medical treatment after a motor vehicle accident
After a car accident, medical documentation is critical for both your health and your legal case. By understanding the importance of medical documentation, you can better protect your health and strengthen your legal claim after a car wreck.
why obtaining medical treatment is important
Without adequate records documenting your injuries and medical care, your personal injury case will not survive.
Therefore, accurate medical records are crucial for your legal claim. They establish a record of your medical care and provide:
Evidence of Your Injuries
A Causal Link Between the Wreck & Your Injuries
A Causal Link Between the Wreck & Your Injuries
In order to have a viable personal injury claim, you must have medical records that provide support to your claim that you have been injured and deserve compensation.
A Causal Link Between the Wreck & Your Injuries
A Causal Link Between the Wreck & Your Injuries
A Causal Link Between the Wreck & Your Injuries
In order to receive compensation for your injuries, you need a reputable doctor to state in your medical records that your injuries are related to the car accident and were not caused by something else.
Treatment Plans
A Causal Link Between the Wreck & Your Injuries
Details of Your Recovery
A good treatment plan will outline all necessary medical care and the associated costs, which the insurance claims adjuster will need in order to properly value your claim.
Details of Your Recovery
Details of Your Recovery
Details of Your Recovery
Your medical records will document details regarding the quality and duration of your recovery as well as any long-term impacts that your injuries may have.
Help Calculating Damages
Details of Your Recovery
Help Calculating Damages
Medical records are essential for providing evidence that supports the calculation of your bodily injury damages, including, but not limited to medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What Kind of Treatment Process to Expect
Every treatment plan is unique to the individuals involved. Some people may only need an initial evaluation and some over-the-counter medications, while others may require more long-term intervention with a specialist.
The extent and severity of your injuries will likely determine the type of medical care and testing you receive. In general, the following are common types of medical care involved when a car accident victim is in need of treatment:
Emergency/Urgent Care
Usually right after an accident it is best to seek emergency care to obtain an initial diagnosis and potential referrals to specialists; testing, x-rays, emergency surgery. This can be accomplished by transportation by ambulance from the scene of the accident or one can seek treatment later that day to a few days later.
Chiropractic
After an accident, most of the time, people are often very sore and stiff, making it hard to function in their normal daily lives, thus find the need to seek chiropractic care. A chiropractor evaluates and treats the patient within a few days of the vehicle accident. Treatments can include adjustments, manipulations, electrostatic care, home exercises all designed to help with realignment of the joints, amongst other options specific to each chiropractor and patient.
MRIs
A referral is made for an MRI of the affected area. An MRI is a special scan of the injured portions of the body to help diagnose injuries that x-rays cannot detect such as herniated or bulging discs, joint or ligament tears. Findings from these imaging studies assist physicians with developing a treatment plan specifically geared towards treating your specific injuries. If your MRI results show there to be a more significant injury than what chiropractic care can assist with healing, then a referral to an orthopedist is recommended.
Orthopedic
An orthopedist evaluates spinal injuries and injuries to the extremities. Treatment may include pharmaceutical injections or your own plasma injection to treat the affected area, casts, braces, or sometimes injuries can lead to surgical intervention.
Neurology
A Neurologist will evaluate for and treat symptoms of TBI (traumatic brain injuries), diagnose causes of frequent headaches and other neuropathic conditions that often times happen after an accident.
Pain Management
Evaluation and treatment sought through oral pain medication and/or injections of pharmaceutical pain medication to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. This type of treatment is usually recommended as alternative to surgery.
Physical Therapy
Evaluation and treatment sought in continued therapy such as special exercises that can be accomplished in preparation for surgery, recovery after surgery, and/or referrals from ortho in lieu of invasive treatment
Psychiatric
Evaluation and treatment to help cope with anxiety, emotional distress, and PTSD stemming from a traumatic car accident.
Tips while receiving medical care
Your attorney will use your medical records to build a strong case for financial compensation. Therefore, ensure that you:
Inform Doctor of All Injuries
Inform Doctor of All Injuries
Inform Doctor of All Injuries
In order to achieve a proper recovery and obtain the maximum financial compensation for your injuries, it is necessary to have a complete record of all injuries. Therefore, even if an injury seems minor, be sure to report it to your treating physician so that your medical records unambiguously tie all of your injuries to the wreck and not to an unrelated cause.
Avoid Gaps in Treatment
Inform Doctor of All Injuries
Inform Doctor of All Injuries
Large and even moderate gaps of time in between medical appointments are huge red flags for insurance companies, as it suggests that you are either not seriously injured or that you are not committed to your recovery. Therefore, always ensure that you are consistently attending your appointments and rescheduling as soon as possible if you must miss an appointment.
Follow Medical Advice
Communicate with Your Attorney
Communicate with Your Attorney
Adhere to your treatment plan to demonstrate your commitment to recovery. If you have any concerns about the treatment plan, be sure to discuss them with your doctor.
Communicate with Your Attorney
Communicate with Your Attorney
Communicate with Your Attorney
Share updates on your medical condition and treatment progress. Provide copies of all referrals, update your attorney on your treatment status and recommendations, and notify your attorney of any problems you may be having with scheduling medical appointments.
The Role of an Accident Attorney
Ensure that you are getting the medical care you need.
Communicating with your treating physicians to understand the nature of your injuries and treatment in order to better advocate on your behalf in later settlement negotiations.
Updating insurance companies on your treatment status.
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