One of the most important things to do when you have been in an accident is to start documenting everything right away. It is easy to forget this important step because there is so much confusion and turmoil surrounding an accident but documentation is the only way to prove exactly how much and to what extent you need to be compensated for your pain and suffering. If there is no proof of what you have had to pay out, or have lost due to someone’s negligence it will be very difficult to get the information later. Here are the things you will need to document that will help you with your case.
Pictures: They say a picture tells a thousand words and that really is true. Taking pictures of your accident from all angles really helps to show the situation of the accident in a better light. Pictures of any injuries you may have may seem insignificant, but often help to determine the true nature of what you have been through. It is also helpful to have pictures of the surrounding area or pictures of witnesses nearby.
Keep a written account of what you have been through such as a journal: The details of your accident and what you go through each day of your recovery is extremely important. It is easy to forget what happened especially in the first days following your accident. The daily inconveniences you face, the pain you have, the healing and the psychological things that you experience will make the experience easier for others to understand and relate to.
Keep all notes, letters, instructions from all medical professionals you come into contact with: You may receive notice from one doctor that will need you to come in on a different day due to scheduling conflicts. This letter will become important in the event that the defendant tries to show you missed your appointments. All correspondences from your medical treatment could become important during any litigation proceedings.
Keep all of your medical receipts: You may be the type of person who throws away receipts without even thinking about it, but don’t! Keeping those receipts provides a complete picture of how much you have spent with regards to your accident. It is not easy to get receipts after the fact! Keep a folder that is marked especially for this purpose and save all things related to your injury. Some examples would be: prescriptions, special equipment like wheel chairs, bandaging, etc. Also keep track of any insurance co-payments. These things add up fast!
Track all of your travel expense, including that of those who take you to your medical appointments: Keep fuel receipts and document mileage.
Keep exact documentation of how much you have lost in earnings due to your accident. Be sure to include any benefits or promotional earnings you missed because of your injuries.
