How to Document Injuries from a Wreck

Have you been in an accident recently? If so, it’s important to document your injuries as soon as possible. Car accidents can lead to expensive medical bills and life-altering injuries that necessitate on-going care. Here are some tips for making sure that you’re able to get the right care and personal injury compensation after a wreck.

File a Police Report and Request a Copy

Involving the police to help document injuries from a wreck is a crucial part of the post-accident process to protect your rights and ensure you get proper compensation. Police are also able to collaborate your story and diffuse any doubt as to who is responsible. Having a documented account of how things happened can support your case if a lawsuit is filed against you or if you pursue damages.

Take Detailed Pictures of the Accident and Scene

There are many things to take into account when you are documenting an accident scene. Evidence needs to be clear and precise so it can stand up in court or when filing a claim with your insurance company. When taking pictures of an accident scene make sure to:

• Capture several different views and angles of the accident scene. Make sure to include close-ups of the cars and any other property that was damaged. Don’t forget to take pictures of leaking fluids as well.
• Document your injuries with pictures. Take pictures of any visible injuries on your person, both full-body pictures and close-ups. Take some at the accident site to connect the injuries to that location. If bruises and injuries grow worse, keep documenting even after you leave the scene as part of your photo journal of the incident.
• Include pictures of objects that contributed to the accident. Some accidents occur because of a road obstruction, hazard, debris, or other object. Document this.
• Take pictures of the inside of the car. When it comes to documenting injuries, this is especially important if the airbags deployed or if there is any glass present.
• Get a good image of the scene from a distance. This is important if the accident occurred at an intersection or if there are any leftover skid marks, gouge marks, or other details leading to the accident site.
• Time stamp the photos if you can. In some instances, it may be necessary to have a time stamp on the photo to validate the injury from the accident.

Use caution when taking pictures so that you don’t get in the way of cars or police/emergency responders.

Go to the Hospital After Your Accident So You Have a Medical Report on File

A big mistake accident victims commonly make is downplaying their injuries and not seeking medical care following an accident. There are a couple reasons why going to the hospital after an accident is important.

First, many times injuries are masked by adrenaline that hits the body when an accident occurs. Whiplash symptoms can be delayed as well. Getting a comprehensive exam after an accident ensures that you have been checked out for external and internal injuries.

Secondly, by visiting the hospital you have medical documentation of your injuries on file that correlate with the accident and police report so that you have the credibility and validity you need for insurance or in a court of law.

Remember to keep all medical-related receipts to help you receive the medical compensation you deserve for expenses you accrue (prescriptions, medical equipment, co-pays, etc.).

Keep a Journal of Medical Symptoms, Injuries, Actions, and Treatments

Keeping a detailed log of your injuries, symptoms, and treatments following an accident is crucial for preserving an accurate timeline and sequence of events for an insurance company or if you were involved in a legal suit.

Journal when and where the injury occurred. Include what body parts were affected and any symptoms or conditions that have arisen because of the injury.

Include the names of all doctors, treatment centers, medications, procedures, treatments, or other recovery tools you have relied on as a result of the injury. Don’t forget to include the date and time of appointments and pertinent accident-related information as well.

File all medical correspondence you receive from medical treatment centers or medical professionals that have given you care. The more you document the smoother your personal injury insurance claim will be resolved.

Involve a Personal Injury Attorney in Atlanta Early

Don’t hesitate to involve a personal injury attorney in Atlanta, Georgia, to ensure you are fairly and promptly reimbursed. A personal injury lawyer is familiar with the best way to document your injuries from your accident so you can focus on healing, and he can focus on dealing with the insurance company.

Taps & Associates has been serving Atlanta, Decatur, Sandy Springs, Marietta, Clayton County, Henry County, and the state of Georgia with superior personal injury assistance for years. We have the skills and experience to provide you the precise care and resources you need if you have been injured in an accident. Don’t delay engaging the expertise and proficiency of one of our team members when you have been injured in an accident. Reach out to Taps & Associates at 404-492-8746 when you’re ready to make your claim for just compensation after an accident and we will take care of the rest.