Understanding the Basics of Consumer, Financial and Personal Injury Law

Keeping Records: What Is A Car Accident Journal?

When you are in a car accident due to another driver's negligence and you get hurt, one great way to document your injuries is with a car accident journal. Not only will you be able to more easily keep up with the details of your injuries, but your car accident attorneys will be able to present your journal as proof when you seek compensation from a negligent party. Here are some things you need to know about a car accident journal:

Do You Need a Special Type of Journal?

You do not need to purchase a special type of journal for a car accident journal. You can use a simple notebook. There is no special structure you should follow. You can simply write a paragraph or two for each entry, depending on how much your injuries impact you or change from day to day.

What you should do is keep the information in your journal as organized as possible. Always include a date for each entry and even the times if you record several entries on one day. Keep your journal neat and free from rips or tears to prevent the loss of information. Always write legibly so it can be read with ease. Remember you are going to provide this journal as evidence for your car accident claim, so it needs to be as professional as possible.

What Should be Your Journal Writing Frequency?

Ideally, you should write in your journal once a day. If your pain or symptoms change throughout the day, you should record each instance throughout the day if necessary. If your injuries improve or deteriorate, be sure to record that information as well.

What Should You Include in Your Car Accident Journal?

There are several things you should include in your car accident journal. One important item to include is a daily record of the status of your injuries and your pain levels. In each entry, record your pain levels on a scale of one to ten. Include information on where the pain is coming from and how the pain is impacting your daily life. also include any information about your inability to do normal, daily tasks such as walking beyond a certain distance, standing for a certain amount of time, cooking a meal, driving a car, and other typical tasks you would be able to do before the accident.

You should also include your injury symptoms. Describe where you were injured and each instance in which the symptoms impact you. For example, if you suffered a head injury and you have periods of dizziness or you have constant headaches, write down each instance you experience these symptoms.


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