What To Include In Your Auto Accident Injury Journal

If you have been involved in an auto accident and are working with an attorney to prepare a lawsuit, you may be asked to keep a personal injury journal. While this may seem weird to those who don't have experience with personal injury claims, this kind of documentation can go a long way in helping to build a strong case. The journal helps to attest to the extent and severity of your personal injuries and what type of impact that the injuries have had on your day-to-day life. Plus, the journal helps to support your request for monetary damages. Here is a look at what you should make sure to include in this journal.

What Transpired

The journal needs to start at the very beginning, which is when the accident occurred. It needs to describe what happened in as much detail as possible. Include details that may not seem relevant to you, as you never know what seemingly insignificant detail can help increase the odds of your personal injury case in the end.

Your Injuries

After an auto accident, you need to visit a physician to get an official medical report of the injuries that you sustained. Make sure to keep a copy of this record. You should also take pictures of any visible injuries, including scrapes, bruises, etc. Continue to track the progress of your injuries, symptoms, etc. Note any progress or setbacks each day in your journal.

Correspondence with Relevant Individuals

Following the accident, you should exchange contact information with the other parties involved in the accident as well as any eyewitnesses. Make sure that their information is included in the personal injury journal and make note of any exchanges that you have with them, including the date, time, and location.

Time Away from Work

Your attorney is going to seek compensation for a variety of damages that will cover everything from your medical costs to your lost wages. To ensure that you are able to pursue and hopefully secure the maximum amount of damages, you will want to take note of every time that you have to miss work, regardless of whether this is due to the fact that you don't feel well or doctor's appointment. Make sure that you submit requests in writing for time off to your employer so that you have official documentation to back these requests up.

Pain and Suffering

After the auto accident, you are likely experience many different symptoms of pain and suffering, and this includes physical as well as emotional. Months after the accident, do you still have pain in your hip? Each time it bothers you, make note of it in your journal. Do you wake up from accident-related nightmares? Make sure to take note of these as well.

For more information, get in touch with an auto accident attorney who can advise you on what all needs to be included in the journal and what steps you need to take following an accident.