After a car accident, your focus should be on healing—but if you plan to file an injury claim, what you do in the hours, days, and weeks that follow can greatly affect your case. One of the most critical steps? Thoroughly documenting your injury.
Whether you’re filing a claim through your insurance provider or pursuing compensation from the other driver, having accurate records can make all the difference. Here’s how to make sure your injuries are properly documented from the start.
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel “fine,” it’s crucial to see a doctor right after the crash. Some injuries—like concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage—may not present symptoms right away. A visit to the emergency room or urgent care creates an official medical record of your condition, which can serve as foundational evidence.
If the crash occurred in Phoenix, Glendale, Tempe, or surrounding areas, be sure to save all hospital records, doctor’s notes, and discharge papers.
2. Be Detailed When Describing Symptoms
When speaking to a medical provider, be as specific as possible. Instead of saying “I feel sore,” describe it as:
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“Sharp pain in my lower back when standing”
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“Throbbing in my neck and shoulders”
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“Numbness in my fingers after the impact”
These types of descriptions help create a timeline and connect your symptoms to the accident.
3. Keep a Pain and Recovery Journal
Start a journal the day of the accident and write daily or weekly notes. Include:
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Pain levels (on a scale of 1–10)
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Sleep disturbances
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Emotional or psychological effects
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Missed work or activities
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New symptoms that develop
This diary can be used as supporting evidence to show how your injury has impacted your life over time.
4. Take Photographs of Injuries
Visual documentation is powerful. As soon as possible after the crash, take clear photos of:
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Cuts, bruises, and swelling
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Casts, slings, or bandages
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Progression of healing (weekly if possible)
Make sure your photos are dated and stored safely. These images can help illustrate the severity and duration of your injuries if your case is ever challenged.
5. Organize All Medical Records
A strong claim requires a clear paper trail. Create a folder (physical or digital) to store:
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Emergency room records
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Follow-up visits
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Physical therapy notes
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Test results (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans)
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Prescription receipts
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Mileage to and from appointments
This will make it easier to calculate damages and demonstrate the full cost of your injury.
6. Save Correspondence With Insurance and Providers
Keep a copy of any emails, letters, or messages exchanged with:
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Insurance companies
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Healthcare providers
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Employers (regarding missed work)
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Any involved third parties
This information helps clarify who knew what and when—and may come in handy during settlement negotiations.
7. Consider Legal Guidance Early
You don’t have to go through this process alone. If you’re unsure about what documentation is needed or how to preserve your rights, it may be helpful to consult with a legal team familiar with Arizona personal injury claims.
You can contact Folger Law Firm to request a consultation and discuss what steps to take after an accident.
Final Thoughts
Properly documenting your injury after a car accident isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about protecting your well-being, your time, and your financial recovery. From doctor visits to personal journals, every detail matters when it comes to strengthening your claim.
If you’ve been injured in a crash and have questions about what to do next, the team at Folger Law Firm is available to help individuals in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Peoria, Glendale, and Tempe understand their legal options.
