Taking notes after an accident can be critical to the success of your personal injury claim

When you are involved in a car accident that was not your fault, it is easy to become confused and fail to take the steps that are necessary to preserve the evidence. This failure can become a serious problem for you later if you have to file a personal injury claim. Learning how to preserve the evidence in an accident before one happens may be a better way to prepare yourself to take constructive action. Be sure and read our article on What to do after a car accident for the 11 most important steps you need to take.

Why Should I Take Notes after a Car or Truck Accident?

You may not realize it now, but six months from now your recollection of the details of the accident may be important if you are seeking compensation. It is highly likely that your memory will not be as fresh and that you may have forgotten important things that could change the outcome of your case. Therefore, having notes to remind you of these details is extremely important.

As you remember things, you should continue to write them down. Sometimes details become more apparent and clear after the fact than during the confusion immediately following an accident. No detail is too small; the more information you have, the more likely you are to be able to support your personal injury claim.

What Should I Write Down?

You should jot down everything that you can remember about the accident itself: how it happened, what you were doing, where you were going and whether there were witnesses as well as the time, place, weather and any other details you noticed. You should also write down exactly what you felt: jarring, twisting, pain or shock. If anyone said anything, write that down as well.

After the crash, write down the details of your injuries. This includes not only details about your medical treatment but an ongoing diary of any ways the accident has affected your life. Note your pain, suffering, inability to work or perform household tasks. These notes can be important later in establishing the extent to which the accident affected your life.

Finally, keep notes of any conversations you have about your accident with repair shops, work hours, insurance agents and anyone else.

Should I Take Pictures?

It is usually a good idea to take photos of the accident scene, your car and yourself. You may want to enlist the help of a friend to get the best photos. The more photographs you have, the better your chances of preserving the scene as it was at the time of the accident.

By documenting your injuries and your actions after the accident, you maximize your chances of a fair and just personal injury settlement. If you or a loved one have been involved in an injury accident and have questions about how to better protect your rights, contact David & Philpot today for a free consulation.