Keeping a note book or diary after an auto collision can be helpful with your claim for many reasons. There is a lot going on in the beginning, including property damage and repair, car rentals, and in serious cases, extended hospitalizations with a lot of follow up care.
There is also the simple fact that when it comes time to document your claim, you will have this resource to refer back to when explaining how the injury affected your every day life. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when keeping a journal or diary.
- The law may vary state to state, but in Oregon, unless the diary or journal is kept at the instruction of an attorney, you must assume that if the case is filed in court, an attorney representing the careless driver will seek a copy of the notes or journal.
- You should keep the notes brief. This is not a book, or a novel. It is a tool that allows you to recall missed family events, struggles with every day activities, and simple things like the time taken to attend appointments. The idea is that you will be able to recall these events after reviewing the notes.
- Be positive. Overcoming an injury is a struggle for sure, but if you are going to make the best recovery possible, you need to celebrate your successes along with your struggles. We have a client with a significant pre-existing condition who has a stellar attitude, and calls herself the Queen of Adaptation. That is a great attitude. Her injury has affected her, and in a big way, but she is adapting. It's not just good for the case, but it is good for you.
Questions? Call us at 503-325-8600. If you are in the midst of dealing with an injury claim of any kind, give us a call, and we can help you know where you stand.
