If you are injured in a car accident probably the last thing on your mind is whipping out a pen and paper to jot down some thoughts. While you may not have a notepad on you at the time of the accident, taking notes can be crucial in proving your claim and receiving compensation to cover expenses associated with the accident. You should take notes in the days and weeks following your accident so you and a York County, PA auto accident attorney can work together to build a solid case. Contact a skilled lawyer today.
Do I Have to Take Notes After My Car Accident?
You don’t have to do anything you do not want to do after your car accident. However, the costs associated with an accident and injury can add up quickly, turning into significant debt and overwhelming responsibilities. Taking notes after a car accident will help prevent you or others from forgetting important details and necessary information about the situation.
Because personal injury cases are civil they hinge on the preponderance of evidence. If you fail to convince a judge that the other driver was more than likely responsible for the accident, you could walk away with no compensation and be forced to pay for your expenses on your own.
Taking notes ensures that you have detailed evidence and information relating to various aspects of the accident and its aftermath. Having this information can allow you and a skilled attorney to create a sound case with minimal holes, giving you a much better chance of walking away with the compensation you deserve.
Important Information to Note
While every accident is unique, consider the following when taking notes on the accident.
- Location
- Time
- Weather
- Who was present
- The conditions of the road
- How fast you were driving
- Medical diagnosis and costs
- Vehicle repair costs
- Lost wages
- Missed opportunities
- Pain, anxiety, loss of sleep, etc.
What Other Steps Should I Take?
Although note-taking is important and can greatly benefit your personal injury case, there are other steps that must be taken after you get into an accident. If you are feeling lost or overwhelmed in the days following your accident, consider the following.
- Continue to seek medical treatment and follow the doctor’s instructions to ensure a speedy recovery.
- Collect evidence via photos and videos, witness statements, medical records, etc.
- Bring your vehicle to a professional to assess the damage and get a quote for repairs.
- Contact an attorney to discuss your case. Explain the situation and give them your notes so they can have a full understanding of the case and your chances of success.
- Inform your insurance company about the accident. Both yours and the other driver’s insurance companies will likely try to avoid a high payout. Speak with your insurance company with the help of your attorney to ensure you are not being given a lowball offer.
Personal injury cases where the victim has legal representation tend to yield more successful results and a higher amount of compensation awarded. Do not hesitate to speak with one of our skilled accident attorneys to discuss how best to proceed in your case.
