When you’ve been injured in a car accident, no matter the severity, you need to keep track of every single penny spent on the care for your injury. It’s only fair that you are reimbursed for all the money you spend for an injury that was caused by someone else’s negligent actions. Our car accident attorney would like to share some important tips for keeping track of the medical expenses that stem from the injury caused by the accident.
Take Pictures
One of the best things you can do to document your injuries after a car accident is to take pictures if you are healthy enough to do so. Use your mobile phone when it is safe and snap some quick pictures of any of your injuries before you are treated by a firefighter or EMT on the scene. These pictures can be useful to your personal injury attorney when determining the severity of the injuries prior to treatment.
Start a Journal
It’s a good idea to start a journal to record information about the accident and your injuries. The journal can include information about your pain, rehabilitation, medication, therapy and other treatment. You could even write down the money you are spending to have the injury fixed or treated after the accident.
Save All Receipts and Documents
Grab a file folder out of your home office to save all receipts and documents related to the car crash injury. These documents include copay receipts, prescription receipts, doctor bills, medical statements, insurance company statements and more. Do not throw any of these in the trash as they will be needed later to help file a claim against the at-fault driver of the crash. If you were placed on a special diet, make sure you save the receipts for the food you purchase.
Travel Expenses
If you are driving yourself to doctor appointments, therapy, rehabilitation or anything else that stems from the accident you need to document the travel. Write down the mileage for each trip so you can be reimbursed for the gas used to help get medical attention.
Income Loss Documentation
If the injuries suffered in the car crash were serious enough to cause you to miss work you will want to document your income loss. Speak with the human resources or payroll department at work to have them help document your lost wages. This will need to be provided in writing with a concrete number.
Create a Spreadsheet
Do you have access to a computer? If so, consider creating a spreadsheet to help you track the money spent on your injuries following the car crash. The spreadsheet will help you organize all of your receipts, co-pays, bills, and statements into one centralized location that can easily be emailed to your attorney. It’s also important to make copies of every document received in the event you lose the original.
