In the aftermath of an accident, it’s important to document everything that happened. This can be especially important if you need compensation for your losses or want to make sure that another party is held responsible for what happened.
Millions of people work in Washington, DC, and car accidents happen on a daily basis due to the condensed population. Many get settled on the road, and many go through extensive trial courts. If you or your loved one happen to be in a severe car accident in Washington, DC, you must contact a Washington, DC, personal injury attorney who can help you file a car accident claim and get you compensated for your loss.
Here are some tips on how to document your recovery:
Take Pictures
This is an important step in documenting your recovery, and it can also be helpful if you need to sue someone later on. If possible, take a picture of your vehicle after the accident. Compare it with any previous pictures of the car, and document the differences. If you are unable to do so, then ask law enforcement to provide you with the pictures. Similarly, take photos of property damage. If your car was damaged in an accident with another vehicle and there was significant damage done to either vehicle, then this information will help you file an insurance claim later on down the road.
Document Your Injuries
It’s also important to take pictures of your injuries. If you have any lasting effects from the accident, such as a broken bone or other physical injuries (or even just some bruising), make sure to document that in a photo so that you can show how much pain you had to suffer before fully recovering.
Talk to an Attorney
The first step in getting your case settled is finding an attorney who can guide you through documenting your road to recovery. You can do this by calling up the state bar association, or you can search online for lawyers who specialize in car accidents and personal injury cases. You’ll want to talk with your potential attorney about what kind of payment plan they have available for clients, but don’t be afraid to ask questions. Ideally, work with an attorney who accepts contingency fees. This will be less draining for your finances.
Medical Bills
You should also keep copies of all medical bills and treatment records, as well as any other documentation related to your injuries. This includes doctors’ notes, x-rays, and MRIs; hospital forms; emergency room bills; physical therapy referrals; prescriptions for painkillers or other medications (including over-the-counter pills); ambulance receipts from the scene of the accident; insurance claim forms from the insurance company that paid out on your behalf after filing an accident report with them.
Keep a Diary or Journal
Keeping a diary or journal is an excellent way to document your progress. You can write down what you are feeling, what you are doing, and even how much sleep you get each night. It’s also helpful to keep track of the foods that make up the bulk of your diet each day, as well as any medications that may be prescribed by your doctor or therapist.
If any activities cause pain when performing them write them down, as they may be crucial to getting fair compensation. Moreover, keeping a diary will also relieve you of the stress and emotional trauma that immediately follows a serious accident.
Documenting your recovery experience can help you remember the events that led up to the accident, as well as how they affected your life. It also serves as a valuable tool in collecting evidence later on if necessary. You may be surprised at how much information can be gathered simply by keeping detailed records of every detail of your recovery process.
Photo credit: Accident Evidence
