Mistakes to Avoid When Dealing With Doctors After an Accident
Pursuing a personal injury claim after an accident can sometimes be confusing. It’s unfamiliar territory for some people and mistakes can be made. The most important thing you can do when it comes to doctors after an accident is to remember that everything you say has the potential to be documented in your medical record. Here are some important mistakes to avoid when dealing with doctors after your accident:
Don’t Wait to Seek Medical Treatment After an Accident
Even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured, it’s still important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. You could have injuries that haven’t appeared yet or are hidden. In addition, in order to make a claim on your auto insurance, you must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident.
Don’t Miss Medical Appointments
When they receive your medical records, insurance companies will look to see if you’ve missed any appointments. When you miss doctor or therapy appointments, it starts to look like you’re not committed to getting better. You open the door for an opposing party to argue that you must not have been that seriously injured or that you don’t care about getting better. Commit to attending all of your scheduled appointments, and if there’s a compelling reason why you must miss one, make sure to reschedule as soon as possible.
Stick to the Facts
When asked by a doctor about what happened, be careful what you say or write about the accident. Don’t guess or speculate about things like the speed of the other vehicle and don’t embellish. It’s okay to say you don’t know. Insurance companies can call your credibility into question if the facts don’t line up.
Be Honest With Your Doctor
It is very important to disclose the pre-accident facts about your medical history. Doctors rely on this history to diagnose and treat you. Concealing a prior injury can also hurt your legal case. In addition, it’s important to always be honest with your doctor about your pain and limitations. You may not want to complain, but “toughing it out” can adversely affect your legal claim. If a complaint doesn’t appear in your medical records, then it doesn’t exist to insurance companies.
Contact a Trusted Attorney
If you’ve been injured in an accident, a trusted and experienced personal injury lawyer in South Florida can help you through the process. The attorneys at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk are here to evaluate your claim for free. Contact us online or call us at 1-800-538-4878 to set up your consultation.