Why You Should Take Notes After an Accident
When you are injured in a personal injury accident, you suffer a variety of damages, including physical injuries, emotional suffering, and financial losses. In order to receive compensation for your injuries, you must prove the other party caused the accident AND you suffered damages as a result of the accident.
You can help your Fresno personal injury attorney build a strong case against the other party by keeping detailed notes related to the accident, your injuries, and your recovery. Below are tips for keeping notes after a personal injury accident.
The Accident Scene
If possible, make notes at the accident scene while everything is fresh on your mind. Write down what you remember doing immediately prior to the collision; the time of the accident; details about the weather; a description of the accident scene (i.e. stop signs, traffic signals, skid marks, etc.); and, the names and contact information for any eye witnesses. Even the smallest detail may be very important for your accident claim. Take pictures of the accident scene if you are physically able to move and you can move about safely. If you do not have a pen and paper, you can use your cell phone to make notes or to send yourself a text or an email with your notes.
Conversations
Begin immediately making notes regarding every conversation you have with anyone related to your accident including, insurance adjusters, physicians, attorneys, witnesses, and law enforcement officers. Note the date and time of your conversation; with whom you are speaking with; the topic of the conversation; and, details of the conversation.
Financial Damages
When you are injured because of another person’s negligence, you are entitled to be reimbursed for your out-of-pocket damages. This includes, but is not limited to, medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and travel expenses. Keep a detailed log of every financial loss related to your accident. Keep receipts for all payments you make related to the accident and your recovery. For example, if you must pay someone to clean your home because you are unable to do so due to your injuries, list this expense and keep the receipt. As long as your attorney can directly relate the expense to your injuries and recovery, you should receive compensation for the expense; however, you need to have proof (i.e. receipt) you incurred the expense.
Your Injuries and Recovery
In addition to out-of-pocket damages, you are entitled to receive compensation for your physical pain and emotional suffering. However, it can be difficult to place a value on this type of damage because it is different for each person. Keeping detailed notes regarding your injuries and your recovery can help your personal injury attorney substantiate the claim for pain and suffering damages. Note your pain level each day; things you are unable to do because of your injuries; how your injuries impact your relationship with family and friends; and, how your injuries impact your daily life (i.e. unable to sleep, nightmares because of the trauma, etc.).
Have You Been Injured In An Accident?
A personal injury accident can turn your life upside down. Our Fresno personal injury attorneys represent clients throughout the Central California Valley.
Call Torem & Associates at (888) 500-5000 to speak with a Fresno personal injury lawyer. You may also chat with a representative online or use our convenient online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
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