Being involved in a car accident is a frightening and emotionally overwhelming experience. Whether you suffer a minor or major injury, it is always important to seek immediate medical attention following a crash.
Not only is it beneficial to your health and overall wellbeing, but visiting a doctor is an important step to a successful car insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. When you visit your physician, it is critical to ask them several necessary questions that will help you throughout the recovery process and complete your claim or lawsuit.
The following are common questions to ask your doctor in the aftermath of a car collision:
- How serious are my injuries? The first thing you want to know is the full extent of your injuries and what does that mean for your overall health. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not show any symptoms until hours or days after an accident. Once you understand everything you need to know about your injuries, you can then focus on your recovery and avoid activities which can aggravate your condition.
- What caused my injuries? While it may seem obvious that you were hurt in a car accident, a doctor can determine how the injury occurred. Did your head strike the steering wheel? Did you suffer lacerations due to shards of broken glass? Knowing what caused your injury can prevent the insurance companies from assuming that your injuries were caused by something else.
- Should I be aware of any future health concerns? From spinal cord damage to traumatic brain injuries, certain types of accident injuries can cause permanent debilitation, resulting in a lifetime of medical care. Ask your physician if your injuries will likely have any long-term consequences and whether you should take other steps to avoid permanent damage.
- When can I return to work? In many cases, victims of car accidents require time away from the job to recover. Your doctor can provide a note for you if time off from work is necessary for a successful recovery. Furthermore, the written note can also be used as proof of injury in your case.
- May I have copies of my medical records? Documentation of your injuries is the best form of evidence in a personal injury case. Although most doctors will adhere to verbal requests, some may require a formal written request.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Texas, request a free consultation with our Fort Worth personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of James M. Stanley today.