A major accident or injury can change your life forever if you aren’t careful. That is one of the reasons why many legal specialists suggest recording as much information as possible in the hours, days, and weeks following an accident or mishap. Here are a handful of tips that will help you take comprehensive and accurate notes after an injury has occurred.
Within a few hours of being involved in an accident, your mind might start creating false memories. If you want your notes to be factual, then you need to write down the data as quickly as possible. After a few days, your perception of what took place could change drastically.
Trying to organize all of that information as you are writing it down can be difficult and stressful. Your physical health should be your primary concern, and you just need to get the information down. Once you are feeling better, you can then go back and organize your thoughts or add any new information that you remember.
One of the best ways to improve your post-accident notes is to supplement the information with videos and pictures. An example of that would be snapping a few photos of the nearby cars and traffic signs after an auto collision. That information can then be used to verify your version of the story. Your photos might also be invaluable to your legal team in the event of a lawsuit.
Using a recorder is a great option for those who are severely injured. You might also be able to record other parties such as eyewitnesses and law enforcement officers. Before recording anyone, you must first make sure that you have permission. Recording a conversation without the other party’s consent is against the law in certain states.
You might need to make multiple copies of your notes for a personal injury lawyer or claims adjuster, and that will be much easier if your notes are digital. Those who are comfortable using mobile apps should search for note taking software that allows them to transfer files between their smartphone and computer. Some of those programs even give you the option of sending encrypted files to other parties.
You shouldn’t share your personal notes with anyone until you sit down and speak with a lawyer. Those notes can be used against you if your accident escalates into a major insurance claim or civil lawsuit. Remember to treat your notes as exactly what they are—valuable evidence and tools for your benefit in your specific case.
Dixie Somers is a freelance writer and blogger for business, home, and family niches. Dixie lives in Phoenix, Arizona, and is the proud mother of three beautiful girls and wife to a wonderful husband.