In personal injury cases, evidence is everything. The strength of your claim depends directly on the quality and completeness of the documentation you are able to present. Insurance companies look for any reason to minimize or deny your claim, and gaps in your documentation give them the ammunition they need.
At Dr. Ted Injury Law, we help our clients build comprehensive evidentiary files from day one. This guide walks you through the key types of documentation you should collect and maintain throughout your case.
Medical Documentation
Medical records are the backbone of any personal injury claim. They establish what injuries you suffered, how those injuries were treated, and the connection between the accident and your injuries. Essential medical documentation includes:
- Emergency room records from the day of the accident
- All doctor visit records, including specialist consultations
- Diagnostic imaging reports including X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans
- Surgery reports and operative notes
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation records
- Prescription medication records
- Medical bills from every provider
- Future treatment recommendations from your physicians
Financial Documentation
Economic damages are calculated based on documented financial losses. Gather and preserve:
- Pay stubs showing your income before and after the accident
- A letter from your employer documenting missed work days and lost wages
- Tax returns from the years before the accident to establish your earning history
- Receipts for out-of-pocket expenses including transportation to medical appointments, home care assistance, and medical supplies
- Estimates for vehicle repair or replacement
- Documentation of any other financial losses caused by the accident
Accident Scene Documentation
Evidence from the accident scene can be critical to establishing how the accident occurred and who was at fault:
- Photographs and video of the accident scene from multiple angles
- Photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, weather conditions, and traffic signals
- The police accident report
- Witness names and contact information
- Surveillance camera footage from nearby businesses
- Dashcam or traffic camera footage
Personal Pain Journal
One of the most powerful pieces of evidence in a personal injury case is a personal pain journal. This is a daily diary in which you document your pain levels on a scale of 1 to 10, the specific symptoms you are experiencing, the activities you can no longer perform or that have become difficult, the emotional impact of your injuries including anxiety, depression, and sleep problems, how your injuries are affecting your family and relationships, and any changes in your condition over time.
A well-maintained pain journal gives your attorney concrete, detailed evidence of the daily impact your injuries have on your life, making it much harder for the insurance company to argue that your injuries are not serious.
Communication Records
Keep records of all communications related to your case, including correspondence with insurance companies, notes from phone conversations with adjusters including dates and times, emails and letters from your employer regarding your injury and leave, and any communications with the at-fault party.
Start Documenting Today
If you have been injured in an accident, start documenting everything as soon as possible. The more thorough your documentation, the stronger your case will be. Contact Dr. Ted Injury Law at (800) 555-HURT for a free consultation about how to protect your claim.