August 12, 2025

How Memory Works After a Car Accident: Can You Trust Your Recollections?

If you've recently been in a car accident, you know how stressful the aftermath can be. Thereare many details to manage, making it challenging to get through the following days. Unfortunately, one of those stressors may involve proving you weren't at fault, and memory after a car accident can make that even harder.


However, because human memory isn't always at its best after a traumatic event, that may prove more difficult than you might think.

The Unreliability of Human Memory

Even in the best of times, people are unable to retrieve nearly 50% of all information just one hour after it's been encoded. Beyond that, some encoded memories become distorted over time. Worse still, stressful events can create memories that are strong but fragmented.


After a car accident, stress, shock, and injury often lead to increasingly unreliable memories. Due to this dynamic, victims may unintentionally misremember details. Though vivid, these memories may not be accurate. While this is not their fault, victims may unintentionally undermine their credibility, and thereby negatively affect the outcome of their case. This is exactly why an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side can make a huge

difference in your case. How to Protect Yourself After a Car Accident


Memories fade quickly, especially after stress or trauma

To protect yourself after an accident, document everything you can.

●Take photos and videos of the scene and any injuries.

●Record your initial memories on video or voice notes.

●Collect witness statements at the scene via video or voice notes.

●Keep all records and reports organized for future reference.


Best of all, a compassionate and knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can guide you through the process. They can take all the materials you’ve gathered and advocate on your behalf. This allows you to focus your energy on recovering from your ordeal.


How Memory Works After a Car Accident

Can You Trust Your Recollections? As Knoxville based personal injury lawyers, Fox and Farmer have proven experience supporting clients in situations like yours. We can help you, too.


Fox and Farmer Is Here for You

If you've been in a car accident and are unsure about the details, don't rely on memory after a

car accident alone. For help taking the first steps toward gathering the facts and protecting your

rights. Contact us for a free consultation today.

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