The Questions You Should Ask Your Doctor After You’ve Experienced a Car Accident
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you know firsthand how stressful and confusing the minutes following it can be. However, it’s vital to remember that the most important action you can take in the minutes after an accident is to seek medical treatment immediately.
If your injuries are life-threatening, then this may be a no-brainer. However, it may be much easier to skimp out on seeking a medical evaluation if you suffered minor or less intensive injuries. Regardless of the severity of your injuries, going to the doctor is always a good idea, and you should always come equipped with a handful of questions to ask to ensure that when you file your claim, you leave no stone unturned.
So what questions should you consider asking your doctor? Below, we’ve listed some of the top questions to ask after a car wreck.
What is the Extent of My Injuries?
Your physician should provide you with detailed information regarding the extent of your injuries. This includes which body parts were injured and whether the damage was minor, moderate, or severe. For instance, if your spinal cord was injured, your doctor should explain which vertebrae suffered an injury. While this information will be medically documented, it’s still important to understand the extent of your injuries.
How Long Will My Recovery Take?
Having a timeline for your recovery helps to process any potential setbacks that may arise as a result of your wreck. While there is no foolproof way of predicting how long it will take you to recover from your injuries, most doctors can provide a clinical average healing rate. Furthermore, depending on the severity of your wounds, there may be long-term complications and future surgeries or procedures to undergo. This can impact your settlement amount, so it’s essential to understand the damages you may be eligible for to help offset the future costs of your treatments.
When Will I Be Able to Work Again?
Your injury may prevent you from attending work, especially as you recover from your injuries. Understanding how much work you will need to miss is vital, especially if you wish to file for lost wages. During this time, your doctor may also choose to write a note to your employer explaining your need for a medical absence.
What Types of Medications Will I Need to Take for My Injury?
Pain medication, steroids, and anti-inflammatories may be necessary for your injuries if you are experiencing pain and suffering. Be sure to ask your doctors which medications you should and should not take in conjunction with any prescription pills, and don’t forget to document how many times you need to refill your medications and how much each prescription costs. This ensures you receive fair compensation for your legal claim.
What Will My Extended Care Plan Look Like?
Depending on the extent of your injuries, you may require several follow-up visits with specialists, surgeons, or physical therapists. Future care may result in more extensive medical bills, and it’s important that you receive enough financial compensation in your settlement to account for the costs of these treatments.
Can I Have Copies of My Medical Records?
Medical records are an essential part of winning your suit. Your medical records provide careful documentation of your injuries, prescriptions, illnesses, and other critical details related to the accident. This paperwork can actively prove to a judge or jury that your damages warrant the amount of financial compensation you are asking of the defendant.
Conclusion
Following a car accident, one of the most crucial steps you can take is to receive proper medical attention for your wounds. Because you may be under a disproportionate amount of stress after your accident, it’s completely understandable if you don’t fully comprehend everything your doctor has to say. However, having a list of questions can better prepare you when it’s time to file your claim.
