How to Document Your Injuries and Losses for a Truck Accident Claim

Being involved in an accident with a large truck can change your life in a second, as these crashes are often serious because of the size and weight of commercial vehicles. One of the most important things you can do is to carefully document your injuries and losses to protect your rights and strengthen your case.

If you’ve suffered injury in a truck accident in South Carolina, the accident attorneys at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC can help you figure out the process of documenting your accident. Below, we’ve created a simple personal injury checklist to guide you through the steps to take to properly document your injuries, expenses, and other losses. This list can help make a big difference in getting the compensation you deserve.

Why is documenting truck accident injuries so important?

The burden is on you and your legal team to prove your damages when you file a personal injury claim after a South Carolina truck accident. The more organized and detailed your records, the easier it will be to show the insurance companies (and possibly a judge and jury) how much your accident has cost you, physically, financially, and emotionally. Without proper documentation:

• Insurance companies may question the severity of your injuries.
• You may lose out on compensation for medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Your claim could take longer or be denied altogether.

Think of this documentation as the foundation of your case. The stronger it is, the more likely you are to receive a fair settlement.

What should you document after a truck accident?

There are several types of records you should keep to fully document your truck accident injuries and losses. Below is a detailed personal injury checklist to help you stay on track.

Medical records and treatment notes

Your medical records are the most important documents in your South Carolina truck accident claim. These provide direct evidence of your injuries, your treatment plan, and your recovery timeline. Be sure to collect information like:

• Ambulance reports
• Emergency room records
• Hospital admission paperwork
• Doctor’s notes and treatment summaries
• Physical therapy records
• Prescription receipts
• Imaging results (like X-rays, MRIs, CT scans)

It’s important to follow all recommended medical treatments and attend every appointment. Gaps in your care can give insurance companies a reason to argue that your injuries aren’t as serious as you say.

Here’s a good tip. Start a medical journal where you write down how you feel each day, the pain levels you experience, and any limitations you’re facing. This personal record can help show the real-life impact of your injuries.

Photographs and visual evidence

Photos can tell the story of your accident and your injuries in a way that words sometimes can’t. Make sure to take clear, dated pictures of:

• The accident scene
• Vehicle damage
• Road conditions, skid marks, or debris
• Visible injuries (cuts, bruises, burns, surgical scars, etc.)

Continue photographing your injuries over time to document how they progress. This can be especially helpful if your injuries worsen, become infected, or leave permanent scars. If you can’t take the pictures yourself, ask a trusted friend or family member to help.

Police reports and accident records

Always call the police after a truck accident. The official police report can be an important piece of evidence because it typically contains:

• The responding officer’s observations
• Diagrams of the accident scene
• Witness statements
• Notes on whether traffic laws were violated
• Possible causes of the crash

Be sure to request a copy of the police report for your records. Your lawyer will also use this report to build your case.

Employment and income documentation

Truck accidents can seriously disrupt your ability to work. Whether you miss a few days or can’t return to your job at all, you need to prove how the accident affected your income.

Keep records of:

• Doctor’s notes restricting you from working
• Pay stubs from before and after the accident
• Letters from your employer verifying missed work
• Tax returns (if you’re self-employed)
• Records of lost bonuses, promotions, or opportunities

You may also be entitled to compensation for reduced earning capacity if your injuries limit your ability to work in the future.

Out-of-pocket expenses

Many truck accident victims forget to track small expenses that can quickly add up. These can include:

• Transportation to medical appointments
• Rental car fees
• Medical supplies (braces, crutches, wheelchairs)
• Home modifications (ramps, handrails, etc.)
• In-home care or assistance

Save every receipt and keep an organized log of these costs.

Pain and suffering journal

Pain and suffering can be one of the hardest parts of recovering from a truck accident, but it’s also one of the most challenging losses to prove. A daily journal can help you show:

• Physical pain levels (on a scale of 1-10)
• Emotional struggles like anxiety, depression, or PTSD
• Changes in your ability to enjoy hobbies, social activities, or time with family
• Sleep disturbances or nightmares

This type of evidence helps personalize your claim and demonstrate how the accident has affected your overall quality of life.

Witness information

If anyone saw the truck accident happen, get their:

• Full name
• Phone number
• Email address
• Written statement, if possible

Neutral, third-party witnesses can strengthen your version of events and counter any false claims made by the trucking company or their insurer.

Insurance correspondence

Save all communication with insurance companies, whether it’s by phone, email, or letter. This includes:

• Claim numbers
• Adjuster names and contact details
• Written offers
• Denials or delays in processing your claim

Your lawyer can use this information to track the progress of your case and challenge any bad faith insurance tactics.

What not to do when documenting your truck accident injuries

There are also some actions you should avoid when documenting your injuries.

• Waiting too long to seek medical help can weaken your claim. Insurance companies may argue your injuries aren’t related to the accident if you don’t get immediate care.
• Avoid sharing accident details or posting about your recovery on social media. Insurance companies often monitor these posts to look for reasons to deny or reduce your claim.
• Be honest about your injuries and pain levels. Exaggerating can hurt your credibility if your records don’t back up your statements.

How our South Carolina truck accident lawyers can help

Even with careful documentation, truck accident claims can quickly become complicated. Trucking companies have aggressive insurance carriers and legal teams ready to protect their bottom line, often at your expense.

At McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, our experienced South Carolina truck accident lawyers know how to:

• Investigate the crash thoroughly
• Gather key evidence and records
• Work with medical experts to calculate future costs
• Handle negotiations with insurance companies
• Build a strong case for trial if necessary

We are committed to fighting for maximum compensation for our clients so they can focus on healing.

Documenting your truck accident injuries and losses is one of the best ways to protect yourself and strengthen your personal injury claim. The sooner you begin, the better. By following this personal injury checklist, you can make sure you aren’t leaving money on the table.

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a truck accident in South Carolina, contact McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC today for a free consultation. We are here to stand by your side, answer your questions, and help you pursue the justice you deserve. Call us or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. Our South Carolina truck accident lawyers have offices in or near Charleston, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, Greenville, and Rock Hill.