Seeking medical care is one of the first things you should do after an accident. Not only will having a doctor examine you be beneficial to your health, but it may also help prove the seriousness of your injuries to an insurance company. However, when seeing your doctor, avoid making these critical mistakes when discussing your injuries from a vehicle accident.
Remember, accident bills can quickly become thousands of dollars, which you should not have to pay if your injuries resulted from someone else’s negligence. If this is the case, contact a personal injury attorney. They can work to win you the necessary compensation needed to cover accident-related expenses.
Not Seeking Medical Attention Immediately
Waiting to see a doctor is the biggest mistake victims can make after an injury. If you are feeling any discomfort following an accident, go straight to the hospital or urgent care. Many people try to “tough it out,” hoping the pain will go away in a few days. Doing so may worsen your injuries and hurt your personal injury case by not having the appropriate medical documentation of your injuries sustained.
By not going to the doctor immediately, the other driver’s attorney or insurer may argue that you were exaggerating any injuries, and “if you were really injured, you would have sought treatment”. Waiting also allows the defendant’s insurance company or attorney to claim your damages may have resulted due to another cause and not the accident directly. When you do get the chance to meet with your physician, be sure to discuss all of your symptoms from the top of your head to the tips of your toes.
Missing Medical Appointments May Affect Your Case
Following the treatment protocol established by your physician is the best course of action to help you heal from your injuries. However, consistent treatment may also assist in pursuing your personal injury claim since it establishes evidence of the severity of your injuries. Once the insurance company receives your medical records, one of the first things they will look for is whether you missed any appointments. Insurance companies argue that missed appointments are a sign that your injuries may not be as serious as you presented them, making it easier to deny or reduce your claim. The defendant’s attorneys may also call your doctor to testify if your claim goes to trial. If your doctor confirms that you missed appointments, it will present challenges in court.
From the start of your medical treatment, commit to attending every scheduled appointment. If you cannot keep an appointment, call and let the office know in advance and explain why you must cancel. Be sure to reschedule and follow your doctor’s directions for treatment.
Stopping Medical Treatment Too Early
It might be tempting to stop medical treatment once you start to feel better, but you must keep going. Continue attending doctor and physical therapy appointments until your physician says otherwise. Failing to complete your course of treatment as instructed by your physician may cause you to suffer unnecessary flare-ups of injury. Additionally, significant gaps between healthcare visits may cause insurers to question whether all the treatment you’re receiving is for the same incident. If there’s too much time between appointments, it may appear as if you healed from your injury. This will allow insurance representatives to argue that you were in another unrelated incident, which may prejudice your personal injury claim.
Withholding Information about Prior Medical History
It is crucial to be upfront and honest about all prior medical history. Physicians rely on accurate medical information to help diagnose and treat your injuries. By providing inaccurate information, you may harm your personal injury case. Your doctor’s analysis might be inaccurate and potentially discredited by an insurer when you give incomplete medical details. Not being honest may also hurt your credibility with potential jurors in your case.
Speak to a Personal Injury Attorney in Florida Today
When you need assistance recovering for losses from the actions of a negligent party, contact Marsalisi Law. As a proud member of the Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association, Attorney Frank P. Marsalisi is an experienced personal injury lawyer in the St. Petersburg area. He has helped hundreds of accident victims obtain the funds they need to get back on their feet.
Attorney Frank P. Marsalisi demonstrates an unwavering commitment to his clients, and you can be confident that he will do everything possible to obtain a favorable outcome. Call (727) 800-5052 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation today.
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