CHECKLIST: What You Should Ask Your Doctor After a Car Accident?

Here is a handy checklist to help you understand what you should ask your doctor after a car accident.

Things can get hectic and chaotic after a car accident injury, but it’s critical that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. Not only is this important for your health, but it also helps set up a steady foundation for a potential personal injury case. Once you’re treated, the next step to building your case is to ask your doctor the right questions, including the severity of your injuries and how long you’re going to be out of work.

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Ask your doctor the following questions:

What injuries do I have and how severe are they?

If your injuries from a car accident are not visibly apparent, it could take days or weeks for the doctor to give you a full assessment. Ask your doctor to explain all of the injuries you have, the severity of them and what potential injuries they will look for in the future, even at the initial appointment. This may not only help build your case, but also help prevent any further injuries from occurring. Tell your doctor as much information as you can about the accident and your health so they can make the best assessment possible.

Could this injury have been caused by the wreck?

Your doctor’s medical opinions could play a direct role in your personal injury case after getting injured in a car accident. Keep notes on what caused your injuries in order to prevent an insurance company from insinuating that your injuries were caused by something unrelated to your car accident.  It’s important that the doctor notes that your injuries were likely caused by the car wreck.

How will my injuries affect me in the future?

Sadly, some injuries will last a lifetime. Ask your doctor if any of your injuries will have long-term effects on your health, both directly and indirectly. A foot injury may impact the way you walk and could affect your legs and lower back in the long run. Find out what treatments and/or medications are available to keep your pain and suffering to a minimum.

Will I be able to work?

A quick return to work could exacerbate your injuries. After a thorough assessment, discuss how long you will be out of work and what types of activities you should avoid during your recovery. Doctor’s notes that establish how much time you need off of work can help when seeking damages for missing work.  They would be critical for worker’s compensation or disability cases.

Can I have a copy of my medical records?

When you’re dealing with a personal injury case, keep a thorough collection of your medical records. Ask your doctor for a copy of your medical records, which may be provided directly or through a formal request. This includes records of tests, X-rays, long-term care plans, medications and referrals.  Our legal team can order all of these records and prepare them for you.

Your car accident attorney in Columbia will then analyze these records, round-up medical experts to strengthen your claim, initiate the discovery process, depose witnesses, and start negotiations with the insurance company or the defendant’s attorneys. Your medical records are crucial in calculating your compensation for your physical injuries, pain, physical therapy, trips to your doctor, disfigurement, disability, and more.

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