In a car accident? Taking good notes can be a wise decision.

When it comes to car accidents, most Maryland residents know that no matter how careful they are, no drivers can control the choices of other truck and car operators. Unfortunately, as the saying goes, “There are those who have been in accidents and those who are likely to be in accidents.” Although modern vehicles have airbags and other safety precautionary devices and technology to protect their occupants, a serious car accident can still result in injuries to the vehicle’s occupants.

When involved in a car accident and a personal injury suit is filed after the accident, two of the critical aspects of such a claim include what precisely happened during the accident that gave rise to the victim’s claim and which sort of harm resulted from it. Both of these aspects will play parts in the suit during the multiple stages of the individual’s personal injury suit. As such, taking good notes can often be the linchpin of a personal injury suit.

As some complex cases can last over a year — or more — maintaining a clear record to which one can refer can greatly contribute to the success of the individual’s claim. This begins with taking excellent and thorough notes as soon after the incident as possible, including what happened exactly, the injuries experienced and how those injuries affect an individual’s daily life. No detail is too small, and the notes should include the time, place, what was said, who was present and how the incident played out.

Taking notes after an accident might be one of the last things on most people’s minds after being involved in a car accident in Maryland. However, remembering that detailed notes will help to strengthen a legal claim is important to remember, as it is a vital step in preserving evidence. It is one of the first steps in an often long — and sometimes complicated — legal process. An experienced attorney is often consulted to analyze this information and evidence in order to give advice about whether a victim has a viable claim.

Source: FindLaw, “Take Notes About the Incident and Your Injuries“, Accessed on July 1, 2016