If you were hurt in some kind of accident and plan on filing a claim against the liable party, it’s wise to start a personal injury journal right away. As long as you are diligent about keeping this journal and write detailed entries on a regular basis, its contents will contribute to the strength of your claim. If you’re not sure what to write about, start by documenting the following. 

What to Record in a Personal Injury Journal 

1. The Details of the Accident 

Write down everything you remember about the accident as soon as possible. No detail is too small to include. Although this entry will not serve as irrefutable proof of fault, it can corroborate other pieces of evidence and ultimately help your attorney determine how to best proceed. 

2. Information Gathered at the Scene

Copy everything you recorded at the scene in your personal injury journal, so it’s in one convenient place. This includes the contact information of any eyewitnesses, the names and phone numbers of all parties involved, and the names and badge numbers of any responding officers. 

3. The Stages of the Recovery Process

The primary purpose of a personal injury journal is to document the recovery process. These entries will supplement your medical records. Therefore, you should track all of the doctor’s appointments, diagnoses, and prescriptions. 

4. The Extent of Your Pain & Suffering

Entries about how the injuries are affecting your everyday life will help contextualize your pain and suffering. Write about all of the limitations you are now facing because of the injuries, and record the worst of your physical symptoms on a daily basis. 

5. Any Correspondence With the Opposing Party

If the liable party’s insurer reaches out to you, write about it in your journal. You should also save all voicemails, emails, and letters, so you have a tangible trail of correspondence with the opposing party. 

For strategic guidance during the personal injury claims process, turn to Carey & Hamner, P.C. in Dothan, AL. Their seasoned attorneys only represent injured, ill, and disabled parties, and they know what it takes to secure sizable settlements and verdicts. In addition to personal injury payouts, they help clients secure Social Security disability benefits and workers’ compensation. To learn more about their compassionate team, visit their website. To schedule a free case evaluation, call (855) 435-4797.