How To Document Injuries And Expenses After A Crash
Strong documentation is the difference between a smooth claim and a frustrating one. Here's exactly what to track and how to organize it.
Documentation is the single most underrated factor in accident recovery. Insurers, attorneys, and medical providers all rely on records, and the strength of those records often determines outcomes.
Medical documentation • Every doctor visit, ER trip, urgent care, physical therapy, and specialist appointment • All prescriptions and over-the-counter medications related to the accident • Imaging (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans) and the written interpretations • A daily symptom journal: pain level (1-10), sleep quality, mobility, and any limitations
Financial documentation • All medical bills and explanation-of-benefits statements • Lost wages: pay stubs before and after, plus a letter from your employer documenting missed days • Mileage to and from medical appointments (the IRS medical mileage rate often applies) • Out-of-pocket costs: parking, copays, prescriptions, equipment (braces, crutches, ice packs) • Vehicle repair estimates, rental car receipts, towing
Accident scene documentation • Photos of all vehicles, the scene, road conditions, weather, and visible injuries • Police report (request a copy, usually available within 5-10 business days) • Witness contact information • Dashcam or nearby security camera footage (request quickly, many cameras overwrite within days)
Organization Keep everything in one folder, physical or digital. Name files consistently (e.g. 2026-03-12_ER-visit.pdf). Back up to cloud storage. Share only what's necessary with the people helping you.
The people you work with, doctors, attorneys, coordinators, will thank you. And so will your future self.
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