Attorney Charles Schierer has helped injured victims for many years. One helpful tip he has offered accident victims is to keep a daily journal of their recovery. Why? Because only the accident victim knows their recovery journey. They experience the pain and suffering alone. Sure, they have the support of their family and treatment team, but only they feel the pain and suffering. That is personal. When it comes time to settle their claim, having a daily journal to refresh your memory is the best way to prepare for a deposition or for trial testimony so you are able to accurately recount the history of your pain and suffering. You can also record the events you missed as a result of your injury. For example, when the broken ankle kept you from horseback riding or walking your daughter down the aisle at her wedding, you want to be able to memorialize the events and feelings that surrounded these additional loses. It's so easy to do. Simply use your cell phone to record your daily note. This will be invaluable to your lawyers for documenting non-economic losses like pain, lost activities, and sleep disruption. Recording day-to-day struggles lets your legal team clearly present the full scope of damages to insurers or a jury and can increase leverage for a fair settlement. Charles Schierer is the managing partner at the law firm of Schierer & Ritchie, LLC in East Peoria, Illinois. Go to www.srtriallawyers.com for more information.