After an accident and injury, victims are entitled to pursue compensation through legal action. If you were injured in an accident it is crucial that you document your injuries in an effort to strengthen your case. Our New York injury lawyers can help you gather and present evidence during your case. Continue reading for more information.
Why is It Important to Document Your Injuries?
Documenting your injuries is crucial in strengthening your personal injury case. Detailed documentation can help prove the extent of your injuries and link them to the accident. This evidence will help you prove why you deserve the amount of compensation you are seeking. Documentation of injuries can make or break your case, impacting the way a court or insurance company assesses your damages. Without documentation, you will not be awarded compensation as there is no way to prove that the accident caused your injuries or the effect they have had on your life.
How To Best Document My Injuries to Strengthen My Personal Injury Case:
Below are some tips on how best to document your injuries and losses to help create a stronger personal injury case.
Medical attention
Getting medical attention as soon as possible ensures that you receive the necessary care but it also creates a medical record of your injuries immediately. The paper trail your doctor visit creates will establish a timeline that can be used to prove that the accident directly caused your injuries. Evidence of the diagnosis and treatment you are given will help explain the extent of your injuries and the impact they have had on daily life.
Detailed records
Once you have received medical attention it is crucial that you maintain detailed records of all doctor’s visits, medications, surgeries, treatments, consultations, etc. This can include copies of medical reports, invoices for physical therapy or rehabilitation, etc. Keeping detailed documentation of each step can help demonstrate the impact of the injury on your life and will prove the mental, physical, and financial cost of the accident. Keeping records of expenses is vital as your compensation is used as a way to reimburse you for the costs associated with the accident. Being able to total up your expenses can help emphasize the importance of receiving a designated amount of monetary compensation.
Supporting evidence
Collecting other evidence besides medical records can help your case significantly. This may include taking photos or videos of the scene of the accident, your injuries, vehicle damage, property damage, conditions at the scene, etc. Photographic evidence can illustrate the physical damage done. Recording evidence of the scene of the accident can also help prove the liability of a negligent party. Witness statements and police reports can also help bolster your case.
Expenses and Losses
It has already been established that detailing medical expenses is important, but most accidents and injuries will result in other losses as well. Documenting all expenses related to the injury is essential to ensure you receive fair compensation and strengthen your case. These expenses can include transportation to medical appointments, lost wages from time taken off of work, property damage, and more.