Every time you drive or ride in a motor vehicle, you have some chance of sustaining a potentially serious injury in an accident. Whether you have a common car accident injury or a rare one, you may be able to pursue financial compensation from the driver who caused it.

When collecting documentation about the accident, you should request your medical records. Unfortunately, though, these records are likely only to describe your injury in technical terms. Taking three types of injury photographs may add a personal context that may be invaluable to your personal injury claim.

1. Your initial injuries

After the collision, you should snap some photographs of bruises, cuts and other injuries that may heal quickly. Taking time- and date-stamped photographs of these injuries immediately after the crash connects them to the accident, essentially proving you did not sustain your injuries doing something else.

2. Your recovery journey

It is not uncommon for car accident victims to spend days or weeks in the hospital. You may also require surgery, physical therapy or ongoing rehabilitation. If you feel comfortable doing so, take some photographs during your recovery journey. These photos showcase the time and effort you have spent trying to return to normal.

3. Your injury-related accommodations

If you have a life-altering injury, you may have to modify your home to accommodate your new way of life. For example, you may need to install a ramp, bathroom grab bars or new flooring. You may also need a wheelchair, crutches or even a prosthetic device to help you cope with your injury.

Ultimately, by photographing your injury-related accommodations, you continue to tell a story about the significant toll the accident has taken on both you and your family.