If you’ve just been in a car accident in St. Louis, you’re probably dealing with a lot – doctor visits, insurance calls, and missed days at work. One thing that is sometimes overlooked is how important it is to document your injuries, every step of the way. Here are some important things to keep in mind about documenting the accident and your injuries:
What to Do at the Scene and in the First Hours
After an accident, our first instinct should be safety and health, but taking a few extra moments to gather details can make a huge difference later on. Use your phone to take photographs – not just of the vehicles, but also any visible wounds, bruises, or swelling on yourself.
Get contact information from witnesses or bystanders so they can be interviewed later. Write down what you notice right after the accident – if you have a headache, feel dizzy, can’t walk well, or are having pain anywhere. These notes are going to be more reliable than your memory weeks later.
Collect and Safeguard All Medical Records
Your healthcare records form the backbone of your injury claim. ER notes, records from paramedics, doctor’s diagnoses, and results from imaging tests like MRIs or CT scans all support your story. Always be clear and thorough when telling medical staff about your pain or limitations. Keep every referral, prescription, therapy note, and aftercare instruction, and make a file for copies of everything.
Use Photographs to Show Your Recovery and Setbacks
One photo doesn’t tell the whole story – regularly photograph your injuries over days and weeks as they evolve. Make sure the date and time is accurate on your phone or consider using an app to organize your photos chronologically. These visuals can help others understand just how seriously your daily life has been affected.
Document Your Day-to-Day Pain and Struggles
It’s helpful to keep a journal describing their pain level, range of movement, struggles with sleep, and emotional setbacks you experience. Write down how your injuries limit your routine – maybe you missed a shift at work, skipped a family event, or had trouble picking up groceries. A log like this strengthens your case by showing exactly how the injuries have affected your life.
Pay Attention to Every Expense and Lost Earning
Sudden accidents lead to all sorts of unexpected expenses. Save every receipt from medical costs, equipment like crutches, physical therapy, or prescription drugs. Track travel costs if you need rides to appointments. Make note of shifts you’ve had to miss at work and any money you’ve missed out on earning because of the accident.
What to Avoid During Your Case
Navigating a personal injury claim in St. Louis can feel overwhelming, and small missteps can have big consequences for your recovery. Here are some important things to watch out for as your case moves forward:
- Missing Medical Appointments: Skipping doctor visits or failing to follow treatment recommendations gives insurance companies ammunition to downplay your injuries.
- Misrepresenting Your Injuries: Be truthful and accurate about your symptoms. Exaggerating pain can hurt your credibility, and underplaying your struggles can lower your potential compensation.
- Posting About Your Injuries Online: Sharing photos, updates, or comments on social media platforms, even in private groups, can be discovered and used by the defense to challenge your claim or paint a misleading picture.
If you have any questions about what to do or not do to give yourself the best chance of recovering compensation for your injuries, ask your St. Louis personal injury lawyer. We can help you get started and explain what to do next. Contact Meyerkord & Kurth today to schedule a free consultation.