It can be a frightening experience to be involved in a car accident that was not your fault, especially if you suffered any injuries. It can be hard to remember all the details of it in the 
days and weeks after your crash.
While it is understandable that your memory may be even fuzzier when asked questions about your auto crash months after it happened, it can hurt your claim for compensation if you give an inconsistent statement or simply cannot remember exactly how the wreck occurred. Fortunately, there is a solution to this problem. You can keep a journal that can help you keep track of what you need to know.
Information You Should Include in an Accident Journal
You can keep a record of much more information in addition to the details of your auto accident in your journal. However, it is important to do it in a way that helps your case. You need to include the specifics with each entry, like the date, time, and place if you are writing about your accident, doctor visits, and the level of pain you experienced.
You also need to keep in mind that your journal may not be private, and the insurance company may be able to obtain a copy of it if you must litigate your claim. Here are some things to include in your journal:
- Details of the accident. Write down all the details you remember about how the accident occurred, your injuries, statements of the at-fault driver and any witnesses, and anything else that supports your claim. You should do this as soon as you can after the collision while your memory is fresh.
- Conversations. You can use your journal to remember conversations you had with any officials, witnesses, and insurance adjusters. Be sure to write down the date and time of the conversation, whether it was by phone, email, text, or in-person, and the details of what you discussed. You should do this for all discussions, even if they do not seem that important to you.
- Medical care. Use your journal to keep track of all your doctor appointments, diagnostic tests, hospitalizations, surgeries, medications, and other medical treatments you receive. It can be extremely difficult to remember this information unless you write it down right away.
- Time off work. It can also be hard to know how much time you have to take off work while recovering from your injuries unless you write down the dates in your journal. You will need this information to determine how much you should receive for your lost wages in your settlement.
- Your symptoms and pain. It is extremely important to document your symptoms and pain in your journal. Include the date and time, what symptom or level of pain you experienced, and how it has affected your life. You need to make these entries on a regular basis while they are fresh in your mind.
Do you have questions about what to include in your accident journal? Do you need to file a claim for compensation with the negligent driver’s insurance company? Call our Norfolk office to schedule a free consultation with our experienced car accident lawyers to learn how we can help you.
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