Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if you feel “fine,” always get checked out by a medical professional. Many injuries, like whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding, don’t show symptoms right away.

Go to the ER, urgent care, or your primary physician within 24 hours of the crash. Delaying treatment gives insurance companies ammunition to argue that your injuries aren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident.

What to request during your visit:

Full physical exam
Diagnostic tests (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs)
Written diagnosis and recommended treatment plan

Step 2: Follow the Doctor’s Orders

Failing to follow your doctor’s instructions can destroy your claim. If you skip appointments or ignore treatment plans, the opposing party may argue that you contributed to your own condition. Make sure you:

Attend every follow-up visit
Fill and take prescribed medications
Go to physical therapy as directed
Keep all medical receipts and discharge papers

Step 3: Take Daily Photographs of Your Injuries

Start a photo diary from Day 1. Visible injuries like bruises, cuts, swelling, burns, or stitches should be documented daily to show the healing process and severity over time.

Tips for effective injury photos:

Use a smartphone with time/date stamps
Take pictures from multiple angles
Include close-ups and wide shots for context
Use consistent lighting and backgrounds

These photos can be extremely persuasive in a settlement negotiation or trial.

Step 4: Keep a Pain and Recovery Journal

Create a daily journal or log that captures the following:

Pain levels (rate 1–10)
Limitations in mobility or daily tasks
Emotional and psychological effects (e.g., anxiety, nightmares, depression)
Missed work, school, or social events
Updates on medical appointments and progress

Why this matters: Insurance companies are less likely to challenge your experience when you present a consistent, well-organized record of how your injuries affected your life.

Step 5: Collect and Organize All Medical Records

Ask for copies of everything related to your injury care, including:

ER and hospital records
Imaging results and radiology reports
Surgical notes
Physical therapy progress notes
Chiropractic and specialist evaluations
Medication prescriptions and receipts

At JML Injury Law, we often compile these documents into a comprehensive medical timeline to support your claim and demonstrate the full scope of your injuries.

Step 6: Track Financial Losses Related to Your Injury

Medical expenses aren’t the only damages you may be entitled to recover. You should also document:

Lost wages due to missed work
Diminished earning capacity
Travel expenses for medical appointments
Out-of-pocket costs for medical equipment or in-home care

Keep all invoices, pay stubs, mileage logs, and receipts. The more financial detail you can provide, the stronger your claim for economic damages will be.

Step 7: Preserve Communication Records

Save any communication related to your accident and injuries, including:

Emails or texts from employers regarding time off work
Appointment confirmations
Insurance correspondence
Text messages to family or friends describing your condition

These messages can help paint a full picture of your recovery and day-to-day struggles.

The Role of Your Personal Injury Attorney in Documentation

At JML Injury Law, we help clients organize and present their documentation in the most compelling way possible. This includes:

Reviewing medical records for completeness
Requesting expert medical opinions when needed
Preparing photo evidence for presentation
Communicating with doctors and employers on your behalf
Building a compelling narrative around your injury and recovery

Proper documentation doesn’t just help win your case, it can increase your settlement value by thousands of dollars.

Mistakes to Avoid When Documenting Injuries

Ignoring Minor Injuries

Small aches can turn into major issues later. If you don’t mention them early, insurance companies may refuse to cover them later.

Relying on Verbal Communication

Don’t assume a phone call with your insurer or doctor is enough. Get everything in writing and store it safely.

Using Social Media

Avoid posting about your recovery, workouts, or vacations. Even innocent photos can be used to argue your injuries aren’t as serious as claimed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to start documenting injuries?

Immediately. The sooner you begin, the stronger your legal case will be. Waiting even a few days can raise red flags for insurance adjusters.

Can I still file a claim if I didn’t go to the ER right away?

Yes, but it may be more difficult. Get evaluated as soon as possible and begin documenting your injuries moving forward.

Will documentation help with pain and suffering damages?

Absolutely. Journals, photos, and witness statements help establish non-economic damages, which can significantly increase your compensation.

Protect Your Case by Documenting Everything

If you’ve been injured in a Texas car accident, the actions you take immediately after the crash are crucial. Properly documenting your injuries can be the difference between a denied claim and a full recovery of damages.

At JML Injury Law, we believe in fighting for every dollar our clients are owed, and solid documentation is the foundation of that fight. Whether you’re dealing with whiplash, a traumatic brain injury, or broken bones, we’re here to guide you through the process and build the strongest case possible.