If you have been involved in an auto accident, it is crucial to take accurate notes after the crash. Detailed notes ensure you have a reliable record of events, symptoms, and witness conversations, which will come in handy should a lawsuit ultimately be necessary. Below are three tips for taking accurate notes in the wake of an auto accident.

How to Take Notes After an Accident

1. Start Writing Your Notes Right Away

The sooner you start taking notes about your accident, the better. Your memory will be fresher, and your recollections will be more detailed. Always make your health your priority, and get prompt medical attention after a crash—but regarding urgency, starting your notes should be your next focus.

2. Be as Detailed as Possible

Think of your auto accident as a narrative, a story you are telling through the fleshing out of details. Record the exact order of events leading up to, during, and after the accident. Include factual information like the day and date, the time of day, and the weather conditions. Also be sure to write down any information regarding your health; the injuries you sustained, any pain you are experiencing, and the ways your injury and pain are impacting your daily life. Many of our past clients have found that a personal calendar works well for noting symptoms, severity of symptoms and physical limitations following a motor vehicle collision. Often, injured individuals are tasked to recall their physical condition and limitation years after the accident. A personal calendar helps refresh one’s memory to allow for a more confident and accurate testimony. 

3. Document Relevant Conversations

In the aftermath of an accident, you will likely have conversations related to the event. You might talk to passengers or witnesses at the scene, health care providers who treat you, or insurance claims adjusters who represent you or others involved in the crash. Make a note of all these conversations, including the day and date you spoke with them; their names and, if applicable, their job titles; and their contact information.

The auto accident lawyers at Atwood, Holsten, Brown, Deaver & Spier Law Firm, P.C., L.L.O., have been serving the Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska, areas for more than a century. Call (800) 655-9606 or visit their website to schedule a consultation. Your notes will help your lawyer build a solid legal case that accomplishes the goals you have set.