Documenting Evidence at the Scene of the Accident

After you ensure your safety and get medical attention, you should take some steps at the scene of the accident or ask someone else to help you document key evidence. 

Capture the scene by taking detailed photos of the accident location, including damage to property, any hazards, and surrounding conditions. If possible, capture the time and date using your camera’s timestamp feature. 

Gather witness information. Ask for their contact information and a brief description of what they saw. Do not pressure them for a statement, but encourage them to write down their recollection as soon as possible. 

Report the incident to the police. Filing an accident report is important even if the incident seems minor. The police report will make an official account of the event and can serve as valuable evidence. 

Documenting Your Injuries Throughout the Process

It’s important to document the severity of your injuries as well as the progression of them and how they impact your daily life. 

Take clear photos of your injuries, including close-ups and those showing progression over time. If possible, have someone else take the photos for better angles. 

Keep all medical records and bills. Collect copies of medical documents related to your injury, including doctor’s reports, prescriptions, and diagnostic tests. You will need to show the prognosis of your injuries as well as the expected maximum medical improvement (MMI) and disability status. 

You should also start a daily journal to track your pain levels, symptoms, limitations, and overall impact of the injury on your daily life. Be honest and specific about your experiences. Update your journal regularly, as prompt documentation is more reliable than memories recalled later. 

Documenting Evidence Through Trial

Although very few personal injury cases go to trial, it’s best to be prepared just in case. This requires you to document all evidence of losses from the beginning until the end. The insurance company will review all damages when determining how much your case is worth. 

Save all receipts to keep track of expenses incurred due to the accident. This includes medical bills, transportation costs, prescription expenses, and other out-of-pocket expenditures. If you must make changes to your home or hire someone to help you with everyday activities, keep a record of those costs also. 

Document your lost wages, including actual days missed, use of paid time off (PTO), vacation time, sick days, and any other time off work. You can have your employer write a letter detailing your time off or you may keep payment stubs with the information on them. 

A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You Document Your Claim

Your personal injury attorney can guide you through the documentation process and advise you on the best way to present your case. The legal team at Creed & Creed has helped countless victims of personal injury accidents get the compensation they deserve by carefully documenting their accidents and injuries. Call us today at PHONE NUMBER to schedule an initial case consultation.