To document your injuries after an accident, photograph your injuries and the scene, gather witness details, get medical treatment, keep a symptom journal, and save every related bill and receipt. Thorough documentation builds the foundation of any personal injury claim.
The skilled Milwaukee, Brookfield, and Racine car accident attorneys at Cannon & Dunphy are passionate advocates who expertly navigate the complexities of the law to champion your right to justice.
Step 1: Photograph Your Visible Injuries and the Accident Scene
Take clear photos as soon as it is safe to do so. Capture cuts, bruises, swelling, and any property damage from multiple angles. Photograph the surrounding area, including road conditions, signage, and weather. Re-photograph your injuries every few days; bruising and swelling often change over time, and these records can establish the progression of your injuries and the severity of the harm you suffered.
Step 2: Collect Witness Contact Information and Statements
Identify anyone who saw the accident and ask for their full name, phone number, and email address. If a witness is willing and you are physically able, record a brief statement or write down their account. Independent witnesses can confirm how the incident occurred and counter any disputes about fault.
Step 3: Seek Medical Attention and Request Copies of Your Records
See a doctor as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor. Some conditions, such as concussions or soft-tissue damage, appear hours or days later. A medical record links your injuries directly to the accident and establishes a treatment timeline. Request copies of your diagnoses, imaging, prescriptions, and discharge instructions, and follow every treatment recommendation.
Step 4: Keep a Daily Journal of Your Symptoms and Recovery
In the weeks following the accident, write down how you feel each day, including your pain levels, sleep disruption, missed work, and limits on daily activities. Note your emotional state as well, since anxiety and distress can be part of a personal injury claim. A consistent record demonstrates how your injuries affect your life in ways that medical charts alone cannot show.
Step 5: Save All Bills, Receipts, and Related Expenses
Save every record that documents an expense tied to the accident. This may include prescription receipts, physical therapy invoices, mileage to appointments, and proof of lost wages. Hold on to receipts for assistive devices, home care, or any expense you would not have had without the accident. Organized records make it easier for your personal injury attorney to calculate the full value of your losses.
Step 6: Share Your Documentation with Your Attorney
Provide everything you have gathered to your attorney as early as possible. Organized evidence helps your attorney assess your claim accurately, identify missing pieces, and build a stronger case. Continue forwarding new bills, records, and journal entries throughout your recovery so nothing is overlooked.
The strength of your claim often depends on the quality of your documentation, and small gaps can reduce what you are owed. A Wisconsin personal injury attorney knows how to turn the evidence you have collected into a clear, compelling case for fair compensation. If important proof is missing, an attorney also knows where to look and how to recover it. Contact an attorney today to protect your record, your recovery, and the compensation your injuries deserve.