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How to Document Your Injuries Like a Lawyer (Photos, Journals, Evidence)

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When you’ve been injured in an accident, solid documentation can be the difference between a strong settlement and a denied claim. Insurance companies look for gaps, inconsistencies, or any reason to downplay your injuries. But with the right evidence collected the right way, you can protect yourself and your case.


Here’s how to document your injuries the way an experienced personal injury lawyer would.


1. Start With Clear, Consistent Photos

Photos are some of the most persuasive evidence you can collect. They show your injury before the insurance company has time to question it.

What to Photograph

  • Your injuries from multiple angles

  • Bruising and swelling as it develops

  • Cuts, burns, stitches, medical devices (casts, braces, etc.)

  • Property damage (your vehicle, bike, clothing)

  • The accident scene, if possible

  • Anything unusual, like road hazards or broken equipment

How to Photograph Your Injuries Like a Lawyer

  • Take photos immediately and continue daily for the first week.

  • Use natural lighting to show detail.

  • Include a reference object (like a coin or your hand) to show size.

  • Photograph changes over time, bruises often appear worse on days 2–4.


2. Keep a Detailed Injury Journal

Insurance companies often claim that victims are “exaggerating” their pain.A daily journal shuts down that argument.

What to Include

  • Pain levels on a scale of 1–10

  • Limitations (difficulty walking, lifting, sleeping, working)

  • Activities you missed (family events, work shifts, workouts)

  • Emotional effects (frustration, anxiety, sleeplessness)

  • Treatment notes (appointments, medications, doctor instructions)

Why It Matters

Pain isn’t visible, but documentation is.A journal helps show:

  • Long-term suffering

  • How your life changed

  • How symptoms progressed

  • Your consistency and credibility

Lawyers often use injury journals to prove pain and suffering, which is a major part of your compensation.


3. Save Every Medical Record, and Don’t Skip Appointments

Insurance companies watch for “gaps in treatment.”Missing appointments makes them argue that you weren’t seriously hurt.

Documents You Need to Keep

  • ER records and discharge summaries

  • X-rays, scans, and test results

  • Treatment plans

  • Physical therapy notes

  • Chiropractor and specialist visits

  • Prescription receipts

  • Medical bills and invoices

  • Referral paperwork

Pro Tip:

Ask for copies of everything. If you don’t, your lawyer has to chase down the paperwork—which slows your case.


4. Keep All Physical Evidence

Sometimes the best evidence isn’t a document at all.

Examples of Useful Physical Evidence

  • Torn or bloodied clothing

  • Broken helmets or safety gear

  • Damaged personal items

  • Car or bike parts

  • Footwear involved in slip-and-fall cases

Don’t wash, fix, or throw anything away. Store items in a safe place, and label them with the date.


5. Gather Witness Information Early

Witnesses help confirm:

  • What caused the accident

  • That you were injured

  • That the other party was negligent

Get the following from each witness:

  • Full name

  • Phone number

  • Email

  • Short summary of what they saw

The sooner this is done, the more accurate their recollection will be.


6. Track All Accident Related Expenses

Injury claims aren’t just about medical bills. Many victims are surprised by how many costs they can recover.

Track:

  • Lost wages

  • Transportation to medical appointments

  • Over-the-counter medications

  • Home modifications or equipment

  • Childcare costs

  • Housekeeping help

  • Parking and tolls

  • Co-pays and deductibles

Keep receipts in one folder or scan them into a digital file.


7. Avoid Social Media Mistakes

Insurance companies check your social media. Even innocent posts can be taken out of context.

Do NOT:

  • Post about the accident

  • Share photos of physical activity

  • Joke about being “fine”

  • Discuss your case

Until the claim is resolved, your safest move is to stay quiet online.


A lawyer can:

  • Preserve evidence

  • Stop insurance company harassment

  • Prevent mistakes that weaken your claim

  • Connect you with medical specialists

  • Order police reports and surveillance footage

  • Document your injuries in legally powerful ways


The sooner you get legal help, the stronger your case becomes.

 
 
 

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