How to Document Your Injuries and Losses
What to keep, photograph and write down so you can clearly show what an accident has cost you.
Why documentation matters
Insurance companies and courts rely on records. Clear, dated evidence of your injuries and expenses is far more persuasive than memory alone.
Medical records
- Keep every visit summary, test result, prescription and referral
- Follow your treatment plan and attend follow-up appointments
- Tell each provider about all of your symptoms, not just the worst one
Photos and video
Take photos of visible injuries as soon as possible and again as they heal. Include a date in each photo or file name. Photograph damaged property, the scene and anything that shows how the accident happened.
A simple injury journal
Write a short note each day: pain level, what you could not do, sleep problems, missed activities and how the injury affected your work or family life. Keep it factual.
Financial records
- Medical bills and insurance explanations of benefits
- Pay stubs and employer letters showing missed work
- Receipts for travel to appointments, medical equipment and home help
- Repair estimates and rental-car bills
Be careful on social media
Posts and photos can be misread and used against you. Consider pausing posts about your activities and health while a claim is open, and do not delete existing posts without asking a lawyer.