Why Do I Need to Take Notes After an Accident in New Jersey?

a man taking notes, writing on paper with a pen, glasses and computer on side

After an accident that could lead to a personal injury claim, it’s essential to do everything possible to maximize your chances of recovering monetary compensation for the damages you have wrongfully endured. If you are injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, understanding the steps you must take following the incident is crucial to safeguard your legal rights. One thing you can do to position your case for success is to keep ongoing notes after the accident to ensure you remember critical details about the incident and your resulting injuries. Please continue reading to learn the importance of taking notes after an accident and why connecting with our experienced Essex County Personal Injury Attorneys is in your best interest. 

Why is it Important to Take Notes After an Accident in New Jersey?

Following an accident, writing down your experiences in the hours, days, and even weeks after the accident is critical. This is because having this information readily available will allow you to refresh your memory on the key facts of your case. When you file a claim against a negligent party, it’s important to understand that receiving a resolution can take months or years. Over time, your memory of how the events unfolded may become foggy. As such, you should not rely solely on your memory, as it could lead to an inaccurate recall of the events, which, in turn, could jeopardize your opportunity to recover the compensation you deserve.

What Should I Write Down?

As mentioned above, having notes on your experiences after the accident will remind you of what happened and provide you with more reliable information down the road. It’s beneficial to jot down everything you can remember about the accident, including where you were going, the people you were with, the time, the weather, and everything you saw, heard and felt.

From here, you should describe your injuries and their effects. You should make daily notes on all the pains and discomfort your injuries have caused you. This includes any anxiety, loss of sleep, or other problems that are not as visible as physical injuries but for which you should be compensated. If you fail to make specific notes on the effects your injuries have on your daily life, you may not remember exactly what to include in your negotiation, resulting in an insufficient award.

As you can see, taking notes after an accident is crucial. If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, please don’t hesitate to contact a proficient Essex County personal injury attorney from The Law Offices of Christopher T. Howell, Esq., who can help guide you through this complex legal process and advocate for your interests.