After an accident, you need to get an examination from a healthcare provider. Sometimes, injuries may not appear for days after the incident. Prompt medical treatment will not only help you recover sooner, but it can be essential in your personal injury claim.
Without seeking medical help, the other party may try to claim your injuries were the result of something other than the accident.
Once you have an appointment, what should you discuss with your doctor? On a yearly basis, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) contends there are 57.5 million doctor visits that result from accident-related injuries. Knowing what to say can help you get the treatment you need.
At Barrera Law Group LLC, we know that you don’t want to do anything to jeopardize your case. For that reason, we have created this list of 5 tips for talking with your doctor after an accident.
Always Be Truthful and Provide a Full Medical History
When it comes to discussing your health and accident with your doctor, you will always want to be completely transparent. This is not the time to hold back any information. During this time, you will want to talk about past injuries, pre-existing conditions, and family medical history, no matter how unrelated they may seem.
Even the slightest detail can impact your treatment and recovery plan.
A medical professional can develop an accurate treatment plan when they know your complete history.
Additionally, sharing your full health history with your doctor can help establish a link between your medical condition and the accident when filing an injury claim.
Along with that, if you decide to make a legal claim, not disclosing any previous medical history could be used to disprove your injuries. The other legal team may argue that if you were not honest with the doctor about your history, you may not be truthful about injuries from the accident.
Describe How You Got Hurt
You will want to be as specific as possible when describing your injuries.
Make sure to pinpoint where exactly you hurt or where you believe you have been injured. For example, you might avoid saying, “My back hurts.” Instead, try to provide the medical providers with as many details as possible.
If you were involved in a rear-end collision, make sure to specify that your vehicle was hit from behind and the force of the impact propelled you forward. In these cases, the doctor may perform additional tests to ensure you didn’t suffer any internal injuries or a concussion from the impact.
Not only do these details help with your treatment plan, but they can also provide you with valuable documentation that could support your legal claims.
Aside from police reports, medical records are the first solid piece of evidence in a personal injury case in Albuquerque. From this point on, you will want to have every medical issue recorded by your healthcare provider. With that, you can have a timeline regarding the severity of your injuries, your treatment, and whether you have recovered from the incident.
Never Minimize Your Injuries
Sometimes, you may want to brush off an injury as a “little pain” in your arm or a “slight headache.”
But you need to be honest about your pain intensity and limitations. What may seem like a minor issue could indicate a significant problem. You need to communicate any discomfort you’re experiencing. Whether it is a headache, dizziness, or any other symptom, always tell your healthcare provider.
Immediate medical attention can lead to better recovery. Plus, keeping detailed records of your symptoms and treatment can serve as valuable evidence for legal purposes.
Remember, your doctor is there to help you. So, you will want to share any information that may be relevant to your condition.
Understand Your Treatment Plan
After you have been diagnosed, talk to your healthcare provider about your treatment options, recovery timeline, and expected prognosis.
If surgery, physical therapy, or medication is recommended, ask about potential side effects and long-term effects. You will need to know what to expect to prepare yourself physically and mentally.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, express your concerns, or seek a second opinion if you feel that it’s necessary. When it comes to your health, you will want to know every step of the treatment and recovery process. Once again, make sure to keep notes and records of these discussions and treatments, all of which can help build a case for a personal injury claim.
Discuss Any Physical Limitations or Work Restrictions
If you have been involved in an accident, you will want to talk about any physical limitations or restrictions you might have with your doctor. This conversation can help your doctor assess your ability to work.
If there are any tasks that you cannot perform due to your injuries, the healthcare provider can provide documentation for work restrictions. This information is vital if you plan to file a workers’ compensation claim or seek disability benefits. By discussing these limitations with your doctor, your employer will also be aware of any restrictions you might have and make the necessary accommodations to help you recover.
Plus, if you have to lose income due to the injuries, this can also be documented in your medical file.
Follow These Tips for Your Next Doctor’s Visit
At Barrera Law Group LLC, we want you to prioritize your health and welfare. Focusing on your healing should be your top priority after an accident. By following these tips, you can make sure your healthcare provider has the right information to treat your injuries, as well as starting a paper trail that can substantiate your legal claim.
If you have any questions about your case, our attorneys are always ready to assist.