Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog
After a car accident in South Florida, you’ll have a lot to keep track of, and many pieces of paperwork. Keeping on top of everything can be especially challenging if you have suffered a concussion, head injury, or PTSD from the crash.
If you’re worried about all the moving parts of a car accident claim, contact Flaxman Law Group as soon as possible after your accident. We can review what your next steps could be. Your first consultation with an accident attorney at our firm is free and comes with no obligation, so there’s no risk in at least getting some facts about your potential claim.
Why Keep an Injury Journal?
An injury journal is a notebook, online file, or binder full of notes that some car accident survivors keep in the days, weeks, and months following a car crash. This type of notebook can help with:
- Diagnosis. Sometimes, symptoms of injuries are slow to develop. Keeping track of your injuries in a journal helps you notice signs that you should see a doctor. For example, if you notice stiffness and soreness in your neck area following a crash, you may need to visit a medical professional again because you may have a case of whiplash. Keeping track of your symptoms helps you and your medical team review all your symptoms so you can find out what injuries you’ve sustained.
- Documenting claims. When you write down your symptoms and how they affect your life as well as anything you remember about the accident, you start documenting your collision and its effects. This can help your attorney file a claim for you, if you qualify.
- Staying organized. After your car accident, you’ll probably have a lot of paperwork, including medical and police reports, treatment plans, insurance documents, and more. Keeping everything in one place keeps you organized, so you can always find what you want when you need it.
- Help your mental health. Being in a traffic accident can lead to sleep disturbances, depression, and other impacts on your mental health. Keeping track of your progress, medical journey, and symptoms can help you see (and celebrate) any small wins. It can also help you notice any changes in your sleeping and eating habits and in your moods, so you’re aware when you may need to see your doctor about getting mental health support.
How to Keep an Injury Journal
If you decide to document your evidence and your injuries, here’s how to get started:
- Organize yourself with a binder or an online system. A notebook or binder with deep pockets helps you keep notes and store documents. You can also use an online system for notes, as long as it’s encrypted and password protected. Use one system that’s easy for you to manage.
- Schedule regular writing time. Make your journal easy to update so you can update once a day or even more often. This can help you track changes over time and ensures you don’t miss anything.
- Stick to facts you’re willing to have others look at. Be fully honest and keep in mind the defence can subpoena information you have.
- Supplement with video, images, and any other documentation. Take photos and video of injuries, property damage, and more. Keep any receipts or medical information related to your injury, as well as any paperwork.
- Document the impact on your life. Take note of any time you need to travel to see specialists or doctors, any impact on your quality of life, any extra help you’ve needed, and any time you’ve lost at work because of your injuries. Track any pain you experience, too, and any complications or problems that happen.
- Talk to your attorney before you start. Consult with a South Florida car accident claims lawyer before you start your journal. An attorney can advise you about what to track.
Need to speak to a South Florida attorney? Reach out to the boutique law firm of Flaxman Law Group. Our family-based law firm has recovered over $100 million for our clients so far and we work to provide compassionate and attentive representation. To find out whether you have a claim and to learn more about working with us, contact us for a free consultation with a South Florida car accident claims attorney.