Understanding The Full Impact Of Your Car Accident Injury
I have met with several clients over the course of my 29 years of practicing personal injury law. Many of those meetings have occurred in hospital rooms or living rooms of the injured person. I often hear accidents described in similar ways, “traumatic”, “such a shock”, “didn’t really know what hit me” as folks tell the story of the tragic event that has changed their entire lives. I’ve represented people who have suffered broken bones, whiplash, traumatic brain injury, burns, and spinal injuries including permanent paralysis. I’ve met with families still reeling from the loss of their loved one. And the one thing they all have in common is this, they did not plan for this pain or the huge disruption to their lives.
Medical Treatment Should Happen As Soon As Possible After The Accident
Getting medical treatment after an accident is your first priority. Oftentimes, clients will refuse ambulance transport to the ER at the accident scene because their bodies are still in shock and they have not begun to feel the pain associated with their injuries.
Delaying medical treatment is never a good idea. I don’t know of anyone who wants to go to the hospital, but if you suspect an injury and are feeling pain you should go. The sooner you are diagnosed and treated, the sooner you can begin healing.
And any delay in treatment may affect the value of your case in a negative way.
Talking to Medical Providers
No one likes a complainer, right? But know this, when you seek medical attention, you must tell the medical provider about all of your aches and pains. Show the doctor all of your bruises, cuts, lacerations, and swollen ‘goose eggs’. Be sure to tell the doctor if you came in contact with any fixed objects inside the vehicle during the crash. For example, if your knee hit the dashboard, say that. If your head hit the rearview mirror, you need to let your doctor know so they can record the event in your medical record. This is important for future treatment as well as for documentation of the injuries you suffered during the crash.
Medical Diagnosis
After a full examination, the ER doctor may provide a diagnosis with referral. Car accident injury victims are often referred to an orthopedic surgeon if they have suffered spinal injuries, broken bones, or soft tissue injuries to the neck and spine. Or sometimes, if a doctor suspects internal injuries he or she might admit you to the hospital for observation.
Follow Doctor’s Orders After The Accident
I can not stress this enough. If a doctor orders you to rest, then rest. If the doctor tells you to go to physical therapy, do it. If the doctor tells you to follow up with your PCP, make the appointment and go. There is no reason to suffer for the sake of “pushing through”. Trust me, no one gets a trophy for that. Not to mention that ignoring doctor’s advice will most likely devalue your case.
On-Going Medical Treatment After Your Car Accident
Most of my clients find that their injuries require many months or years of surgeries or physical therapy. On-going medical treatment is inconvenient, and expensive. My number one tip for making the most of these appointments is to keep a daily journal to share with the therapist or surgeon. Your therapist or surgeon needs to know if you are unable to sleep due to pain, unable to do housework or pull a shirt overhead. Recording these difficulties in a journal will help you remember to tell them to your medical provider during the appointment. Most physical therapy and doctor’s appointments occur during working hours and require patients to use sick time or forfeit their pay. So, be sure to get a doctor’s note to give to your employer at every visit.
How A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You Recover More Than Just Compensation
Being injured in a car accident is a traumatic, stressful event filled with uncertainty. Hiring a personal injury lawyer to represent you will relieve the stresses of worrying about doctor bills, medical record gathering, lost wages, future medical costs, possible liens from your health insurance, and negotiations with the car insurance companies. Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer will allow you to focus on what’s most important-YOU.
If you have been injured in an accident that was not your fault, call my office at 540-777-4900 for a FREE CONSULTATION.
