What Do I Need to Include in a Documentation Journal After a Car Accident?

Being hurt in a car accident means pain and emotional issues that you have to deal with. But the strength of any claim rests on evidence and documentation–even car accidents. As our video says, an insurance adjuster isn’t going to treat you like a human. So, you need to have documentation of how your car accident has impacted your daily life. If you have other questions, contact us for a free consultation.

What Should I Include in My Documentation Journal After a Car Accident?

No matter how apparent your injuries are after a car accident, your claim is going to hinge on what you can actually show to the insurance company. Unfortunately, adjusters are trained to take steps to devalue your claim. They can do this by dragging things out, but more often, they do this by not evaluating your injuries–and their impact on you–properly.

That’s the main reason why you would need a journal of documentation: the stronger you can show the impact of your injuries, the less wiggle room an adjuster has. But this brings up a key question–what do you need to include? The answer depends on your injuries, but usually, you’ll need to show:

  • Daily pain and problems – Mainly, you’ll want to document your daily pain and limitations caused by your injuries. Write about what hurts, how often, and how badly. If things like walking, sleeping, or everyday tasks become harder or more painful, make a note of it.

  • Changes to your routine – Describe what you used to do before the accident—working, caring for family, hobbies–and explain what you can’t do now or what’s become harder.

  • Emotional struggles – Also keep track of your feelings of anxiety, frustration, depression, or being overwhelmed. Your mental health and emotional struggles matter just as much as your physical pain.

  • Statements from others – If friends, family, or coworkers have seen you struggle or noticed changes in your mood or ability, their statements can help confirm what you’ve been going through.

  • Medical treatments – Keep track of your appointments, diagnoses, and any side effects from medication or therapy that you go through.

The more specific and consistent your notes are, the more clearly they’ll show the full impact of your injuries. Everyone experiences pain differently–your journal helps tell your story. And the stronger your evidence, the better your chances of getting the support you need to recover.

How Quirk Accident & Injury Attorneys Can Help After a Car Accident in Thousand Oaks

A car accident usually means dealing with painful injuries, emotional stress, or the frustration of not being able to do the things you used to enjoy. For some people, recovery can take months–or might never happen. No matter how injured you are, having the right legal support can make a big difference.

You don’t have to hire a lawyer, but having Quirk Accident & Injury Attorneys on your side can help you get through this more smoothly. We can help you by:

  • Explaining your rights and options
  • Helping you document your injuries, and other evidence that supports your claim
  • Figuring out what caused your accident and who’s responsible for it
  • Negotiating with insurance companies for a fair settlement that covers your needs
  • Filing a lawsuit, if it comes to that

Don’t face the aftermath of a car accident alone. Reach out to our team today for a free consultation, and let’s talk about how we can help you recover.