Another excellent type of documentation is to maintain a diary of the following: the hospital and medical treatment you underwent; the type of pain you experience on a daily basis, and what activities bring the pain on or exacerbate your suffering; your inability to perform activities of daily living due to your injuries (and identifying the people who must do these activities instead regarding household chores or maintenance); and how the accident has affected your enjoyment of life. This is instrumental when you must give testimony at a deposition or trial (often months or a couple of years after the events) as to treatment, pain and disability, and the toll the accident has taken on your life. These are the most important elements a jury will consider when deciding how much to award for your damages, so keeping a diary is a very smart way to improve your chances of a successful outcome at trial or a more substantial settlement before trial.