Why Keeping a Post-Accident Diary Can Bolster Your Personal Injury Claim

Following an accident, your life may feel like a tornado of doctor's appointments, insurance calls, and physical and mental turmoil. Keeping a journal detailing your post-accident experiences may seem inconsequential or even monotonous in the midst of this mayhem. However, having a record can be extremely beneficial when seeking compensation for damages.  

If you're negotiating a personal injury claim in California's broad legal landscape, here's why keeping a post-accident diary can be a game changer. 

Chronological Record of Events 

A diary is a day-by-day record of your life and experiences after your accident. Memories can blur and details can be forgotten with time. Keeping a chronological diary refreshes your memory and guarantees that you can recall events correctly, which is very useful during legal processes. 

Detailed Account of Pain and Suffering 

"Pain and suffering" is a type of non-economic damage, which means it does not have a monetary value, like medical costs or missed wages. Your diary can provide tangible proof of your intangible suffering by noting your everyday pain levels, mental distress, and any disruptions to your routine activities. 

Monitoring Recovery Progress 

Your path to healing is one of a kind, with highs and lows along the way. Some days will undoubtedly be better than others. A diary might reveal chronic concerns or complications that occur during your recuperation, highlighting the long-term impact of the injury. 

Financial Impact Documentation 

Aside from medical fees, there are several costs linked with car accidents. Every penny counts, from over-the-counter prescriptions to travel fees for medical appointments to the help you had to hire for home activities you couldn't handle. Documenting these in a diary guarantees that you don't neglect or forget about them while assessing the value of your claim. 

Solidifying Witness Statements 

Witness accounts can be corroborated by your version of events, recorded in your journal. If a witness recalls you being in excruciating pain or unable to walk, for example, your diary entries can serve as evidence supporting both stories. 

Emotional and Psychological Impact 

Accidents have far-reaching consequences. The emotional and psychological toll can be just as difficult, if not more so. Regular diary entries can capture raw emotion, trauma, and challenges, providing a more complete picture of your post-accident experience. 

Tips for Maintaining a Post-Accident Diary: 

  • Be Consistent: Make an effort to enter information on a daily basis. If that isn't possible, make sure you update the journal at least once a week. 
  • Stay Honest: You should avoid either overstating or understating the significance of your experiences. Authenticity is essential. 
  • Include Photos: If it makes sense, add pictures of the injuries, treatments, or anything else that is important to your written accounts. 
  • Store Safely: Make sure your diary is kept in a safe and easily accessible place. 

Get in Touch with a Personal Injury Attorney in California 

A diary may seem like a simple tool, but it can have a significant impact in a personal injury case that should not be undervalued. It records not only the quantitative information but also the qualitative experience of your post-accident trip. And, as you traverse the complexities of California's personal injury legal landscape, this diary may be the supporting document to tip the scales in your favor. 

If you’ve been involved in an accident, Harris Personal Injury Lawyers can evaluate your claim as part of a free consultation to see what types of losses you may be eligible for. 

With decades of combined experience, we have the resources and skills to guide you through every level of the proceedings. To schedule a free case review with a California personal injury attorney, call 1-800-GO-HARRIS or visit our contact page.