If you have been injured in an automobile accident due to the negligence of another person, your life will kick into overdrive. You will be busy trying to get the police report, deal with a wrecked car, and assess the scope of your physical injuries.
(Pixabay / rhonda_jenkins)
You should not go it alone when it comes to your health. It’s critical that you see a doctor within a reasonable amount of time after your accident, and many insurance companies deem “reasonable” to be 72 hours. If you wait longer, the insurance company may deny your injury claim, making it difficult for you to get the benefits that you are eligible for.
As you seek proper medical care while establishing your personal injury case, here are some things to keep in mind.
- See a professional. Don’t try to self-diagnose by using WebMD or “Dr. Google.” It’s vital that you go in person to see a trained medical professional. They can thoroughly examine you and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Some of your aches and pains may not show up directly after the accident, but your doctor can tell you what to watch for and even detect physical problems that you haven’t noticed yet.
- Don’t decline medical help due to finances. Some people refuse medical assistance because they don’t have insurance or money to cover their self-pay doctor visits. It’s imperative that you see a physician regardless of your bank account. If you are working with an auto accident attorney in Las Vegas, you should be connected with doctors who will treat you and work out future repayment options.
- Attend all appointments. If you are trying to establish a credible personal injury case, you do not want to miss medical appointments or have gaps in treatment. Attend all of your follow-up appointments with your doctor, and be sure to report any new symptoms that develop.
- Document your care. If you’re not a journal keeper, now’s the time to start. Keep a daily log, and include the details of your medical status, including changes in your symptoms, your daily pain level (rated on a scale of 1-10), mental distress, the amount that you are sleeping, medications you are taking, etc.
- Keep a record of your communications. In addition to your daily journal, you should keep a file of exchanges that you have with your medical provider. Your file could include emails from your doctor’s office, copies of prescriptions, and notes that you have taken after phone calls or physical appointments. You should also keep track of any expenses associated with your medical appointments, including payments for gas and other travel expenses.
- Avoid settling before consulting an attorney. The insurance company may want to settle your case quickly, but you have no way of knowing how long your medical problems will persist. Enlist the help of an experienced personal injury attorney before accepting a settlement offer.
Car accidents can turn your life upside down, leaving you reeling from the property damage and long-term medical effects. At Tingey Injury Law Firm, we can help you get the compensation that you deserve for the losses that you have suffered. Personal injury claims can be arduous to file, but we will handle the heavy lifting for you. Our highly experienced team will build a winning case, allowing you to focus on mental, physical, and financial recovery.