As the plaintiff in a personal injury case, you may be entitled to financial compensation for the damages you suffered as a result of the accident. However, it is your responsibility to provide convincing evidence of these losses and their value. Proper documentation can strengthen your claim, make it more difficult for insurance companies to push back, and increase your personal injury claim’s value.
Here are some ways you can document your personal injury damages:
Report the Accident
Reporting the accident immediately after it happened can help create a paper trail. It can prevent the insurance company from claiming the accident never happened or allow the at-fault party to come up with a convincing story in their defense. A police or accident report can establish a clear timeline of when the event happened and provide an objective piece of evidence you can use to support your claim. Ask any witnesses who observed the accident to stay and speak to authorities so their objective accounts can be included in the report. Keep a copy of the official report once it is prepared.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
You should avoid allowing a gap between the time of the accident and when you seek medical attention. The insurance company will use any gap against you, potentially claiming that you were injured in some other way than the accident. Medical records can help link the accident and your injuries.
Photograph the Scene
You likely have a powerful tool that can help you document the incident: your phone. Take pictures of the accident scene, including any factors that could have contributed to it. Take wide shots and close-ups of the conditions that led to the accident, the accident scene, and your injuries. Include potential hazards, skid marks, and all property damage.
Keep Detailed Records
Keep all evidence such as documents, photographs, and records involving your accident, including:
- Medical bills
- Medical records
- Repair assessments
- Mileage to and from medical treatment
- Pay stubs
- A statement from your employer detailing your lost income
- Invoices for medical supply equipment
- Receipts
- A log of your medical appointments.
Write Down What Happened
Over time, your memory of the incident can fade. By writing down everything you remember about the accident shortly after it occurred, you can preserve these valuable memories and have something you can refer to later. Your account should include how the accident occurred, the date and time of day it happened, weather conditions, the identity of any witnesses, statements you or the defendant made, and the effects you felt. Give this narrative to your lawyer, and do not share it with anyone else.
Your Cherry Hill personal injury lawyer may also advise you to keep a medical diary in which you provide a daily account of your injuries and how they affect you.
Contact Our Cherry Hill Personal Injury Lawyer Today
At Aronberg, Kouser, Snyder & Lindemann, P.A., we know how difficult it can be to manage a personal injury claim after suffering serious injuries due to someone else’s negligence. An experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyer from our firm can assist you with documenting your case and demanding fair compensation for it. We encourage you to
Contact us for a free consultation where we can explain how we can help.
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