At The Gogel Law Firm, our St. Louis car accident attorney knows receiving prompt medical care after a crash is critical to your well-being. Only a doctor can adequately diagnose your injuries and put in a treatment plan to ensure you get the necessary care. If the accident was someone else’s fault, getting treatment and creating a medical record that shows a connection between your injuries and the accident can also help you pursue compensation from the at-fault party.
You should consider five critical factors when you see your doctor after a Missouri vehicle collision.
Tell Your Doctor That You Were Involved in a Car Accident
Physicians are highly trained medical professionals who know what types of injuries to look for and what led you to seek care. Tell the healthcare professionals who are treating you that you were in a vehicle collision, and they will ask targeted questions about your symptoms and run focused tests, including x-rays, scans, or an MRI, to ensure all your injuries are diagnosed from the start.
They will also note in your medical records that you have been involved in an accident. This is important because it will begin to establish documentation in your case. It will also help to link your injuries to the accident so that you can pursue financial compensation.
Share Your Full Medical History with the Treating Physicians
Your doctor must have complete medical history information to ensure you receive the proper care.
This includes:
- Pre-existing conditions.
- Current medications.
- Current or previous treatment you may have received.
- Prior injuries.
When your doctor has this information, they can treat you with a complete understanding of your health. It will also be critical to establish that your injuries were directly caused by or exacerbated by the accident.
Outline Your Specific Symptoms in Detail
After a car accident, it may seem as though everything hurts. And that may be true. A car accident can result in many different types of injuries. Virtually any body part, including the nervous system, brain, and internal organs, could be injured.
To diagnose you properly, your doctor needs as much information as possible about your current physical condition, including details about your symptoms, so that they can pinpoint specific injuries.
Fully Understand the Outlined Treatment Plan
Physicians typically outline treatment plans for their patients clearly. However, it is important not to rush through this process. You must review this with the physician in the hospital or their office. Make sure you understand all the details and ask clarifying questions.
After a vehicle collision, it may be difficult to remember details, so ask for the treatment plan and any specific directions to be outlined in writing. You must follow your doctor’s treatment plan strictly. Failure to follow a doctor’s orders could negatively impact your ability to pursue compensation.
Ask Your Physician to Outline Any Work or Household Limitations
You should clarify whether you can return to work and, if so, whether you have any limitations on the work you can perform safely. The same is true for your daily activities. If your injuries keep you from physically picking up your children or handling any household duties, this will ensure that you can stay on track with your recovery and allow you to document your overall damages.
This may help you pursue compensation for lost wages and future earnings and document your quality of life challenges during your recovery.
If you have been injured in a car accident caused by negligence in Missouri, contact our St. Louis personal injury attorney today to review your case by calling 314-370-8173 or online to schedule a free consultation. We can help you understand who is liable for your damages and pursue the negligent party for your complete financial recovery.
