Strengthen Your Texas Car Wreck Case with Documentation
Insurance companies love to nitpick when it comes to your case. To ensure they don’t have a leg to stand on, it’s important that you document your injury progress to show that you certainly were injured in your car wreck, those injuries reduced your quality of life, and you deserve compensation that will fully satisfy the needs and expenses you’ve incurred. The Car Crash Captain looks into how strong evidence is the key to ensuring you get what you deserve.
Why Injury Documentation Matters
If you’re checked out by a medical professional immediately following the accident, you shouldn’t have a problem with injury documentation, much is done at the hospital for you. However, the more documentation of your injury progress you make, the better your claims will be for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Great documentation reduces disputes.
Document Everything from Day One
From the very beginning, seek medical attention. Even if you “feel fine” go to get checked out. Your adrenaline will be rushing following the accident, and that adrenaline can mask the symptoms of anything that might be wrong. Go back for your follow-up appointments, and tell the doctor every symptom; even those that seem like they’re minor.
Request copies of all your medical reports, X-rays, and test results. These can even be stored digitally on your computer.
Consider an Injury Progress Journal
Between appointments, keep a journal to show your injury progress. Morning, noon, and night write down the following:
- Pain Level
- Physical Limitations
- Emotional and Mental Effects
- Missed Work or Activities
This journal will show the long-term effects of your injuries, and provide a clearer look at how you’re being limited at home. It’s something that more than medical reports can capture. Record dates, times, and doctors when going in for appointments.
Take Plenty of Pictures
If your injuries can be seen, take plenty of pictures to show what is happening with your body. Show all bruises, swelling, casts, stitches, and anything else that looks important. If you require crutches, a wheelchair, or other aids document how your life has changed while using them.
Make sure you capture plenty of angles, turn the time stamp feature on, and use natural lighting to show exactly what’s going on. Keep documenting for an extended period to show your injury progress or lack of healing.
Save All Related Expenses
Some expenses aren’t going to be covered by insurance. Transportation to, and from, medical visits should be covered – even if you drive yourself (or a family member takes you) and there seems to be no costs.
Keep track of all home modifications and assistive devices that you have to purchase. Even if you get them second-hand and are only a few dollars, that record shows more than just a small purchase; it shows that your injuries were severe enough to warrant a change of lifestyle.
Record anything that has changed because of the injury. Childcare, lost wages, out-of-pocket costs (even for bandages, gauze, pain killers, and disinfecting soaps). If you wouldn’t have made the purchase before the injury, it’s likely an expense related to your car wreck.
Work Closely with Herbert Law Group
Throughout all of this, make sure you’re working closely with Herbert Law Group. Our lawyers know exactly what to look for, how to pursue compensation that adequately covers your costs, and will deal with those pesky insurance companies on your behalf.
The documentation of your injury progress will come in handy to help us create a clear and persuasive narrative that brings you justice.
Let’s talk about what happened, and come up with a plan on how we can help. Call our offices at 214-414-2808, or fill out the contact form on our site, and we’ll be in touch with you for a free initial consultation.