After a car accident, keeping a detailed diary can play a crucial role in documenting the incident and the ongoing effects of your injuries. This firsthand account helps to strengthen your claim by providing clear evidence of how the accident and injuries have impacted your life. A comprehensive diary can significantly increase the value of non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, by offering a personal perspective that complements medical records and other evidence.
What Should You Document in Your Accident Diary?
When you work with a car accident lawyer, they’ll guide you on what to include in your diary. Important details to document may include:
- Accident Details: Time, date, and location, as well as weather and road conditions.
- Medical Updates: Summaries of doctor visits, surgeries, prescribed medications, physical therapy, and other treatments.
- Pain Levels: Document your pain level on a 1-10 scale, and how it affects your daily activities.
- Lifestyle Impact: Note any difficulties with self-care, work restrictions, or inability to enjoy hobbies or activities.
- Communication Notes: Record conversations with insurance companies, doctors, and employers.
This record can provide a thorough picture of the accident’s impact on your life, from physical pain to lifestyle changes.
How Often Should You Update Your Accident Diary?
Start your diary as soon as possible following the accident. Keep regular entries whenever your injuries impact you, particularly during moments of pain, appointments, or limitations in daily activities. Consistent entries can help preserve details that may otherwise fade over time and allow your attorney to better demonstrate the severity and ongoing effects of your injuries.
How an Accident Diary Supports Your Claim
While economic damages like medical bills and lost wages are easier to quantify, proving non-economic damages—such as pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment—can be challenging. Your accident diary provides evidence of your physical and emotional struggles, helping to substantiate your claim for non-economic damages. This detailed documentation, along with testimony from family, friends, and medical professionals, strengthens your attorney’s ability to negotiate fair compensation.
Contact LA Law Group for Legal Assistance
If you’ve been in a car accident, LA Law Group can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Our legal team will guide you through the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and use all available evidence to support your claim. We offer free consultations, so contact us today to learn more about your options and how we can support your recovery.
