The Importance of Keeping Accurate Records in a Personal Injury Case

When you’re recovering from an accident and nursing your injuries, the last thing you want to do is start a file folder of documents, bills, and medical reports. However, doing so is one of the best things you can do for your personal injury claim.

The good news is that you don’t have to do this alone. In fact, with the team at Peake & Fowler, you can focus on recuperation and let us handle every aspect of your claim. Call us at 803-998-2412 to schedule a consultation today.

What Your Records May Prove

Proving your case is a challenge. You’re working against an insurance company that has little to no interest in actually doing what’s right for you. In fact, they are actively looking for ways to pay you nothing or as little as possible. That means that if you want fair compensation, you’ll need to go above and beyond to prove your case.

First, your thorough records and documentation may prove that the accident actually happened. A surprising number of people will try to claim that the incident in question never happened or that if it did, they weren’t there. You can disprove that with well-timed photos and video footage.

Second, your documentation may show that the accident happened in the way you described. If an insurance company talks to two parties involved in an incident, they’re likely to walk away with two stories. Without further evidence, it’s your word against theirs. The more evidence you have to show that your words are accurate, the harder it is for the other party to claim that you are mistaken.

Finally, you can use your records to demonstrate your injuries and their severity. This is another area where insurance companies can start asking questions. They may admit that the accident happened or even accept that it happened the way you explained it—but they can still question if you were really injured during it. If you have proof of medical care immediately following the accident, as well as follow-up documentation showing the extent of your care, they may be unable to claim that the accident had no impact on your life.

Records and Documentation You Need for Your Claim

Now that you know the importance of proper record keeping and documentation, you should know that it’s equally crucial to have the right records. Missing key documentation can be devastating to your personal injury claim. We recommend starting with the following:

• Evidence from the scene: Remember, you want indisputable proof that the accident happened. You also want to show who was involved, what factors were at play, what time of day it was, and any other relevant information. In general, photos and video footage are incredibly valuable forms of documentation. It’s better to have too much evidence in this area than too little, so don’t be afraid to take more photos and videos than you think you need.
• Medical documentation: Medical care is a substantial portion of most personal injury settlements, so you should carefully track the care you receive. This includes everything from your initial checkup and diagnostic tests to surgeries and treatment options. Keep lab results, treatment recommendations, cost estimates, and end-of-appointment reports. This is another area where having too much is far better than having too little.
• Expense tracking: You may be surprised how much money you spend on making life normal again after an accident. Track the mileage you rack up going to and from appointments, tolls, and parking fees. If you can’t drive, keep track of money spent on Uber or bus fares. If you have to buy a new laundry basket because your injury prevents you from bending down to the ground to reach your old one, document that. If you have to hire a college student to pick your kids up from school every day because it’s unsafe for you to drive, that’s another expense to track.
• Lost wages: Get official documentation from your workplace of the shifts you’ve missed or the duties you are no longer able to do.

Discuss Your Legal Needs with Peake & Fowler

The earlier you start working with a personal injury lawyer, the easier it is for them to build a strong case on your behalf. Let’s talk about what comes next and how we can help. Reach out online or call us at 803-998-2412 to set up a consultation.