Medical Journals of Treatment and Missouri Car Crash Claims

n the context of a car crash, there are two main interpretations of "medical journals" that might be relevant:

  1. Published Medical Journals: These are academic publications containing research articles on various medical topics, including car crash injuries, treatment protocols, and rehabilitation strategies.

These journals are unlikely to be directly helpful for you after a car crash. They are intended for medical professionals and contain complex scientific data.

  1. Personal Medical Journal: This refers to a journal you keep track of yourself to document your medical experiences after the car crash.

Why Keep a Personal Medical Journal After a Car Crash:

  • Improved Communication with Doctors: By journaling your symptoms, pain levels, medication use, and limitations in daily activities, you can provide a more detailed picture of your recovery to your doctor. This allows them to better understand your progress and adjust your treatment plan if needed.
  • Enhanced Memory: After a car crash, especially if you suffered a head injury, recalling details can be challenging. A journal helps you track your symptoms and progress over time, serving as a valuable memory aid for yourself and your doctor.
  • Supporting Legal Claims: In some cases, a personal injury attorney might request your medical journal as evidence. Detailed documentation of your pain, limitations, and medical care can strengthen your claim and support the argument that your injuries were caused by the car crash.

What to Include in Your Medical Journal:

  • Date and Time: Record the date and time of each entry.
  • Symptoms: Describe your symptoms in detail, including location, severity, and any changes you notice over time.
  • Pain Levels: Use a pain scale (e.g., 1-10) to document the intensity of your pain.
  • Medications: List all medications you're taking, including dosages and any side effects you experience.
  • Doctor Visits: Record the date and key takeaways from each doctor's appointment.
  • Treatments: Describe any treatments you receive, such as physical therapy or occupational therapy.
  • Limitations: Document how your injuries limit your daily activities (e.g., difficulty walking, trouble sleeping, inability to work).
  • Emotional State: It's also helpful to note your emotional well-being, including anxiety, stress, or depression related to the accident and recovery.

Keeping a Medical Journal:

  • Frequency: There's no set frequency. Aim for daily entries, especially in the initial stages of recovery, and gradually reduce the frequency as you improve.
  • Format: Use a physical notebook, a digital note-taking app, or a voice recorder—whichever method works best for you.
  • Honesty and Objectivity: Be honest about your symptoms and limitations. Strive to be objective in your descriptions, avoiding overly emotional language.

By keeping a detailed medical journal after a car crash, you can take an active role in your recovery, improve communication with your doctor, and potentially strengthen any legal claims you might pursue. This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.