What Is a Day in the Life Video and Why May I Need One for My Personal Injury Case?

If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video can be a game changer. “Day in the life” videos act as a visual aid, helping demonstrate to a jury how an accident victim’s life has been affected by their injuries.  

However, not all cases require this type of evidence, so you may be wondering if you will need this footage to help win your case. In this article, we explain how a day-of-the-life video is created, the ways in which it could help support your claim, and how an attorney may be able to assist you with recording this footage. 

Common Elements of a Day in the Life Video 

Words alone cannot convey many of the challenges, limitations, and suffering associated with a serious injury. As such, to prove damages such as loss of consortium and loss of enjoyment, it may be necessary to record footage of how your injuries have affected your daily routines. 

Commonly referred to as “day in the life” videos, these presentations provide important context to your medical records. A videographer will usually capture footage from the moment you wake up until the time you go to bed, compressing your day into a 15- to 30-minute video that can be shown in court. 

This footage can demonstrate the various challenges you face due to your injuries. Are you able to get out of bed alone? Can you shower or use the bathroom without assistance? Are you able to tackle chores around the home? How do you spend your day? Are you relegated to your bed? The couch? A wheelchair? Do you struggle to maneuver around your home? Are you no longer able to spend time with your children or spouse? 

Not only can these tapes convey the many ways in which your injuries limit you, but the jury will also see your facial expressions and hear your voice as you face each new challenge. This will help humanize your experience, and give others a better sense of the toll your condition has taken on your physical and emotional well-being. 

Can I Create My Own Day in the Life Video? 

While you could pick up your smartphone and shoot a video documenting your daily experiences, there’s a high likelihood this footage will not be admissible in court. A skilled personal injury attorney will know how to approach creating this video diary to ensure that it can be used as evidence to help support your personal injury claim.  

Speak to a Personal Injury Attorney in California Today 

If you are filing a personal injury claim, a “day in the life” video documenting your daily challenges and limitations could be crucial to the success of your case. At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we have helped more than 5,000 victims of wrongful death and personal injury, and know what it takes to prevail in even the most complex cases. 

During the initial consultation, we can assess your situation and review the available evidence to determine whether your case will benefit from a “day in the life” video. To book a free case assessment, dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS or head over to our contact form HERE.