Understanding the Importance of Documenting Your Injuries

There’s a phrase made famous on various social media platforms and message boards: “Pics or it didn’t happen.” Unfortunately, when it comes to documenting your injuries after any sort of accident, that is exactly the attitude taken by insurance companies, and pictures are just the beginning.

If you hope to be compensated for injuries sustained due to the fault of another party, it’s important to document those injuries to the fullest extent possible. Here is a step-by-step guide to make sure that happens.

1. Seek immediate medical attention

Whether it’s a trip to the emergency room, or a quickly arranged visit to your personal physician, depending on the severity of your injuries, you should seek immediate medical attention. This accomplishes a couple of things. First, and most importantly, it ensures that your health and well being is taken care of. Second, it creates an official, documented record of your injuries, and the necessary treatment of those injuries.

One other point to remember—injuries are not always readily apparent, particularly with the rush of adrenaline that can come from an accident. Even if you feel fine, you may not be fine. See a doctor.

2. Pics or it didn’t happen

Or, to use another well-known phrase, a picture is worth a thousand words. Photos can be extraordinarily compelling as evidence in a court of law. Document your injuries with pictures, as soon as possible, and the higher quality the better. Don’t forget to take them from multiple angles, to best showcase the extent of your injuries.

3. Create a written record of how you were injured

Think of it as a diary or journal of what happened to you. Memories can fade quickly over time, and may even be changed if they are affected by what you hear from others. As soon as possible, write down everything you can remember about what caused your injuries—time and date, where exactly it happened, how it happened. If your injuries were caused by a vehicular accident, note the road conditions, the weather, anything of importance. Even the smallest details may be important!

4. Talk to witnesses

If possible, talk to any witnesses that may have seen what happened. Whoever or whatever caused your injuries may have a completely different story than you do. Witnesses who can corroborate your side of the story could make a real difference when seeking a successful legal outcome.

5. Keep and organize your medical records

Ask for any and all medical records from your treating physician or healthcare provider that have anything to do with your injuries.

These records may include:

• Doctor’s notes
• Hospital reports
• Diagnostic reports
• Treatment plans
• Prescriptions ordered

Medical records may be crucial evidence should your personal injury case go to trial. Keep them organized and easy to access.

Also important—follow all medical advice, and document that you’ve done so. This shows a potential jury not only that your injury was serious, but that you took the treatment seriously as well.

6. Keep track of all your expenses

Expenses that accumulate as a result of your injuries can really add up. Be sure to keep track of the following:

• Medical bills
• Medications
• Transportation and travel
• Ongoing medical expenses
• Pain management
• Physical/occupational/psychological therapy
• Lost wages

7. Contact the right attorney for the job

Personal injury lawsuits are complex and multi-faceted. They require an attorney with the experience, staff, and resources to recover the largest settlement possible. 

If you or a loved one are involved in an accident that causes injury, contact the attorneys at LaSalvia Law. We will fight to win you the compensation you deserve.