, sometimes, they’re worth thousands of dollars. Photos of your injuries both immediately after the wreck and in the weeks to come can visually illustrate your pain and suffering throughout the healing process.
2. Keep seeing your doctor
Medical appointments provide excellent documentation for a personal injury claim, and your health depends upon keeping those follow-up visits with your doctor. Even when you start feeling better, continue visiting your doctor until you’re given the “all clear.”
3. Start a journal
Maintain a journal to record daily experiences related to your recovery. Note any physical symptoms, pain levels, emotional challenges and improvements over time. This not only helps you track your progress but also serves as valuable evidence in legal or insurance matters – and it can provide specific insight into the struggles you’ve experienced, special events you’ve missed or how your injuries have affected your mental state.
While your health is the most important concern after a car wreck, you’d be remiss if you weren’t thinking ahead to your personal injury claim. Factoring in your pain and suffering can make a significant difference in the compensation you receive, so it’s worth taking extra steps with documentation.