The outcome of any personal injury claim ultimately hinges on the strength of the evidence. If you bring a claim against the at-fault party or their insurance carrier, you will have to prove liability. You must also prove causation and damages.
One type of evidence that might help your lawyer prove all three of these elements is a personal injury journal. This journal should provide a firsthand account of everything you remember about the accident; your statements and actions over the following hours, days, and weeks; and the symptoms and challenges you face during recovery.
What Should I Write About in My Personal Injury Journal?
For the first entry, record everything you remember about the accident in question. No detail is too small to include.
Below are a few factors to consider when writing the initial entry:
- The location of the accident;
- The time of day and, if relevant, the weather conditions;
- The names and phone numbers of any eyewitnesses;
- The factors that contributed to the accident;
- Your actions just before the incident;
- A description of statements you provided to the other parties involved and law enforcement;
- Whether you noticed any surveillance cameras in the vicinity; and
- Whether any arrests were made.
Writing down everything you remember right away can help you recall important details during your free consultation with an attorney. This will ensure your legal team has a strong starting point for the investigation.
After recounting what happened, use the journal to write daily entries about your recovery. For example, you should write about:
- Your Medical Appointments: Your medical records might state your diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment modalities, but it’s your journal entries that will paint a clear picture of all that your recovery entails. After every appointment, write a brief description of what happened. Include the provider you saw, the symptoms you discussed, and the tests or procedures that were performed.
- Your Daily Struggles: How are the injuries impacting your everyday life? Write about the ways in which any associated limitations are preventing you from taking care of your family or participating in activities you once loved. You should also track the amount of work you’ve missed.
- Your Symptoms: Describe any medication side effects, the symptoms you experience, the severity of those symptoms, and their frequency.
These entries may help your lawyer build a more compelling claim for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. They could also demonstrate your commitment to mitigating the damages.
Speak with a New York Personal Injury Attorney Today
At LoTempio P.C. Law Group, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that unanticipated injuries can have on your life. If you were seriously hurt through no fault of your own, we can help you seek compensation from all liable parties.
We accept personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. Call us today at 716-855-3761 or use our Online Contact Form to set up a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in New York.