Whether you’re involved in a fender bender or a serious accident, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some common injuries like traumatic brain injuries don’t reveal themselves until hours or days after the accident. Some victims also overlook injuries because of shock immediately after a crash. By the time they see a doctor, some damage has already occurred.
Since you will likely see a doctor before you see your lawyer, there are a few questions you should ask your doctor after a car accident to help your lawyer prepare your case and ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of the situation.
What Kind of Injury Do I Have?
This question is essential both for your lawyer and for you. Car accidents can cause various injuries, from bruises that cause discomfort but heal without treatment to spinal cord injuries, resulting in life-altering paralysis.
Knowing the severity of your injury, what part of your body it affects, and the general treatment plan can help you understand what the next few weeks or months will look like and help your lawyer start determining damages.
Should I Take Time Off Work?
Many Americans have little PTO and few sick days, so they often try to work even when ill or injured. Your doctor can let you know if going back to work too early could injure you further or set back your healing progress. Some injuries, particularly those involving muscles, could become a long-term problem like tendonitis or tennis elbow if you start using the affected muscle before it’s fully healed.
Doctor-recommended time off work can also count toward lost wages in your lawsuit.
When Can I Go Back to Work?
While your doctor may be unable to give you an exact answer, having a general timeline is helpful to you, your employer, and your lawyer. Minor injuries could mean only a day or two off to give your bruises a chance to fade and the aches to calm down, but severe injuries like a TBI could require more time out of the office.
Should I Refrain From Any Activities?
The answer to this question is essential for both your physical wellbeing and the success of your lawsuit. Some activities can cause further damage following an injury. Follow your doctor’s advice strictly. Depending on your injury, they may caution you against standing for long periods, intensive exercise, or lifting heavy objects.
Even if your doctor says you may do some activities, avoid posting about them on social media. If your case goes to court, the opposition could take your social media post about going to the gym several days after your accident to argue that you were not seriously injured.
How Much Medical Treatment Do I Need?
If you have a serious injury, it could involve weeks or months of treatment, including physical therapy, operations, or long-term medication. Knowing what’s coming can help you plan, financially and emotionally. It can also help to have a long-term plan when you speak with your insurance company since they may not cover all treatments. You can then go back to your doctor and ask for an alternative treatment or have your lawyer negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf.
Having a plan can also help you get through the emotional turmoil of going through multiple medical treatments and dealing with the pain. Knowing about how long you need to rest before returning to regular activity or how many physical therapy appointments you need to attend can help you stay positive throughout the process.
Do I Need to See a Specialist?
Some injuries caused by car accidents require specialists. If you sustained a head injury, you might need to see a neurologist to determine how widespread the damage was. For victims who suffered a broken bone, you might need to see an orthopedic surgeon.
Other specialists that can help after a car accident include:
- Burn specialist
- Plastic surgeon
- Radiologist
- Physical therapist
- Psychologist
These specialists can all help you on your road to recovery while your lawyer ensures you receive the compensation you need to pay for your treatment.
Get Expert Legal Support After Your Accident
If you are overwhelmed with medical bills, car repair costs, or can’t return to work because of your injury after a car accident, it’s essential you speak with the experienced Boston car accident lawyers at Jason Stone Injury Lawyers.
Call us or contact us online to arrange your free consultation. Our lawyers will examine your case, determine whether you can sue the other driver, and calculate how much compensation you deserve. Let us handle the legal side of your accident while you take the time you need to heal and recover from your ordeal.
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