The Importance of Keeping Accurate Records in a Personal Injury Case

Documentation is a key part of any personal injury claim. While it may seem time-consuming, it just takes a little bit of time to gather evidence and keep it secure until you can get it to your attorney. Once you see how big of a role your documentation plays in your personal injury claim, you’ll be ready to do whatever it takes to build your case.

With the right legal team by your side, you can feel confident about your chances of securing fair compensation. Let the team at Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman help—call us at 866-565-4949 to set up a consultation now.

Accident Documentation

Personal injuries can be traumatizing and frightening. If you can stay focused enough to gather evidence at the scene of the injury, you may be able to lay the foundation for a strong claim. The more thoroughly you can document the accident that injured you, the better off you are. If you are involved in a car accident, you may want photos of both vehicles, their final landing spots, weather and road conditions, and damage to both vehicles. 

If you are bitten by a dog, you may want photos of the dog, its rabies tag, the owner’s contact information, and your bite prior to treatment. After a slip and fall, consider taking photos of the obstacles that caused you to slip and the surrounding area.

How Medical Records Can Help You

You likely already know how important it is to seek medical care promptly after an injury, Beyond that, though, you also want to keep track of every piece of documentation you receive related to your injuries. Medical records do a lot to prove the timing of your injury, the likely causation of your injury, and the type of treatment required. 

Your documentation can also show exactly how much your care costs and how likely it is that your injuries are linked to your accident. Important pieces of documentation to keep include medical bills, medical reports from your doctors, appointment reminders, test results, parking fees from appointments, tolls, and over-the-counter supplies.

Documenting Your Financial Losses

There is no question that accidents and injuries are expensive. By documenting your financial losses and showing exactly how your finances have been impacted, you make it harder for the insurance company to deny you fair compensation. Keep track of all lost hours at work, even if you are compensated via sick pay or vacation pay—the other party may still be liable for what you would have been paid, as you no longer have access to that paid time off. 

Save copies of all bills you receive related to your injuries and any property damage-related expenses. This may include the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle or any other items injured in your accident. If you have to pay out-of-pocket for any assistive gear, save receipts.

Tracking Communication with Involved Parties

Solid documentation may also include proof of your communication with other parties involved in your case. If the other party’s insurance company reaches out to you, you should document the time and date of each call. It’s likely that your lawyer will not recommend that you actually speak to the other party’s insurance provider, but if you do, you should document each call and what it was about. Other parties you may communicate with due to your injury include healthcare providers, other victims, eyewitnesses, your own insurance company, and attorneys on both sides.

Building Your Claim

When all of your documentation comes together, it paints a clear picture of your injuries and what role the other party played in them. Your records show how your injuries have impacted your life and what losses you have suffered. They can go a long way in helping you demand the compensation you deserve.

Choose Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman for Your Accident Claim

If you’ve suffered a personal injury, it’s important to hire an attorney you can trust. Let us advocate for you as you fight for fair and full compensation. Set up your free consultation right now by sending us a message online or calling us at 866-565-4949.