Communicating With Your Doctor After An Accident
If you are in an accident, you will want to get the maximum amount of
compensation for your injuries and losses One way to
do this is to have a good working relationship with your doctor.
Your Doctor Plays A Key Role
Your doctor plays a vital role after your accident, as he or she provides
information on many things, including the nature and seriousness of your
injuries and any long-term problems and impairments you will have. So tell your
doctor about all pain and other physical problems you experience as a result of
your accident. Be as specific as possible about your injuries, telling
your doctor at what times you feel the pain, the extent of it, what you are
doing when the pain occurs, and how it limits what you can do. Be open
about all your injuries regardless of how minor you think they are, as your
doctor will keep records of them. These records will help determine the amount
of compensation you recover. If you fail to tell your doctor about certain pain,
injuries or symptoms, an insurance adjuster will likely try to claim that since
you did not mention them, they must not have been caused by the accident. It is also vital to keep all your doctor's appointments and to follow your
doctor’s instructions for getting well. Not only will you recover faster this
way, but missing appointments and not following your doctor’s instructions
can lower the amount of damages you receive, as it sends a message to an insurance company
or jury that you really weren’t hurt that badly. If you are having trouble
following your doctor's instructions, notify him or her immediately. For
example, if your doctor puts you on an exercise program that you are having
difficulty following because of your injuries, advise your doctor as soon as
possible so the program can be modified.
Finally, remember that after an accident you have the right to choose the doctor
that treats you. Don’t be pressured by an insurance company or the other side to
see a particular doctor. Go to the doctor you trust.
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