Why You Should Keep a Diary After a Car Accident to Support Your Lawsuit
If you were injured in a motor vehicle collision that was caused by the negligent actions of another driver, you may decide to file a lawsuit. You can file a lawsuit for non-economic damages and additional compensation for damages that weren’t covered by your PIP insurance. If you plan to file a lawsuit, keeping a journal that documents your struggles during your recovery can significantly increase your chances of recovering the fair award you deserve.
How to Keep a Journal After a Car Accident
If you were involved in an auto accident and suffered a serious injury, you can file a lawsuit and pursue compensation for non-economic damages and compensation for damages that were not covered by your PIP insurance.
Keeping a journal after a motor vehicle collision is a great way to show the court how the accident has impacted your life, the severity of your injuries, and your limitations and daily struggles.
Document How Often You Experience Pain
If you were injured in the accident, you may be faced with a long recovery and ongoing pain. In your journal, document how often you experience pain throughout the day. Include your pain level on a scale of 1-10.
Include Important Accident Details
Memories can fade over time. As you recover, make sure you document in your journal the details of the accident, including:
- What the other driver said and did
- What you believe caused the accident
- Road conditions
- Weather conditions
- Traffic conditions
- Your injuries
- Vehicle damage
Keeping a journal can help your car accident lawyer build a strong case that proves your damages.
How the Accident Has Affected Your Life
Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may struggle with new limitations. Daily, include how your injuries have prevented you from carrying out activities, such as bathing and dressing yourself, lifting heavy objects, returning to work, and limitations in other areas of your life.
Medical Treatment
Record every doctor’s appointment and physical therapy appointment. Note what you discussed during the appointment, what treatments you received, and how you feel you have benefited from treatment.
Why It’s So Important to Document in A Post-Accident Journal
Unlike economic damages, which can be proven with medical bills and receipts, non-economic damages can be difficult to quantify. By keeping a journal, you’ll show the court how the accident has changed your life in many ways, from experiencing ongoing pain to the many doctor’s appointments and surgeries you may require. Your car accident lawyer will use this as evidence to help you recover the compensation you deserve for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, and more.
Your Car Accident Diary May Not Stay Private
Your diary can be used as evidence if you go to trial. The information you include in your journal can be read by the defense team and the jurors. Because of this, it’s important to only include information that you’re comfortable sharing. Do not include private thoughts and information that is unrelated to your accident and injuries. If you’re not sure what information you should include in your journal, you can discuss this with your car accident attorney. They can help guide you during the process and discuss what information can help support your case.
Contact Us Today!
At Friedland & Associates, our car accident lawyers have extensive experience handling complex auto accident claims and know how to negotiate with insurance companies to help you recover the compensation you deserve. If you were injured in an auto accident and your insurance company is refusing to pay you the settlement you deserve, contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We can discuss your case and explain your legal rights and options, moving forward.
