If you were injured in a car accident, one of the first things you should do is seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you feel fine or the injuries appear to be relatively minor, it is recommended that you request a full examination. Not all injuries produce symptoms right away and, in fact, it is not uncommon for the effects of an injury to present themselves days, weeks, or even months after an accident. A doctor will be able to assess the damage and make recommendations for treatment that can help eliminate or minimize any permanent effects.
HERE IS A LIST OF SOME QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK WHEN YOU PAY YOUR DOCTOR A VISIT:
1. What are my injuries and how might they affect me? This is perhaps the most important question you should ask during your initial doctor visit. The more you understand the details of your injury, the smoother the recovery process will go. Your doctor should also instruct you on what to avoid to facilitate the speediest and most effective recovery possible. Ask how long you should expect your recovery to take and attend all follow-up appointments. If something is unclear, do not hesitate to ask for clarification.
2. Will my injury result in future health concerns? In some cases, injuries do not fully heal. It is crucial to understand if your injuries might have long-term effects and if there are any treatments that can reduce the discomfort associated with your injuries.
3. What was the cause of my injuries? Obviously, you are visiting the doctor because you were involved in a car accident, but you need to know the specifics of how you might have sustained your injuries. Was your head injured because it hit the steering wheel? The doctor might not be able to provide a definitive answer, but an expert opinion still has a great amount of value to cases such as this.
4. Can I return to work? For some injured victims, time off work is necessary to fully recover, so you should ask your doctor if you should take some time off or if it is okay to return to work. If your doctor recommends that you take time off, request a written letter, which will be helpful in strengthening your case for compensation.
5. May I have copies of my medical records? Having thorough documentation of your injury and its effects is crucial in building a personal injury case, which is why it is necessary for you to obtain all copies of your medical records. Generally, most doctors will provide them if you simply ask, but others might require a formal request. Regardless, make sure you do what is necessary to obtain these documents.
TULSA PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY
If you were injured in an accident caused by another party’s negligent or reckless actions, you have a right to pursue just compensation. At Richardson Richardson Boudreaux PLLC, our Tulsa legal team is dedicated to helping accident victims receive the compensation they need and deserve to recover and move forward with life.
Contact our office today at 918-492-7674 to schedule a free initial consultation.