If you are hurt in a car accident or other type of personal injury, your lawyer may advise you to start keeping a pain journal. This journal can help you keep track of details regarding your injuries, including:
Medical appointments
Doctor notes
Activity restrictions
Details about your daily pain level
Complications the injuries have caused
Side effects of medication
Family events you missed
Details about your mental and emotional state
It may be some time after your accident before you are able to reach a settlement or receive an award for your case. A pain journal can keep these important details in one place in case you need to refresh your memory with them or provide testimony about how the injuries affected you.