Documenting Your Injuries After An Accident
At Embden Law, LLC, we’ve seen too many claims weakened simply because the evidence wasn’t gathered properly. Here’s what you should do from the very beginning to protect yourself:
1. Get Medical Attention Immediately
In New Jersey, insurance carriers often argue that delays in treatment mean you weren’t really injured in the accident. Don’t give them that opening. Whether it’s the ER, urgent care, or your family doctor, make sure your injuries are evaluated and recorded right away.
And remember, follow-up care is just as important as the first visit. Consistent treatment shows that your injuries are ongoing, not temporary aches and pains.
2. Keep a Personal Recovery Journal
Your medical records show the clinical side of your injuries, but they don’t capture how your life has been disrupted. A recovery journal fills that gap. Write down:
- Daily pain levels and symptoms
- Activities you’ve had to give up
- Time missed from work or school
- Emotional struggles like anxiety, stress, or loss of sleep
This type of record makes your suffering real and relatable for a jury, and harder for an insurance adjuster to dismiss.
3. Use Photos and Video as Evidence
Clear, dated visuals are some of the most powerful forms of evidence. Photograph or record:
- Cuts, bruises, swelling, scars, or casts
- Medical equipment like braces, crutches, or wheelchairs
- The accident scene (when possible)
Photos taken over time also show how long it takes your body to heal, or how it doesn’t fully heal.
4. Save Every Bill and Expense
Under New Jersey law, your damages include not just your medical bills, but also out-of-pocket expenses tied to your treatment. Keep copies of:
- Hospital and doctor bills
- Prescription receipts
- Therapy and rehabilitation invoices
- Transportation costs to appointments
Even small expenses add up and strengthen the value of your case.
5. Gather Supporting Voices
It’s not just your word that matters. Statements from family, friends, or coworkers about how your injuries changed your daily life can be powerful. For example, a coworker can confirm how often you’ve missed work, or a friend can describe how you’ve been unable to participate in activities you once enjoyed.
6. Be Smart About Social Media
Insurance defense lawyers in New Jersey routinely scour Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for anything that might weaken your case. Even a smiling photo at a family gathering can be twisted to suggest you’re not injured. Until your case is resolved, it’s best to avoid posting anything about your health or activities.
Why Careful Documentation Matters
In a personal injury case, the burden is on you to prove the nature and extent of your injuries. Insurance companies aren’t on your side, their goal is to save money. Thorough documentation makes your case stronger and gives you the best chance at full and fair compensation.
Takeaway
If you’ve been injured in New Jersey, you don’t have to face the insurance companies alone. At Embden Law, LLC, we help clients from the very start of their case, making sure injuries are properly documented and their rights fully protected.
