Florida’s rate of motor vehicle injuries is 27.25% above the national average.
If you’re unfortunate enough to become part of that statistic, you may react like many do when they see a car crash. You’re too stunned to do anything but can’t look away.
It’s understandable to be shocked, but the clock starts ticking the moment you get injured. Every second you stand staring is one where you could be collecting valuable evidence.
Read on to learn why you need to document the auto accident injury treatment process and how to do it.
Why Documentation Matters
Documentation can help you get the post-accident care you need. It helps your healthcare providers find the right diagnosis and treatment for faster recovery. It can also establish the need for ongoing care.
Your documents provide credibility to your case. They’re an invaluable source of evidence for court proceedings and insurance claims.
They prove a causal relationship between the accident and your injuries and show they weren’t pre-existing injuries. As well as, they establish the severity of your injuries and the medical expenses you pay to treat them. They can also demonstrate any loss of income you suffered from being unable to work.
Types of Documentation to Get
There’s no such thing as too much information when it comes to documenting car accident injuries. The more you have, the more you can use to make your case credible and fight against the claims of the other side in court.
Knowing a few essentials to look for can make the process easier, though. Document anything that relates to the details of the accident, your medical treatments, and their financial implications.
Accident Reports and Witness Accounts
Get a copy of the official auto accident report and any witness statements. They’ll give a clear, unbiased, in-the-moment idea of what happened.
Take note of any correspondence with the insurance company. Did they give you an initial quote for what your claim would be worth? Did they deny you outright? Record all of it because you may need to bring it up again later.
Photographs and Video
Photographic or filmed evidence is difficult to refute, and that makes it valuable. Take pictures of how your injuries develop. You should also record or take photos of any property damage or damage to vehicles from the accident.
These photos are useful as evidence but be careful not to post them online. This can sabotage your claim.
The other side’s media or legal team could use language or images you put up in the past to invalidate you. Tell your friends and family to also watch what they put on social media until the case is over.
Medical Records
Get all the medical records you can from the healthcare providers involved in your treatment. These include:
- Doctor’s notes
- Test results
- Imaging studies
- Prescriptions
- Treatment plans
- Expert reports
- Rehabilitation records
Maintain an auto accident injury treatment calendar. Note the dates, times, and locations of any appointments or therapy sessions,
Pain and suffering is one of the most difficult parts of an auto injury case to prove. One of the best ways is to keep a pain journal. Use a pain scale to rate how much pain the injury is causing you each day. Note any symptoms you feel and how they affect your life.
Financial Records
It’s also important to keep note of the financial effects of your car accident treatment. That’s how you prove that you deserve compensation for them.
Keep receipts of the cost of any costs you’ve incurred, such as:
- Medications
- Treatments
- Assistive devices
- Travel
- Property damage
- Legal expenses
- Medical record or administrative fees
If you want to claim lost wages, you’ll need proof. Ask for documentation from your employer about any missed work or reduced hours.
How to Document Your Auto Accident Injury Treatment
Seek medical attention immediately after your accident. Report any new symptoms to your doctor as soon as possible. It keeps you safe and makes sure you have accurate medical records. Courts and insurance companies also appreciate a willingness to get prompt treatment.
File a claim as soon as you’re healthy enough to do so. The statute of limitations for any personal injury claim in Florida is four years.
You’ll be gathering a lot of paperwork, so make sure you keep everything organized. Put them together in folders so that you can find everything easily.
Don’t assume that everyone will automatically hand over the records you need. Speak to and record your conversations with everyone involved in the case, including:
- Law enforcement
- Witnesses
- Medical professionals
- Insurance companies
- Attorneys
The Importance of Legal Help
Don’t wait until you think you have all the right documents to hire an attorney. It’s one of the first steps you should take after getting medical attention.
They won’t do all of the documentation for you, but they will help you gather evidence. They’ll support you in finding what you need and deciding what the best evidence for your case is. That includes finding medical experts to support your claims.
You’ll need someone on your side to negotiate with the insurance companies. A professional attorney understands the complex process and won’t be tricked into taking a low offer.
They’ll use all the available evidence to ensure you get the best possible results. This may be in court or out of court. Either way, they’ll get you the money you deserve.
Find Attorneys for Your Auto Injury Case
Consistent documentation can make or break an auto accident case. Record every auto accident injury treatment you receive and how much it costs. Keep track of conversations between you and your doctors, insurance adjusters, witnesses, and anyone else involved in the case.
RHINO Lawyers believes that the law industry suffers from an outdated approach and aims to change that. Our personal injury team provides fast, friendly, and convenient communication using technology and in-person.
Our track record of successful settlements proves that our approach works. Get a Free Instant Case Evaluation or call us anytime, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
