When you’ve been through an accident, keeping a journal of what’s happening is really important. It’s highly advisable to start writing in this journal every day, giving a clear overview of what’s happening. Even something that may seem insignificant could be the key to having things go in your favor.
Accident injury lawyers can be excellent, but only when they have the information they need to build your case. Everything you go through plus any bills you’ve incurred will be used to show why you are asking for a particular settlement amount. But the only way a lawyer can use this is if they have the proper documentation.
Accident Injury Lawyers Need Excellent Documentation Notes for Your Case
Knowing exact dates of any issues or hardships that you’ve incurred is really helpful to professional legal teams like Kaiser Romanello Accident & Injury Attorneys. Having this accurate timeline is evidence that can show the other party or the court system exactly the cause and effects of the accident.
Track Your Medical Bills
Of course these are going to be the big bills, and it might be stressful to go through and document this stuff. But remember, your legal team will add the amount of medical debt you have due to the accident into the total settlement you’re looking for.
Drive Time and Miles
Every day you’re required to go anywhere or do anything because of the accident, you should document it. Write down the date and time the incident occurred along with why you had to do it.
Then track how much time you’ve spent in a vehicle to get to the place. You’ll also want to write down how many miles you had to travel to get there. Or, if there’s any wear to a personal vehicle due to this required travel.
Lost Work Time
If you have to use your PTO (paid time off) to cover days off, be sure to note that in your documentation. There might be entire periods of time where you were unable to work. That needs to be noted too. All of this can be calculated into the amount you’re asking for within good reason. You have to be able to show that it was related to the aftermath of the accident.
Emotional Distress and Other Expenses
Things you might not even consider could be helpful to your case and possibly raise the amount you can ask for. One of those is emotional distress. Write down anyday you’re not feeling you and give specifics. Also, put down any expenses that you wouldn’t be doing normally.
Prove Your Case and Get More with Documentation
Reading through this article should give you a good understanding on why accident injury lawyers need such detailed notes. When they have an accurate timeline that shows your struggles and hardships, they have some solid ammo for your case. Keeping these records will allow you and your legal team to pick a settlement number to go after that makes the most sense for you personally.