After a car accident, Chicago drivers may suffer from debilitating head and body injuries. As time passes, it becomes more difficult to remember the details of the accident. By the time the case goes to trial, the loss of details and lack of documentation place a heavy burden of proof on the victim to show the extent of their injuries.
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A post-accident journal is an effective way for victims of a car accident in Chicago to keep track of their injuries, treatment, and the effect their injury has on their quality of life. This information is essential in proving non-economic damages, and securing adequate compensation for the injury.
Starting A Journal
Accident journals are more than just a collection of writings about the crash; they are a collection of documents and information that show the progress of an injury over time. The first thing victims should do is obtain a copy of the police report and any photographs of the accident scene to be used as evidence of the accident.
Next, victims need to write their own recollection of the events, including the date, time, and conditions surrounding the accident. It is important to note weather conditions or any other extenuating circumstances that may have contributed to the accident, and not just the position of the vehicles.
With the spread of mobile technology, there is no need for the victim to keep a handwritten journal. Smartphone and tablet apps can track medical symptoms on the go, while word processing programs allow victims to write more in-depth information. The apps even provide reminders for the victim to complete their daily and weekly writing assignments.
Daily Tasks
On a daily basis, victims need to keep track of several items:
Once a victim starts writing on a daily basis, it is essential to continue the habit. Failure to do so might look like the victim is embellishing their discomfort.
Weekly Tasks
On a weekly basis, victims should take note of the bigger picture:
The Journal At Trial
The purpose of the journal at trial is to show the non-economic impact an injury had on the victim’s life. Economic damages cover the cost of medical care and expenses, and those damages are determined by the doctor’s assessment of the injuries.
Non-economic damages provide assistance for the pain and suffering a victim experiences after a car accident in Chicago. Juries and judges can award non-economic damages for mental anguish as a result of an accident, or to compensate a victim for the loss of pleasure from daily activities. Finally, the non-economic damages pay for lost earnings the victim suffered with the loss of time at work.
A Chicago car accident attorney can help victims keep up with their post-accident journals and ensure victims have the proper documentation to prove the extent of their injures at trial.