Why You Need a Personal Injury Journal and What to Keep In It

When personal injuries happen, it can take days, weeks, or even months to uncover the full extent of the harm you suffered. During the recovery period, it is important to keep a personal injury journal documenting what happened, your symptoms, and the impact your injuries have on your daily life. Jotting down this information helps to ensure that details are not forgotten and that nothing gets overlooked when negotiating a settlement. 

Recording Important Information About Your Accident

Personal injuries happen quickly and the details surrounding them may be a blur at first, particularly if you suffer serious personal injuries. Healthline advises that short-term memory loss is common in the immediate aftermath of trauma or when victims suffer any type of bump or blow to the head. However, these memories are likely to resurface or become clearer in the days and weeks afterward. 

While an accident report may contain basic information about the incident, such as when it occurred, how it happened, and who was involved, your memories can help to provide additional, more detailed information. Keeping a personal injury journal can help to jog these memories and provides a place to record them when they do come up. Information you should jot down that may be important in your claim includes: 

• Recollections of what you saw or what you were doing immediately before the accident occurred;
• More detailed memories about how the accident happened, who was involved, and what was said;
• Additional information about the accident scene, such as the weather conditions at the time and any other onlookers may have been present. 

In addition to your memories, keeping a journal helps to document dealings you have with insurers or other parties involved. Make note of any correspondence you receive and share this information with your personal injury attorney as soon as possible. 

Recording Important Details About Your Injuries

In addition to writing down information about your accident and how it occurred, use your journal to document important details about your personal injuries and the recovery process. The Revised Code of Washington details the types of damages you may be entitled to in your claim. Information that can help ensure you get the maximum amount you need to recover includes: 

• Details about your medical care, including doctor visits, tests, treatments, and medications you are taking;
• Information about how your injuries impact you on the job and any work you may have missed;
• Descriptions of the pain and discomfort you experience on a daily basis;
• How your injuries impact your personal life, your ability to perform simple tasks or to engage in activities with friends and family members. 

Let Us Help You Today

When personal injuries happen, you have only one chance to get compensation in a claim. At the Johnston Law Firm, P.C., we are dedicated to helping you get the maximum amount you are entitled to. Call (503) 546-3167 or contact our Vancouver personal injury attorneys online today and request a consultation to discuss your case.