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Car Accident Checklist

How to Keep an Injury Journal After a Crash

The day-to-day effects of an injury are easy to forget by the time a claim resolves. A simple journal captures them while they are real.

  1. Write regularly

    Jot down a short entry each day or every few days, so the record stays consistent.

  2. Record pain and symptoms

    Note pain levels, where it hurts, and symptoms like headaches, stiffness, or trouble sleeping.

  3. Track your limitations

    Write down what you could not do — work missed, chores, hobbies, time with family, activities you gave up.

  4. Note your treatment

    Log appointments, medications, and how you felt afterward.

  5. Be honest and specific

    Concrete, truthful detail is more persuasive than exaggeration — and it holds up far better.

The deadlines and rules depend on your state

The steps above apply wherever you were hurt. Filing deadlines, fault rules, and limits on damages differ by state — pick yours for what applies to car accidents.

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This is general information, not legal advice. Every situation is different, and the law differs by state.