“Day in the Life” Videos as Evidence: How Visual Storytelling Can Strengthen Cases

Suffering a sudden and severe injury can completely change the course of your life. Not only are you faced with medical bills and long recovery periods, but you may need to learn how to live with debilitating pain and permanent disabilities. That level of injury can make your day-to-day activities extremely challenging. When pursuing compensation, part of what you and your Nashville personal injury attorney need to show is how your life has changed and how difficult daily tasks are for you following the harm that you experienced. However, a judge and jury cannot come visit you in your home to see firsthand the impact of your injuries. One way your attorney can help tell your story and show your struggle more effectively is with something called a “Day in the Life” video.

Overview of “Day in the Life” videos

Video can serve as a powerful tool. When you are trying to explain your reality to strangers, giving them imagery and a glimpse of some of your more personal experiences can really bring home the reality of your circumstances. Has the injury made it difficult for you to climb the stairs in your home? Do you have limited mobility because of the accident? How has it impacted you and your family? While you can share these issues verbally in the courtroom, showing them in the form of a video allows people to connect with you.

Why a “Day in the Life” video can be important in a personal injury case

A “Day in the Life” video can play a significant role in a personal injury case for a number of reasons, including:

• Offering compelling visual evidence: Once someone sees your experiences in a “Day in the Life” video, it becomes more difficult for opposing counsel to downplay your injuries.
• Detailing your daily struggles: Telling a jury that it is difficult for you to get out of bed, dress yourself, eat, or perform household tasks is one thing. Letting them see what it takes for you to do things that they may take for granted can help them get a better understanding of your damages.
• Highlighting the impact on your quality of life: Beyond physical challenges, the video can also capture the emotional and psychological toll of your injuries by showing frustration, sadness, anxiety, moments of despair, or the effects of PTSD.

A “Day in the Life” video can serve as an effective negotiating tool

You might think of a “Day in the Life” video as a tool for trials. However, it is possible to prepare one of these videos even before you file the lawsuit. The reason you might do so is that a “Day in the Life” video can support your negotiations with insurance claims adjusters.

For example, imagine that a Nashville resident was significantly and permanently injured in an accident caused by a tractor-trailer hitting their vehicle. In most cases, the truck operator and the trucking company will hold insurance coverage. The insurer controls the defense and litigation of the lawsuit on the defendant’s side.

That insurance company and its defense attorneys do not usually see you until well into the litigation process. They might review documents related to your case and your injuries, including medical records. However, it is unlikely that they will be able to fully appreciate the severity of your losses from such information. A “Day in the Life” video can show them that your injuries are serious and help them understand how a jury will view you and your claim.

If the “Day in the Life” video is produced well and tells a compelling story, the insurer may realize that it is likely a jury could offer a significant settlement at trial. This realization can push them to offer more generous settlements.

The process of creating a “Day-in-the-Life” video

Creating an effective “Day in the Life” video requires careful planning and professional execution. As an evidentiary tool, it must be accurate and authentic. Your Nashville personal injury law firm should hire a professional videographer who understands how to properly produce a “Day in the Life” video. The videographer should also understand the sensitivities involved in personal injury evidence and be careful to respect your privacy and dignity. They can take you through the steps and let you know what types of actions they plan to film.

Maximizing the impact of a “Day in the Life” video

A “Day in the Life” video can have a significant impact, which is why your Nashville personal injury law firm may invest time and resources to produce a high-quality video. Below are some general recommendations for producing a top-notch “Day in the Life” video:

• Use a professional videographer who has the right equipment and experience to produce and edit a quality film.
• Outline the video to make sure you are covering all the important experiences.
• Depict challenges you face in regular, daily activities.
• Do not limit the content to physical struggles, show the emotional toll of the injury as well.
• Pay attention to admissibility rules so that it is possible to present the video in court – the videographer should be ready to authenticate the video in court and willing to make last-minute changes if any content impacts admissibility.
• Take time to identify the best ways to demonstrate the severity of the injury.

Seriously injured in an accident? Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer in Nashville

If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury in an accident caused by the careless or reckless actions of another, then now is the time to act by contacting the Rocky McElhaney Law Firm. Our firm is comprised of experienced personal injury attorneys with a track record of success in securing sizable settlements and verdicts for our clients. By focusing exclusively on helping the injured, our team of respected Nashville personal injury lawyers has been able to build a reputation for fierce advocacy and extensive knowledge of the laws. Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential consultation.