There are many reasons why it’s important for you to have notes to show your car accident lawyer when you are pursuing a personal injury case. No matter how strong it is, never try to rely solely on your memory. Not only will details become hazy over time, the trauma of the event may affect the accuracy of your recollection.
Creating a clear record of what happened is a vital step to ensure you receive proper treatment and compensation following a Chattanooga car accident. Here’s what you should document and why your record matters.
Detail the Accident
The first thing you should write down is everything you remember about the actual accident. Where were you headed? What were you doing and who were you with? What time of day was it and what was the weather like? Make note of noises you heard, what you remember seeing happen around you, and how you felt. Were you hit with something? Did you experience jerking, twisting, or shocks to your body?
Record everything. If you overhear a witness or someone else involved in the accident give an account of what happened, make sure to note their version of events as well.
Record Your Injuries
Immediately following the event, make a note of your injuries. Note any soreness, pain during movement, or unusual discomfort you are feeling. If you are feeling anxious and overwhelmed or are having trouble sleeping, include these details.
The outcome of your personal injury case will likely be dependent on both the physical and emotional trauma you experienced or are experiencing. Although emotional effects are less obvious to an outsider, you absolutely deserve compensation for them. If you record your exact feelings as you are having them, you will have an easier time of describing your experiences to a lawyer or insurance company down the line.
Keeping notes of how you feel both physically and mentally will also help a doctor diagnose your symptoms, which will serve as proof of your injuries during your case. It is much more likely you will receive compensation for the less visible effects of the accident if there is a record that they were serious enough for you to seek professional help.
Write Down Details of Your Conversations
If you talk to a medical professional, the insurance company, a witness, or anyone else whose words are relevant to your case, be sure you write down the details of the conversation. Note the date, time, who was speaking, whether it was in-person or not, and what was said. Chances are, you won’t remember the specifics unless you document them, and they will likely be important to your case.
Note How the Accident Has Affected You
Write down the financial or personal losses the accident has caused you. Have you missed work or classes? Training events? Club or professional meetings? Family gatherings or social get-togethers with your friends? Did your accident prevent you from receiving that promotion you had your eye on? Have you been unable to enjoy the activities you used to?
Make sure you note all of these losses so that the damage of the car accident is clear in your personal injury case. The more detailed information you can provide your car accident lawyer with, the more likely it is that you will receive adequate compensation for the suffering the event has caused you.
Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer
Add as many details to your notes as you possibly can, but make sure they are clear. It won’t help to have a record if even you have trouble making sense of it! Write neatly or type your notes to avoid any confusion when you look back on them or show them to your lawyer. In need of a car accident lawyer? Contact McMahan Law Firm today!
Store your notes safely so that you know where they are and can access them easily. Be careful not to misplace them or mix them up with other paperwork. The more information you have, the stronger your case will be!
