Car accident injuries can lead to significant complications, financial hardship, and other sources of stress. Even minor auto accidents can result in serious injuries that may require a long road to recovery. In California, car accident victims have the right to pursue compensation that can assist with covering medical costs, lost wages, and other expenses stemming from their injuries. One critical aspect of filing a successful auto accident claim is to visit a doctor for a professional medical evaluation of your injuries. Here are the top three topics you should discuss during your appointment.
1. Go Over the Details of the Auto Accident
It’s important to let the doctor know that you were recently involved in an auto accident. Describe the series of events that led to your injury, but try to stick to the basic facts. It can be tempting to embellish the details or try to assign blame to the other party—but such statements could ultimately negatively impact your credibility. Instead, discuss the moment of impact, how you sustained the injuries, and what your symptoms are. For instance, if you were struck by another vehicle from behind, the doctor will check for whiplash and other injuries associated with significant forward momentum.
2. Get a Picture of Your Treatment Plan
As a patient, you are eager to know how long your treatment will be. What sorts of interventions, therapies, or medications may be necessary? Ask your doctor to help you understand what to expect along the path to recovery. Perhaps you may face long-term health conditions that you’ll need to manage for the foreseeable future. By discussing the extent of your injuries as well as your projected healing outcome, you can physically, mentally, and financially prepare to navigate the challenges ahead. Additionally, a documented treatment plan can be used to illustrate the nature and severity of your injuries so that you can build a successful auto accident claim later on.
3. Determine When—Or If—You Can Return to Work
One of the most frustrating limitations of suffering a car accident injury is how it impacts your ability to work. Perhaps your injuries force you to miss work and lose out on the wages you depend upon to support your family; it’s understandable that you’ll want to get back to work as soon as you can to avoid significant financial hardship. Unfortunately, many auto accident victims try to return to work too soon, leading to even greater injury as a result. Discuss a realistic timeline for your return to work with your doctor. If your doctor informs you that the injuries may prevent you from performing your assigned job duties in the future, you may want to explore other employment options that can better accommodate your injuries.
Call the dedicated auto accident lawyers at Hales & Associates, A Professional Law Corporation today at (951) 489-3320 to discuss your options for pursuing compensation in the Temecula or Murrieta area.