In the wake of an accident, you are surrounded by a flurry of activity, sirens blaring, police questioning, witnesses talking, and inquiries about your injuries. It is the perfect setting for confusion. That is why it is important for you to write down the details of the accident. It seems awkward in the midst of everything to say, “Excuse me. Do you have a piece of paper? I need to take notes.” But, if you are physically able, taking notes after a car accident is exactly what you should do. Why? Because those notes can provide the foundation of a personal injury case.
Why Note Taking Is So Important When Filing a Car Accident Claim
When you sit with an experienced car accident attorney, he or she will ask you what happened, who was involved, and more. There are some important things to note right away.
- Name, address, and phone number of the other party or parties involved in the accident.
- Description of road condition and weather at the time of the accident.
- Name and contact information of any witnesses.
- The name and badge ID of the officer at the scene so he can be contacted later to get the report.
- The name and number of the other party’s insurance company.
- Photographs to indicate property damage and bodily injuries.
- Description of how you feel.
Continue Taking Notes Throughout The Claim Process
Even after the confusion is over, it is important to continue taking notes. It is recommended to create a file with all the information about your accident. Some items that you should continue to gather are:
- Correspondence with insurance companies, including phone notes, emails, letters, and faxes.
- Medical information from doctors, hospitals, and any rehabilitation facilities
- Lost wages (current and future expectations).
Do not take a chance with your personal injury lawsuit. You deserve compensation for your pain and suffering and damages. Be sure to take comprehensive notes so that you and your attorney can build a strong case. Contact Dennis and King to help you gather the evidence and protect your rights after an accident.
