After being involved in a truck accident, it is normal to feel overwhelmed. The aftermath often involves dealing with injuries, trauma, and the chaotic process of insurance claims. Amid all this chaos, it’s easy to overlook the importance of keeping your medical bills. However, these documents are critical for several reasons and your Des Moines truck accident lawyer might use this as important evidence.
Here are some reasons why it is necessary to not discard medical bills after a truck accident.
- Proof of Medical Expenses
Firstly, medical bills serve as concrete proof of your medical expenses. They document the cost of treatment you received following the accident, from emergency room visits to rehabilitation services. So, it may be challenging to prove the financial impact the accident has had on your life without medical bills.
Insurance companies will require medical bills to verify your claims. Discarding them could lead to disputes about the authenticity of your expenses, potentially reducing the compensation you might receive.
- Establishing the Severity of Injuries
Medical bills help establish the severity and extent of your injuries. The nature of treatments, their duration, and frequency can show how severely you were affected by the accident. This information can significantly influence the amount of compensation you may be entitled to.
In some cases, specific injuries may have long-term implications, requiring ongoing treatment. So, keeping track of all medical bills can help project future medical costs, further strengthening your claim.
- Evidence of Pain and Suffering
Medical bills can serve as evidence of pain and suffering. While it may seem difficult to put a price tag on such subjective experiences, courts often use medical bills to quantify these damages. By demonstrating the extent of your medical treatment with medical bills, you can make a stronger case for compensation for pain and suffering.
- Documentation for Lost Wages
Medical bills, along with doctor’s notes, can corroborate your claim for lost wages. If your injuries forced you to take time off work, these documents could prove the financial loss you suffered due to missed work opportunities.
- Protecting Your Rights
Discarding your medical bills could inadvertently weaken your claim or lawsuit. Therefore, it is crucial to keep all documents related to your accident, not just medical bills. This includes police reports, photographs of the accident scene, witness statements, and any correspondence with insurance companies. It’s also advisable to keep a personal injury journal documenting your physical and emotional state after the accident. This can provide additional context and support to your medical bills.
