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You might be surprised at how easily even a traumatic event like a car accident can fade from your memory in time. If you intend to take action against the driver that caused the accident, you need to grasp those memories and facts in a way that will enhance your case to the max. Accident lawyers often advise victims to use a pain journal to do this. Read on to find out how easy it can be to capture vital information about your accident and use it to your advantage.

Using a Pain Journal

A formal, fancy journal is not necessary – a simple spiral-bound notebook will do the trick. What you decide to write depends on what matters to you. Take the below ideas to help you get started.

1. What do you remember about the accident and the circumstances around it (where were you were going, the weather, the time, who was with you?).
2. A list of medical treatments up to now. Be as detailed as possible because your medical treatment is extremely important when it comes to how much compensation you receive.
3. Notes on conversations you have with insurance representatives, your lawyer, and more.
4. Reminders on things to do and notes about medical appointments, diagnostic tests, medication issues, and more.
5. Most importantly, note how the accident and the resulting medical treatments have made you feel and affected you personally.

How Will Your Pain Journal Be Used?

Multiple opportunities will arise for using the information you gathered in your pain journal. Below are just a few:

• When discussing accident matters with your personal injury lawyer. Use it as a reminder system so you can accurately answer your lawyer's questions as you prepare to be compensated.
• As your lawyer prepares the demand letter. This letter is stuffed full of information aimed at procuring you an accident settlement.
• When your lawyer begins negotiating your settlement. For example, your lawyer may ask you about how much time you lost from work. That should be part of your settlement and you must know exactly how much you are owed.
• The deposition. In some cases, you must take your case to trial. If so, you will depend on your pain journal to help you prepare for the questioning and while you are being questioned.
• The trial. Just like the deposition, a pain journal can help you be more comfortable on the stand when you are asked detailed questions about the wreck, your injuries, and more.

Your personal injury lawyer knows all about pain journals and can guide you toward using your own journal for a successful case settlement.

For more information, contact a car accident attorney near you.