One of the most important things to do after getting in a motor vehicle accident is to document the injuries you sustained. Documentation can include photographs, written notes, witness statements, medical records, EMS reports, police reports, and more.
Photographs of your injuries are some of the easiest forms of documentation to collect. If there are parts of your body that you cannot reach or are in too much pain to take the images yourself, have a friend or family member do so – in many instances bruising will appear in the days following a crash on various areas of your body where you came into contact with another object of part of the car or where the seat restraint crosses your waist and shoulder and chest. You should also write down detailed descriptions of your injuries and the physical and mental pain they cause, keep all medical records, and obtain statements from witnesses. Police reports are another important form of documentation to gather, as they come with a lot of authority and are very credible pieces of evidence that can be used in a personal injury case.
All this documentation will help your attorneys build a compelling personal injury case and will be brought up in court as evidence to support your claims. There really is no such thing as too much documentation, as well-documented evidence should only strengthen your case. Having more documentation can often improve your chances of winning a personal injury lawsuit and being awarded significant reasonable damages that you are entitled to in your case.
Documenting your injuries will also help ensure you get the proper medical treatments. Photos will help healthcare providers more accurately diagnose the injury, allowing them to recommend the best treatment methods so you can recover faster and more effectively from your injuries.
It’s also important to document your injuries if you will be filing an insurance claim. In fact, most insurance companies require detailed documentation, including photos, medical records, and witness statements – that your lawyer will need to compile and submit as part of any prelitigation settlement demand in your case.
All in all, documenting your injuries in a variety of ways after a car accident protects your rights and helps ensure that you receive justice and the damages you deserve. If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident and need a personal injury lawyer to assist you in building a compelling case, contact the team at Whalen Injury Lawyers today!
