Car accidents can result in a variety of damages whether to your vehicle or body. While the physical toll an accident takes is often great, it can also lead to emotional and psychological ailments. Mental injuries can be just as bad, if not worse, than physical ones, but because they are not always visible they are harder to document and prove. Understanding how to effectively document your mental injuries is imperative, especially if you intend to pursue legal action and compensation for your damages. Read on to learn more about documenting psychological injuries and consult with a Pike County, KY auto accident lawyer for skilled representation and legal advice.
Why is Documenting Mental Injuries Important?
Documenting mental injuries after a car accident is critical for many reasons. First of all, documentation can provide evidence of the psychological impact the accident has had on your life. Insurance companies and courts often require ample, clear evidence supporting your claim that you developed a mental injury from the accident. If you want to collect compensation from the individual responsible for causing your accident and injury, proper documentation is paramount.
It is also important to document your mental injuries to ensure you receive the medical care necessary for your condition. Through effective documentation, medical professionals can better understand your symptoms, evaluate your injury, and implement a treatment plan.
How Can I Document Mental Injuries After a Car Accident?
Whether you are taking legal action or simply want to monitor your mental health, the following steps are useful in documenting psychological injuries after an accident.
- Seek professional help: The first and arguably most important step in documenting your mental injuries is to seek professional help. See a psychologist, therapist, or psychiatrist to be evaluated. They will assess your symptoms, run tests, diagnose you, and develop a treatment plan. This ensures you get help and have a paper trail of evidence of your injury.
- Keep a personal journal: In addition to professional treatment, keeping a journal of your experience can be a great way to document your mental injuries. When journaling you can express your emotions, track changes in your mental health and behavior, and keep a record of your symptoms. This is also a good place to document the treatment you receive from your doctors.
- Document daily changes: Your psychological injuries likely have caused changes in your behavior and daily life. Keep track of changes like avoiding certain situations, retreating into yourself, finding it difficult to engage with people or activities that you once enjoyed, etc.
- Collect receipts: Gather copies of bills and receipts that you have accumulated throughout your treatment to prove the financial effect your mental ailment has had on you. This can include costs of medication, therapy co-pays, doctor visits, and more.
You can document your injuries in a variety of ways depending on the details of your condition. Reach out to a skilled injury attorney for advice on the best ways to preserve evidence of your injuries.
