If you have been involved in a car accident and suffered an injury, the first thing you should do is seek medical treatment. Even if you sustained a minor injury, it could be worse than you think and only a doctor can determine the full extent of your injuries. Whether you were required emergency transport via an ambulance or visit your doctor’s office on your own, there are some important questions you should ask.
You need to ask your doctor the following questions after suffering an injury in a car accident:
- What is the full extent of my injuries? Your physician should determine the exact nature of your injuries, how long does it take to recover, and what you must avoid during the recovery process. Keep in mind, some injuries do not show symptoms right away, so you might have to schedule several follow-up appointments.
- What caused my injuries? Although this may seem like the answer to this question is obvious, a doctor has the ability to tell you how they happened. His or her opinion on the matter could be of great value to your personal injury case.
- Are they any future health concerns that I need to be aware of? Some injuries never do quite heal completely. Ask your physician if your injuries will have long-term health effects and if there are any treatments available to reduce the amount of discomfort.
- When can I return to work? Accident victims often require time off from work to recover. Your doctor can provide a note for you if time off from work is necessary. In addition, the written note can also be helpful for when you seek damages for missed work or reduced earning capacity.
- May I have copies of my medical record? Documentation of your injuries is considered the best form of evidence in a personal injury case. While most doctors will gladly adhere to your request when you ask them verbally, some might require a formal request.
For more information, contact our Pocatello personal injury lawyer at May Rammell & Thompson today.