The Importance of Keeping Accurate Records in a Truck Accident Case
When you’re involved in an accident, what do you do next? What should your priorities be? While medical care should be the first thing on your list, you definitely want to follow that with starting your documentation of the accident. That might seem like a bit much, but when you decide to pursue compensation, documenting your accident is one of the best things you can do.
Wondering how documentation can help your truck accident claim? Let’s talk about it and plan your next steps. Call Bailey, Javins & Carter at 678-210-3292 to schedule a consultation with our Atlanta truck accident attorneys.
How Documentation Can Support Your Claim
Proper record-keeping does a lot for your personal injury claim—to the point that it should be one of the most important things on your to-do list. The records you generate and keep serving as important evidence as you seek compensation from the truck driver, their employer, or the company responsible for loading their cargo.
Accurate records paint a clear image of what happened and the consequences that followed. If you maintain the right records, they can prove liability and the extent of your accident-related injuries. Building on that, they show the financial losses you’ve endured because of the accident. In general, your records create a factual foundation for your personal injury claim—one that’s very hard for the insurance company to ignore.
Records and Documentation in a Truck Accident Case
If record keeping is so critical to your personal injury claim, which types of records should you be keeping? We recommend:
- Accident scene documentation: This is where it all started, and you have to prove what happened here if you want a shot at fair and full communication. The more information you have from the accident scene, the better. You should have photos and video footage of the scene, including evidence of damage to both vehicles. You also want to show the truck’s final resting place when it stopped moving—make sure that at least some of the photos have the truck’s license plate and other identifying information. Write down your recollection of what happened, including any communication you had with the truck driver and anyone else you saw at the scene.
- Medical records and expenses: Your medical expenses will likely be a significant part of your eventual settlement, so you want to document them as much as you can. Every time you receive a bill or treatment estimate from your care providers, file it away. Document your driving time and mileage for every medical appointment, as well as any money you spend on tolls or parking.
- Financial losses: You’ll likely have other financial losses you want to document throughout this process. If your vehicle is totaled or requires repair, pull an estimate for the replacement value of your vehicle or repair estimates from reputable shops. If you have to hire out for household tasks, such as laundry or driving your children around, keep track of everything you spend.
- Communication records: There are numerous parties involved in truck accident claims, and it’s likely that at least some of them will try to contact you as you work through the claim process. Every time someone reaches out to you by phone, email, mail, or in person, write it down. Include what you talked about and any direct quotes that seem relevant.
Working With an Attorney
Truck accidents have far more evidence available than most other types of vehicle accidents, so it’s important to work with a truck accident lawyer throughout this process. They’ll be able to access the electronic logging device used on the truck, the truck driver’s driving records, and the hiring protocols of their company. All of these could be helpful when it comes to building a strong case that proves your need for compensation.
Reach Out to Bailey, Javins & Carter Today
If you or someone you love has been injured in an Atlanta truck accident, it’s time to find out if you’re entitled to compensation. Our team is here to help you navigate this process. Call us at 678-210-3292 or fill out our online contact form to claim your free consultation.
