If you’re injured in a car accident, it’s a chaotic and frightening time. It can be very difficult to know exactly what you should do. With all the interaction you have with police officers and doctors, it can be easy to overlook the importance of documenting everything that happened in the accident and during its aftermath. Documenting your accident injuries is essential if you’re going to get fair compensation. Below are some tips that will help:
Make Accident Notes
Make notes on the time and location of the accident, as well as how it actually happened. It’s important to do this as quickly as possible, since your memory will be more accurate close to the event. Hold on to these notes. They can be essential when you’re interacting with the insurance company or lawyers. You should also make notes about how your injuries impact your life, including your work.
Take Some Accident Photos
Remember to take photos of the accident and particularly of any vehicles involved. Photos of the street or intersection, skid marks, street signs, lights and anything else that might be relevant to the accident would also be a good idea. If possible, try to use a good camera for this. But if you have to do it quickly, because the cars are being removed, you can use your phone camera. If you’re injured and unable to take the pictures, have someone else do it for you.
Get Your Injuries on the Record
In the emergency room or when you go to see your private doctor, make clear just what your symptoms are. An insurance company can question your injuries later if you don’t mention them to the doctor at the time. Another way to document your injuries is to take photos of any cuts, bruises, fracture casts, stitches or scars. You want to take photos of these injuries immediately after the accident, after treatment and as you continue to heal.