Why You Should Document Any Ongoing Pain And Symptoms After an Accident

January 23, 2023

Documenting your healing progress after an accident should be your number one priority. Following an accident, you should keep track of your injuries and other relevant facts as they will become crucial details later. While these statements can help with a possible lawsuit, they can also help deem your reports trustworthy.

The Importance of Documenting Ongoing Pain Following an Accident

Keeping track of important details following an accident has a lot to do with helping investigators determine liability.

If you are not severely injured, and able to do so yourself, be sure to take pictures of any damage that occurred as a result of the accident. This includes skid marks, debris, and photos of the accident scene. Also, make sure that you take pictures of any injuries you have that are visible, including damage to clothing and property.

Be sure to write down the time, location, date, and visibility information as it pertains to the accident. What were you and the other parties involved doing right before the accident occurred? What conversations did you and the first responders have? This information is crucial and should be documented as well. If any witnesses are at the scene, make sure that you write down their contact information along with their statements.

Additionally, keeping track of the progress of your injuries and symptoms will come in handy for a potential lawsuit. Remember, that certain symptoms and injuries may not always be felt immediately following an accident. Sometimes, pain may not show up until days or weeks later. This is why it is important to keep track of any symptoms you are experiencing on a daily basis.

Furthermore, don’t forget to seek prompt medical treatment following an accident so that you have an official record of any injuries. 

How To Document Your Injuries

Documenting the progress of your recovery will affect your case. You can use a journal to keep track of symptoms, doctor’s appointments, and more.

On a daily basis, document the symptoms you are having in detail. Are you suffering from a throbbing headache? Are you experiencing sharp pains in your legs or blurry vision? Don’t forget to rate your level of pain on a scale from one to 10.

 Documenting your doctor’s appointments means:

  • Writing down the names of the doctors that are treating you
  • The time, date, and location of your appointments
  • Any medications prescribed to you
  • Tests that have been ordered
  • Diagnostics that have been made
  • Costs and mileage for traveling to and from your appointments
  • Conversations in regard to your care, prognosis, and other pertinent information

Hang on to any medical bills, billing statements, and prescriptions you have received.  

Are you experiencing any limitations to your daily tasks and activities? Maybe certain activities make your pain worse. Be certain that you are specific about household tasks, personal care, hobbies, running errands, and working. These should be documented in your journal as well.

Remember that the more detailed information you have, the better the outcome will be for a future lawsuit. Journaling your progress ensures critical details are not lost.

 

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