If you have been injured in an accident that was not your fault, you should take steps now to preserve your memories of the event. While you can likely count on the insurance company to compensate you for your personal property (your car) and pay your medical expenses, you must file a personal injury case against the other driver if you want to be compensated for your pain and suffering. Don't leave this important task to chance; the strength of your memories could have huge impact on the success of your case. Read on to learn more about preserving the events of the accident and making the most of your personal injury case.
The Accident Day
As soon as you feel well enough, begin keeping a narrative of everything that has occurred, from the moment just before the accident happened up to the present. Whether you use an actual notebook, a tablet or your smart phone, begin to record everything your can remember. Traumatic events, like an automobile accident, can cause memory problems, with memories after the accident coming and going at times. Try to take some quiet time for casting your mind back to day of the accident and record all you can remember, such as:
1. Where you were going, who was with you, the route you were taking, the time, the sun's location, etc.
2. What happened just before the moment of impact, such as your actions, the actions of other drivers, your speed, the road conditions, etc.
3. What happened at the moment of impact. This could be distressing, but anything you can recall about how the impact felt to you, the sounds, the airbag's inflation, etc could help your case.
After the Accident
1. What happened after the accident? Did you need help exiting the vehicle?
2. Did the other driver or occupants say anything at all at the accident scene? Try to remember if the driver admitted to any fault. Try to remember what you may have said as well.
3. What do you remember about the actions of the medical, police, or fire personnel who responded to the accident?
Injuries and Medical Treatment
1. Your hospitalizations, tests, medications, surgeries, and physical therapy.
2. What your doctor has told you about your condition. For example, whether or not you are expected to make a full recovery in time, whether you can expect further surgeries, and your overall prognosis.
3. The emotional impact the accident has had on you and your family. Traumatic events like accidents can cause problems with sleeping and eating, and can cause depression, anxiety and moodiness. You must document the mental effect properly so that you can be fairly compensated for pain and suffering.
Your personal injury attorney will utilize your journal notes to prepare a convincing demand letter, which could result in the offer of a settlement outside of court. Every detail matters, so take the time to prepare your notes and ensure that you will be compensated for your injuries.
For a car accident lawyer, contact a law firm such as Palmetto Injury Lawyers.
Share20 April 2016
When I was injured in a slip and fall accident a few years ago, my family and friends had a hard time relating to the things I was going through. While some people thought that my decision to file a lawsuit was frivolous, others were under the impression that I would walk away as a millionaire. Their lack of personal experience with this type of legal problem left me feeling alone during one of the most difficult times in my life. That is why I decided to start this blog so that accident victims from all over would have somewhere to come to get the information and support that they need. I truly hope that this page can be that place for you.