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Documenting Your Medical Condition After An Accident

Pen and notebook

If you’re reading this note, then you most likely have been in an accident caused by another, and suffered injuries. You may be wondering how to protect your rights to medical treatment and other compensation in a personal injury claim.

Obviously, the majority of those injured in car accidents and other types of accidents aren’t thinking about photographing their injuries and the scene of the accident, but this documentation can be extremely helpful and make navigating a personal injury claim easier, whether or not you ultimately decide to retain a lawyer or pursue the claim directly with the insurance company.

First, you ideally would photograph damage to all involved cars, the scene of the crash from all pertinent angles, and bumps and bruises that are visible right away. Visit a doctor or an emergency room and maintain those records. Additionally, you will want to keep a record of any diagnosis and treatment plans from health care providers, as well as copies of correspondence from insurers. The initial hospital or doctor intake can provide a baseline for your recovery process. Store all of this in a file so you know where everything is. This helps make it easier to obtain reimbursement.

When people don’t keep records these items, it can be more difficult to prove the claim, especially when it comes time to negotiating a settlement. It can clearly bring home the challenges you have faced if the injuries are visible and you can see the damage that happened to the vehicles.

Another important factor is creating an “accident” journal or accident file on your computer. In this real or e-diary, you will record your recovery process. This will help you document what you went through, medical treatment you received over time, and how you felt and thought about the process as you went through it.

This information can be particularly useful as you or your attorney negotiates a settlement, particularly if there is going to be a value placed on your pain and suffering that is accident related.

Maryland attorney Jonathan Scott Smith helps those injured due to the carelessness or negligence of a person or organization obtain full and fair compensation. Mr. Smith’s track record of results has earned him respect and recognition of his peers and clients. Recognitions include:

  • Maryland Super Lawyer
  • 10.0 Superb” as a litigation attorney, and “Client’s Choice Award,” based on average client reviews of 5 stars, the highest client review possible, by AVVO
  • AV-Preeminent ™*” Peer-Review by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory

Baltimore Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm

We handle cases involving personal injury, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, and criminal defense throughout Maryland, including Columbia, Clarksville, Sykesville, Fulton, Elkridge, Frederick, Mt. Airy, Ellicott City, Laurel, Westminster, and Baltimore and throughout Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

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**AV® Preeminent™, BV® Distinguished™, and Rated are certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the Bar and the Judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.