Accidents, even relatively minor ones, can be extremely traumatic events. You'd like to assume that the at-fault driver's insurance company will do the right thing and offer you a fair compensation package to cover your injuries and loss of property, but this assumption could lead to a disappointing settlement offer.
Preserving Your Memories of the Accident
The amount of your compensation could hinge on vital, but easily forgotten, details concerning your accident and its aftermath. Personal injury cases can often take months to be resolved, so read on for steps to take to preserve your memories by keeping a record to raise your chances of getting a fair offer to settle your claim.
The Day of the Accident
Using either a notebook/journal, computer or a smartphone, begin to record your memories by recalling everything you can remember about the day of the accident. Depending on the severity of your injuries, your memory of events can sometimes come to you in bits, so keep a notebook with you and jot these thoughts down immediately. Some points to remember and note:
- Your destination and route, your passengers, the date, time and the weather that day.
- Everything you can recall about the moments leading up to the accident, especially the other driver's actions (speeding, aggressive driving, etc.) and the actions of other vehicles, if pertinent.
- What you experienced at the moment of impact, such as jolts, the airbag inflating, the sound of breaking glass, pain, etc.
Immediately Following the Accident
- Note anything you can recall about whether or not you exited the vehicle with or without assistance.
- It's very important to recall whether or not you heard the other driver say anything about the accident, especially admissions of wrongdoing.
- The actions of rescue and medical personnel who responded to the scene.
Injuries and Medical Treatment
- Hospitalization, medications, tests, procedures and surgeries as a result of the accident.
- Any continuing medical care and treatments.
- Emotional and mental effects on both you and your family, including changes in eating and sleeping, anxiety and depression.
Job-related Issues
- Time lost from your job for medical treatment and recuperation. Make a notation for any sick leave or vacation time you had to use, if pertinent.
- Note any potential loss of income from missed work-related opportunities, such as job interviews and client meetings.
- Any missed education, such as college or training opportunities.
Your personal injury attorney will be able to put your memories to good use when crafting a demand letter to the at-fault driver's insurance company. Every detail you note could bring your closer to a successful claim and fair settlement offer. For more information, contact Tiefenthaler Law Office or a similar firm.
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