If you have been injured in an accident caused by another party’s negligence, documenting your injuries is crucial as it can help you establish a clear link between the accident and your damages. Please continue reading to learn how to document your injuries to strengthen your claim and why connecting with a dedicated New York City Personal Injury Lawyer is in your best interest.
Why is it important to Document Your Injuries After an Accident?
When you are injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, documenting your injuries is crucial. Keeping thorough records can significantly impact the outcome of your claim. This type of evidence can demonstrate the severity of your injuries and how the accident has affected your life. This can help you recover the compensation you need for your losses. As the plaintiff, you will be responsible for satisfying the burden of proof. This means you must prove that the defendant acted negligently which has resulted in your injuries. Proper documentation can help establish a link between the accident and your injuries. Without detailed documentation, the defendant could argue that you had a pre-existing condition, you are exaggerating the severity of your injuries, or you failed to mitigate your damages, all of which can hinder your ability to receive the compensation you deserve.
How Should I Document My Injuries to Strengthen My Claim?
Following an accident, your focus should be on your health and well-being. As such, you should seek immediate medical attention for your injuries. Even if you do not believe that you have been seriously injured, many conditions have delayed symptoms that could appear days or even weeks later. Promptly seeking medical attention will ensure that you receive the proper diagnosis and necessary care. It will also create a medical record, which can establish a timeline that can be used to prove the accident was the direct cause of your injuries. Keep track of all of your medical records as they can show the extent of your injuries. Additionally, you should collect every bill and receipt related to your medical treatment to ensure you receive the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled.
It’s also important to keep a journal, detailing your pain levels, emotional state, and how your injuries have affected your daily life. This can help calculate your non-economic damages like pain and suffering. It can also help convey the ongoing challenges your injuries have presented. If you have to miss work because of your injuries, you should document it by noting the dates you were absent and why. This can help you recover lost wages.
If circumstances permit, photos and videos are important pieces of evidence as they can provide visual proof of your injuries and how they heal over time. If any of your property is damaged, you should take photos and keep recipes for any repairs or replacements. This type of evidence will help you calculate an accurate estimate of your damages.
At James Newman, P.C., we are prepared to help you investigate the circumstances of the accident and gather evidence to support your claim. Connect with our dedicated legal team today to learn how we can help you fight for the justice you deserve.
