Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a car accident, one of your next steps should be to seek medical attention. Car accidents can result in serious injuries, and you do not want to put your health in jeopardy. When you see a doctor, it is important to know what to say and what not to say to recover full compensation.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when seeing a doctor after a car accident.
Waiting Too Long to See a Doctor
Some accident victims make the mistake of waiting too long to seek medical care. They may want to see if they will get better. This is a big mistake. Even if you feel okay after a car accident, you still seek immediate medical care. Some injuries, like concussions and whiplash, do not always show symptoms right away. If you wait too long to see a doctor, your injuries could worsen and become more difficult to treat.
Not Being Honest About Your Medical History
When you see a doctor regarding your car accident injuries, expect to answer questions about your medical history. It is important to be completely honest about your medical history and not leave any details out. For example, if you have a pre-existing back injury, you will want to let your doctor know. If you do not disclose this information, your doctor may not be able to help you to the best of his or her ability. Additionally, failing to disclose this information can harm your injury case.
Over Exaggerating or Under Exaggerating Your Pain
During your appointment, your doctor will want to know about your pain level. When describing your pain, be completely honest. Do not over exaggerate or under exaggerate the level of pain you are experiencing. Doing so can affect your credibility and the type of treatment you receive. For example, if your back pain is so severe that you can’t do your job properly, you need to tell your doctor. He or she may advise you to stop working until you have healed.
Failing to Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions
After your doctor has diagnosed your injuries, he or she will recommend a treatment plan. Whether it is going to physical therapy or taking medication, it is critical to follow your doctor’s advice. If you do not follow your doctor’s order or quit your treatment prematurely, you may not make a full recovery. In addition, if the defendant’s insurance company finds out that you haven’t been listening to your doctor, they may deny your case.
If you do not feel like your treatment is working or do not trust your current doctor, you may want to get a second opinion.
If you have been hurt in a vehicle crash, you may want to schedule a consultation with a car accident lawyer area residents recommend, like one from Martin Wren, P.C., to discuss your case in detail.
