If you have been injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. However, to get the full and fair compensation you deserve, you need to document your injuries and expenses properly. Please continue reading and reach out to a dedicated Fairfield County, Connecticut personal injury lawyer from Casper & de Toledo for more information.
Five Ways to Best Document Your Injuries & Expenses after an Accident
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible. The first and most important step you should take after an accident is to call the police and get medical treatment for your injuries. Not only is this crucial for your health and recovery, but it also creates a record of your injuries and the treatment you received. Make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions and keep all your medical records, bills, prescriptions, receipts, and reports.
- Take photos and videos of your injuries and the accident scene. Visual evidence can be very powerful in proving the extent and severity of your injuries and the cause of the accident. If possible, take photos and videos of your injuries as soon as possible after the accident, and throughout your recovery process. Also, take photos and videos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, the road conditions, the traffic signs, and any other relevant details. If your injuries prevent you from taking photographs or videos, ask a friend or family member to do so.
- Keep a journal of your symptoms and recovery. Another way to document your injuries is to keep a journal or diary of how you feel after the accident. Write down your symptoms, pain levels, emotional distress, limitations, progress, setbacks, and any other information that shows how the accident has affected your life. Be honest and detailed in your journal entries.
- Collect evidence of any expenses or losses you’ve incurred as a result of your accident. In addition to documenting your injuries, you also need to document your expenses and losses related to the accident. This includes any out-of-pocket costs such as transportation, home care, assistive devices, property damage repairs, etc. It also includes any income you lost due to missing work or reduced earning capacity. Keep copies of your pay stubs, tax returns, invoices, receipts, estimates, and any other documents that show your financial losses.
- Hire a personal injury lawyer. Importantly, if you’re looking to file a personal injury claim, you need to hire a Connecticut personal injury lawyer who can help you gather and preserve all the necessary evidence for your claim. A lawyer can also advise you on the steps to take and the mistakes to avoid after an accident, among other things.
Sustaining an injury in an accident can be a devastating experience, but by sufficiently documenting it and hiring competent legal counsel, you stand a far greater chance of recovering the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled. If you need an attorney you can depend on, contact Casper & de Toledo today.
