Why Is Keeping a Diary of Your Pain and Symptoms After an Accident Important?
Accident claims and lawsuits do occur. If you plan on filing a lawsuit following a car accident, it is important that you keep a pain journal. Maybe you won’t have complete memory following your accident due to physical brain damage or even emotional trauma. However, lawsuits and accident claims rely heavily on facts and evidence. If you don’t have clear evidence, this may hurt your case. Document everything related to the accident by keeping a pain journal.
What to Include in Your Pain Journal
The Basics
One of the first things that you should write down in your pain journal is everything that you can remember regarding your accident. These things may include the time, date, environmental and weather conditions, injuries, emotions, and any damage that occurred. These are all things that may vary depending on the type of accident you were involved in. As soon as you can following your accident, you should write these things down.
When it comes to your level of pain, you should document these things on a daily basis, using a scale of one to ten. Make sure that you include both the date and time when you write and any additional relevant information.
Communication With Insurance Companies, Witnesses, & Officials
If you plan on hiring legal assistance after an accident, you need to make sure that you record all the communication you have with your insurance company, authorities, and witnesses in your journal. If there is something that seems irrelevant, you should still write it down. More than likely, a personal injury attorney will take care of communicating with everyone for you.
Doctor Visits & Medical Information
Your medical information should be included when you write in your daily journal. If you have any doctor appointments, you should keep them documented in addition to your treatments and any medication you are currently taking. This will help provide information for the courts. Additionally, it can help your doctor keep track of your progress.
Additional Tips
It may seem challenging to keep up with a pain journal, especially if your injuries are significant. However, it can be crucial evidence to receive compensation. Consider keeping these tips in mind to ensure you get the most out of your pain journal:
- Write down everything, even if you feel you are reporting too much information. Your attorney can help you decide what you should include in your claim.
- Writing things down can help keep your mind clear and keep your emotions in check following an accident.
- Photograph all your injuries and medications using your phone. These can be added to the records you have in your pain journal.
- Document your receipts and medical bills relevant to your injuries.
- When you journal, make sure you provide detailed information.
- Consult your attorney for help if you are not sure what to write about.
- Include any additional information about missed work and wages.
Categorised in: Injury