Even when we plan to go to the doctor for a checkup or to get an opinion about a medical issue we are experiencing, we often forget to mention things. You might not think certain things are that big of a deal and would rather ignore them.
Unfortunately, people may also forget to mention things when they visit a doctor after being injured in a car crash. They may be overwhelmed with stress because of the crash, or they may think certain symptoms will go away on their own.
This is not just a problem as far as your treatment and recovery are concerned. Failing to report things to the doctor could hurt your chances of securing full compensation for medical treatment of your injuries.
If you have been injured in a car crash that was not your fault and those injuries have been diagnosed by a doctor, you should consider talking to a lawyer. The insurance company may offer you compensation, but it is likely going to be for far less than the cost of all the medical treatment you need. If you have a lawyer advocating for you, you may be more likely to recover fair compensation.
Schmidt Kramer has helped numerous victims of car crashes obtain compensation for their damages. Schedule a free consultation today to see if we can assist you.
Meeting with a Doctor After a Crash
There are times when crash victims can walk into a doctor’s office and explain what is going on. However, there are other times where crash victims are rushed from the scene to the hospital because they are in critical condition and need immediate treatment to save their lives.
If you are rushed to the hospital, it may be several hours before you can have a detailed conversation with a doctor. Once you talk to the doctor, be as detailed as possible. Keep in mind the doctor cannot provide treatment for something if he or she does not know about it.
If you walk into the doctor’s office or hospital, explain that you were in an accident and want to have all your injuries diagnosed. Discuss all the symptoms you have experienced, no matter how minor you think they may be. The doctor may not be able to diagnose everything, but he or she can refer you to other medical professionals who can run tests to diagnose you.
How to Handle Preexisting Injuries
It is also important to inform the doctor about preexisting conditions that may have been aggravated by injuries you suffered in the crash. The doctor can distinguish between problems caused by your preexisting illness and those caused by the injuries you suffered in the crash.
You may be tempted to conceal a preexisting illness because you are concerned it will hurt your chances of recovering compensation. However, this is not true. The insurance company may try to blame all your medical problems on your preexisting illness, but an experienced lawyer can counter these claims. The Harrisburg car accident attorneys at Schmidt Kramer know how to prove an illness was the result of a car accident and not a preexisting illness.
It is important to inform your doctor and your lawyer so your preexisting illness can be noted and accounted for in your treatment and in your legal claim. If you withhold this information, it could hurt your chances of recovering full compensation for your crash-related injuries.
Attending Follow-Up Appointments
You may forget to mention some things during that first visit, just make sure to inform the doctor at follow-up appointments. You should also be sure to inform the doctor if your symptoms have worsened and if any new symptoms have popped up.
Explain how you are responding to treatment:
- Are there any activities you cannot engage in because of your injuries?
- How much pain do you experience each day?
- Have your injuries affected you emotionally?
Make sure to continue your treatment as requested by your doctors. Skipping appointments without a valid reason and failing to reschedule them could give the insurance company reason to question the severity of your injuries. You are also jeopardizing your recovery, as your injuries could worsen without continuous treatment.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Crash victims often have questions for doctors who are treating them. It can be important to ask these questions and get answers because it may give you some peace of mind. Maybe you are in for a long recovery, but it can be better to know that then be left with questions.
Ask the doctor how long this process may take. What signs should you look for that treatment is working? What signs should you look for that treatment is not working or making things worse?
Other questions you may want to ask include:
- What are the side effects of this treatment?
- What are the side effects of the prescription medications you recommend?
- Can I work right away, or do I need to stay home for a period of time?
- When can I go back to work?
- Do I need to consult a specialist?
- Will I be left with any permanent injuries or disabilities?
Schmidt Kramer is Here to Help
Our firm understands the challenges faced by car crash victims because our lawyers have helped so many crash victims over more than 30 years serving Harrisburg and the surrounding areas. We are here to answer your questions and explain how we may be able to assist you during this difficult time.
The initial consultation is free and there are no upfront fees for our services.
Schmidt Kramer. Call (717) 510-1770.