According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, car accidents have been on the rise every year. When you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, it can be difficult to figure out what to do next. In every case, your safety is paramount and taking care of it should always be your priority. However, it is important to document your injuries as soon as possible. Documentation of your injuries helps you document evidence to support your personal injury claims and can help you receive the compensation you deserve when you need it the most.
Having an attorney who specializes in motor vehicle accidents can be greatly helpful during this trying time. While you focus on your recovery, your car accident attorney will be there every step of the way fighting on your behalf to get you the compensation you deserve. Your attorney can advise you on documenting your case to get the best results. We at the Paul Wilkinson Law Firm, a local law firm in Denver, have been fighting for motor vehicle accident victims for years and we get results. If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident, call Paul. We’ll take care of you.
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Documentation Provides Proof of the Extent of Your Injuries
When you document your injuries after a motor vehicle accident, you provide concrete evidence of the extent of your injuries. Documentation at this stage can include photographs of any visible injuries, medical records, and notes from doctors and healthcare providers.
In addition to images of injuries and vehicle damages, taking notes on expenses related to medical treatments or those caused by lost wages due to seeking medical treatment is also helpful. These demonstrate financial losses due to the accident and make it much easier to claim what you are rightfully owed in regard to damages.
In a personal injury claim, compensation is typically awarded based on the extent of the injuries sustained, as well as other factors such as lost wages and medical expenses. By documenting the extent of your injuries, you can provide evidence to support your claim and increase your chances of receiving fair compensation.
It Helps to Establish a Causal Relationship Between the Accident and Your Injuries
Documenting your injuries also helps establish a causal relationship between the motor vehicle accident and your injuries. This directly links the accident to your injuries. While it should be obvious, this can be important if the other party involved in the accident is disputing liability or trying to claim that your injuries are not related to the accident.
Medical records and other documentation can help to establish that your injuries were, in fact, caused by the accident. In many cases, you can also argue existing conditions were made worse by the accident. Having documentation, including photos and doctor’s notes, can help support your claim for compensation.
Documentation Helps to Expedite the Claims Process
Proper documentation of your injuries can expedite the claims process and streamline the legal roadblocks that often accompany injury claims. Many claims can take a while to process, with the process sometimes taking about a year. However, there are many factors that can cut this time down. The better your case, the easier it is to win and get the compensation you need, which can be important if you are facing medical bills and lost wages as a result of your injuries.
It Can Help You Remember Important Details About Your Injuries
Finally, documenting your injuries can be a practical way to remember important details about your injuries and the accident itself. While it can often be difficult to reminisce about such an event, this can be helpful if the case goes to trial and you are forced to provide testimony about the accident or your injuries in court or during settlement negotiations.
Having a clear and detailed record of what happened can be invaluable in the event of a civil dispute or lawsuit. While only a very small percentage of cases actually go to trial, it is nevertheless important to be prepared. Fortunately, collecting documentation is a standard part of the claim process and may be used in court to help car accident victims remember important details about the incident.
Conclusion — The Importance of Documenting Your Injuries After a Motor Vehicle Accident
Documentation is an important part of the claims process and collecting them as early as possible is the best way to support your claim to get the compensation you deserve. Not only are they necessary for the legal process but getting accurate early documentation can help build your case, hasten the claims process, and resolves any disputes that may arise.
Fortunately, you do not have to be alone when handling what to do after an accident. Having an experienced lawyer in your corner is more than just a counsel. If you are in the Denver area, the Paul Wilkinson Law Firm is available to not only guide you through the process but we will collect the documents, file the claims, and pursue the leads that you need to win your case. If you’ve been in an accident and are unsure of what to do, call (720) 804-0730 and set up a free consultation today.
The Paul Wilkinson Law Firm is a team of personal injury attorneys in Denver, CO serving victims of car, truck and motorcycle accidents. Each of our lawyers is licensed with the Colorado State Bar (CBA) and specialize in injury law.
We've recovered tens of millions of dollars in personal injury settlements and verdicts for our clients. For 13+ years we've helped thousands of people get back on their feet after experiencing serious injuries. We will take your case to trial and get the maximum settlement possible.