After a motorcycle accident, victims are usually transported immediately to the emergency room where they receive medical treatment. Due to the severe nature of motorcycle accidents, injuries are often extensive and sometimes fatal. When a hospital releases a person after a motorcycle accident, injured victims often face uncertainty understanding where they can turn to receive ongoing treatment. Many physicians do not accept accident victims for insurance purposes or fear of being involved in subsequent litigation. Without a referral from a healthcare provider, the process of finding a doctor for follow up care can be challenging.
There are essential attributes to consider that make choosing the right kind of doctor for treating your injuries after a motorcycle accident more effortless. Having an understanding of what to look for will ensure that you get the medical treatment that you need without any delay.
What Should I Look for When Choosing a Doctor After a Motorcycle Crash?
Victims must see the right kind of doctor after a motorcycle crash for two reasons: to receive the proper treatment and to document the treatment for a subsequent injury claim. You might not be able to see your primary physician right after your accident. Instead, consider the following factors to find a doctor who can treat you as soon as possible:
Nearby Location
You don’t want to have to commute long-distance to receive treatment for your injuries while in recovery. Ideally, you’ll want a doctor close to your home or work so you can easily keep appointments. Attending all of your appointments and receiving all recommended treatment is required for a proper healing and a potentially successful personal injury claim.
Many times, physical therapy may be required to help motorcycle accident victims rebuild strength and flexibility. Physical therapy appointments are often frequent, sometimes requiring three visits per week while gradually decreasing in frequency as you recover. Having a doctor nearby to prescribe physical therapy will make complying with the treatment plan much more manageable.
Reputation & Credentials
When choosing a doctor after your car accident, it’s imperative to select one with:
- Excellent credentials;
- Great reputation for handling accident victims;
- Meticulous record keeping;
- Board Certification, when available.
You want to be certain your doctor has experience treating your specific type of injury.
After a motorcycle crash, victims often see an orthopedic surgeon, neurologist, chiropractor, or other specialists to treat their injuries. Should your doctor be called to a court trial and testify about your injuries, you want one who is properly licensed with all the appropriate credentials.
Insurance & Payment Options
Medical treatment for injuries can become exceedingly expensive, so you want to see a doctor who accepts your motorcycle, automobile, or medical insurance. If this is not possible, at the very least, find a doctor who’s willing to wait for payment from the proceeds of your settlement from the at-fault party who caused your injuries. In some cases, this may be months or years down the road before your case is resolved, depending on the circumstances of your accident.
Many times, primary physicians do not accept patients after an accident. Fortunately, there are generally other specialists who understand this need and will treat crash victims while working with insurance companies and your lawyer.
Doctor’s Bedside Manner
A doctor who will accurately diagnose and treat your injuries is paramount to your recovery. Seeing a doctor you’re comfortable speaking to while also listening to your complaints, and properly documenting these exchanges are essential.
Ability to Testify and Explain Your Injuries
Getting the appropriate medical treatment is necessary both for your recovery and for your injury claim. Make sure your physician documents your injuries and is willing to testify to them in a courtroom trial, should there be a need.
You must find a doctor who can expertly identify your injuries and educate others, whether it’s an insurance company, insurance defense lawyer, or jury, about the cause and severity of your injuries. The physician must determine within a reasonable degree of medical probability whether or not your injuries were a direct cause of the accident. Additionally, in order to seek compensation for pain and suffering, a physician must determine that your injuries sustained are permanent in nature. These opinions are critical in your personal injury claim. Insurance companies will often question whether your injuries resulted from a pre-existing condition, rather than the accident. You must be truthful with your treating physician, and your doctor must be thorough and take your full medical history into account so he or she can verify that no pre-existing conditions aggravated or caused your injuries. The documentation through this process can make or break a personal injury claim.
Dedicated Motorcycle Accident Attorney in St. Petersburg, FL
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, it’s vital that you seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Motorcycle accidents can result in catastrophic injuries that may impact you for the rest of your life. After seeking medical treatment, contact a trusted motorcycle accident attorney to learn about your legal options for monetary recovery.
Marsalisi Law is a personal injury firm serving residents in St. Petersburg and surrounding cities. Frank P. Marsalisi is highly knowledgeable due to many years of experience litigating motorcycle accident injury cases. If the negligence of another party caused your accident, you can trust that Frank will advocate fiercely for your rights and see that you’re justly compensated for your personal and financial losses. To schedule a free consultation, complete our contact form or call (727) 800-5052.
Marsalisi Law is Where Law Gets Personal
